Comments
Hi Tik-
I'm saddened by how much you seem not to understand what being a working student is about. In my experience, hubris is a typical male working student trait that often keeps men from getting the most of their time as working students. It's such a shame that you weren't able to maximize such phenomenal opportunities. I would love to see you write an article reflecting back on your experiences a few months after your return home as this, in my experience, tends to be when you finally “get it“ once you're able to get over the abusive aspect. On the upside, I wrote a letter to the editor about your articles and I'm going to write some articles that are more productive for the equestrian community.
Jess - Feb 2009
You absolutely did the right thing writing truthfully about your experiences, and I hope you don't give any credence to what this person has written to you or her. The impact your story had on me alone was huge and I really can't thank you enough for writing what you did. There is no excuse for trainers to abuse there students. I actually believed for years that I was stupid just because my trainer who I admired so much would tell me that I was. There is no benefit to treating people in that sort of way. Great trainers like Dr. Klimke or Col Carde (both whom I have had the pleasure of meeting) never treat there students like that.
Laura
Just read your article this month. Sounds like you're finally getting the picture. Good for you!
Jess - June 2009
Big congrats on Ian Millar, I've heard he's a very good teacher. I was a working student in NJ for 1.5 years, your writing really brings it back (long, long, long days, very hard work, but in the end it can be a huge benefit to your riding). Very brave!“
Kate
Dear Mr. Maynard,
I just wanted to say how nice it was to see you at the BC Open. I
followed your travels in Gatepost and found them most interesting. I
laughed at the German dressage barn, no lie. I had a dressage coach
too similar that turned me off dressage for good. :) I hope to see you
at many other shows.
Charlotte
Hello Tik!
I read your article- wonderful as ever. I am SO EXCITED that you're going next to the Cudmores'!! (My horse is from their program) Have fun/good luck!!!
Charlotte
That is so cool! My mom saw your article and suggested I read because I recently decided to take the path of becoming a working student to further my education in riding. I read your article in the March issue and really enjoyed it! When were your other articles issued?
Christine
Tik,
I hope that you don't think that I am some sort of a cooky stalker, just a working student with no life outside of the barn :) I made a friend from home send me all the back issues of the Gaitpost so I could read all of your articles. I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading about your experiences in Germany and with the O'Connors. I could really relate to parts of your story and liked hearing about the different styles of each barn. Even though my decision to take the journey of being a working student has been the hardest thing I have ever done, it is also the best thing! Reading about your experiences has made me realise how lucky I am in this situation and that there is also so much more out there for me! Thank you for sharing :)
Christine
Oh how interesting i have been reading your articles in the Gaitpost they are very informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. I am currently working on my dressage which is my main focus as well as jumping. I would like to study abroad in Germany as my previous instructor has suggested to me. She also recommended Ingrid Klimke as well as a few other riders to which i am unfamiliar with. Would you be able to share any information that i could use to contact Ingrid ? and i was other wondering if you take on working students as well ?
Curtis
Hey Tik, I loved your article, maybe you have missed your calling! I cant wait to read about your adventures at the O'Conners, Cheers
Shannon
Hey Tik,
I was just flipping through the Gaitpost and your story about leaving Mr. Hinnemann's barn really hit home. I had the exact same experience at Udo Lange's barn. I unfortunately did not have the courage you had to move on and find a better position.
Anyway thank you for sharing your story. It gave me a bit of a new perspective on what happened to me, as I always felt like a failure or a quitter, but really it doesn't make sense to stay in a place where you are not being compensated or respected. Best of luck in your new position!
Laura
