Working Students: Where are they now? (Part 6)

Today we are checking back in with previous working student Shoshana!

What is your favorite memory about being a working student at Playland?  

I absolutely loved getting to work hands on with foals, which is something I didn’t have a lot of experience with before. Playland taught me skills that have made me feel more ready to handle other young horses, and of course similar skills can transfer on to horses of any age. I also loved getting to work with so many high quality horses. Coming from a very backyard background, it was cool to see the differences really good breeding can make! Lastly, I adored the people. Playland has a great group of boarders and other individuals and I have stayed close with both of the girls I was a working student with. They are the most encouraging and uplifting friends I could ask for and our group messages prove that!

What are you doing now?

I currently work for Horse Illustrated magazine and Young Rider magazine as the assistant editor. If I have to have a ‘desk job’, it’s the perfect one to have! I spend all day writing about and editing information about horses, answering kids’ questions and emails about their horses, and then I get to spend my evenings with my pony, who is currently on the cusp of stepping up to Novice.

Wow! We are so happy to see that Soshana is doing well and still able to incorporate horses into her "desk job!"

Photo courtesy of Shoshana's Facebook

Working Students: Where are they now? (Part 5) And weekend show results!

First off we want to congratulate Kim Brokaw with PL Ace of Diamonds for their 5th place finish in Beginner Novice-C at the Maryland Horse Trials Spring Starter #1 this past weekend!

Next, we are checking back with previous working student, Aubrey to see how she is doing and her favorite memory from her time here!

What is your favorite memory about being a working student at Playland?
My favorite memory is very hard to pick since so many memories stand out.  But I would have to say that it is a tie between foaling out the four mares, schooling at cross country for the first time, and working with the young horses in preparation for their first rides.  Each of those experiences were new to me and ones where not only did I learn a great deal but also gained confidence in my horsemanship abilities.  The skills I learned at Playland are constantly used and taking time to work in the equine industry has really helped me in my goals to be a professor in equine studies later on.

What are you doing now?
Right now I am in my second year as a graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, working towards a PhD in Equine Nutrition.

Aubrey competing PL school horse, Indy, at Waredaca

Working Students: Where are they now? (Part 4) And CORE Clinic Review

We wanted to take a quick minute to thank everyone who came out this past weekend for our C.O.R.E. Rider Clinic! Although it was raining on and off, we stayed dry inside the indoor arena and had a full participation for both un-mounted and mounted sessions throughout the day! We hope that our riders who attended learned a lot and can take some of the awareness skills used to work on their own riding. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next CORE Clinic!

Also, we were able to catch up with previous working student Molly!

What is your favorite memory from Playland?  I don't have one favorite memory in particular, but I loved how active Playland was. We hosted shows, clinics with outside trainers as well as with you, and frequently had the opportunity to practice dressage, jumping, and condition or trail ride outside the ring. Additionally, there were opportunities to school cross-country off the property and compete, as well as audit clinics and lessons you rode in with various trainers of different disciplines.  Those experiences were all educational and important to the working student experience.

What are you doing now? I built my own barn and have 3 horses right now who I am training. I also have a few students. I will be competing with my horses up to 4th level dressage, Training level eventing, and 1.05m jumpers.

Molly and her Lusitano, Real. (Pronounced Reyaal)

This  is just the very beginning for Molly! We are so happy to see how far she has come and her success in the industry! We truly can't do all that we do without working students!

Working Students: Where are they now? (Part 3)

This week we are checking in with previous working student, Melanie!

Do you have a favorite memory from Playland?:  My favorite memory was probably going to shows and clinics with Glenda. It was always interesting to see different riders' techniques and what was effective.

What are you doing now?: I am a nurse at the University of Maryland medical center, in the medical ICU. I am in the process of applying to doctorate programs for nurse anesthetist.

Working Students: Where are they now? (Part 2)

Up next in our check back with working students is Traci!

What is your most favorite memory from Playland?: "Definitely would have to say accompanying Glenda to all of her lessons and clinics; especially the Heather Mason clinic. Being able to see all of those upper-level horses working on movements where you usually only see the finished product, was so interesting. I definitely learned a lot by just getting to watch your lesson."

We are so glad that Traci was able to experience what goes into some of the upper-level riding and movements by going to clinics and lessons with Glenda!

Photo courtesy of Traci's Facebook 

Working Students: Where are they now? (Part 1)

Since spring is close by, and we are currently interviewing/accepting working students, we thought that it could be fun to check back with previous working students to see how they are and talk a little bit with them about what the most memorable thing at Playland was.  Introducing our 'Working Students: Where are they now?' Series!

First up is Hailey! Hailey was a working student for Playland recently and ended up falling in love with one of the homebred mares and buying her for her own project! Now named, Cali, we asked Hailey how she is and how life is going.

How is Cali doing?: "Cali is doing fantastic! She is very happy living out with her friends."

Do you have a favorite memory from Playland?: "My favorite memory about being a working student at Playland has to be a tie between working with all of the youngsters, getting the opportunity to ride a variety of quality horses, and being a part of a wonderful team! Right now, I am working as a trainer and riding instructor while I finish my degree in Health and Wellness and pursue certifications to be a health coach, personal trainer, and yoga instructor. It keeps me busy while I (somewhat) patiently wait to use the skills I gained at Playland to start my own Playland horse (Cali)!"

We are thrilled to hear that both are doing well and that Hailey is able to take the skills and experience she gained while at Playland to pursue her dreams.

Hailey and PL homebred, Cali. Photo courtesy of Hailey's Facebook 

Hailey and PL School horse, Millie