redbowtie .... In your opening you mentioned that you "took the leap" to get involved with your first horse but did not mention where your trainer is
located. If he's reasonably close, I suggest you ask him / her if you could join the stable for a week or two to help out.
If you are introduced around the barn as an owner and can work with your horse and your groom you're more likely to pick up some helpful tips than if you just walk in off the street.
My first couple of years as a new owner, I drove to my trainer's farm ( 1 1/2 hr. ea way) on days off and got a taste of everything from dressing them, wash stall, cleaning harness, mucking, hot walking and got in several hundred jog miles.
If I noticed two horses getting their legs "done up" differently at the end of their training day and asked "why?", I always got an explanation from the groom or trainer. Paying part of the bill does have it's perks.
However you work out your situation .... Good Luck
If you are introduced around the barn as an owner and can work with your horse and your groom you're more likely to pick up some helpful tips than if you just walk in off the street.
My first couple of years as a new owner, I drove to my trainer's farm ( 1 1/2 hr. ea way) on days off and got a taste of everything from dressing them, wash stall, cleaning harness, mucking, hot walking and got in several hundred jog miles.
If I noticed two horses getting their legs "done up" differently at the end of their training day and asked "why?", I always got an explanation from the groom or trainer. Paying part of the bill does have it's perks.
However you work out your situation .... Good Luck
