Work Study

The goal of the Work Study Program is to provide opportunities for the upper-level Pony Clubbers to stay involved, to mentor them into future horse management judges, clinicians, instructors and examiners, and most of all to encourage their participation in regional activities at a higher level.

The advantage to your club is to have different and experienced Pony Club members work with your club to provide valuable assistance and knowledge. This program should prove to be extremely useful to clubs having mostly young and inexperienced members.

Who is eligible for the Work Study Program?

All "C-2, C-3, B, H/HA and A" Pony Club members are eligible to become Work Study candidates. This program is judged solely on a candidate's strengths and willingness to work with other clubs on a Regional level. Financial need, or lack of need, is not a consideration with this program.

How does a candidate apply?

There are four forms which need to be submitted in order to apply for the program.

1. "Work Study Candidate Application". This form is to be completed by the applicant. It lists specific levels for each discipline in which the candidate feels they are qualified to instruct or help. There is also a section where the candidate rates his/her personal qualities.

2. The applicant must submit a written, one-page letter to accompany the application, which describes his/her Pony Club qualifications, experience, teaching skills, and commitment.

3. "Work Study DC Recommendation Form” This form lists specific levels for each discipline the DC thinks the applicant is qualified to instruct or help. There is also a rating of the applicant's personal qualities.

4. The DC must provide a written, one-page recommendation to accompany this form. The recommendation must be based upon the applicant's dedication and commitment to their own club, as well as their knowledge, teaching, and people skills.

Where do we get these forms and who do we mail them to?
Contact your RIC, Sue Amendola SAmendola@msn.com or RS Sue Renfrew coachsue3@aol.com

How may our club use a Work Study candidate?

Work Study candidates are available for the following activities:

1. Horse management assistants at Regionally approved rallies.

2. Instructor/Assistant at Regionally approved clinics and Ratings.

3. Instructor/Assistant at Regionally approved club rally preparation.

4. Instructor/Assistant at Regionally approved club Rating preparation.

5. Instructor/Assistant at Regionally approved club instruction activities.

How are candidates reimbursed for their time?

All candidates are credited a dollar amount by the region, for hours worked and it is applied to Regional Prep Clinics, Championship Rally fees, or upper level Testings. "A" rated candidates may apply the dollar amount to a clinic of their choice, as decided upon by that Pony Clubber. Compensation is made in the form of a voucher.

Horse management assistants at Regionally approved Rallies:

$25 per day (approximately 6-8 hours)

Instructor/Assistant at Regionally approved clinics, supervised Ratings, club Rally preparation, club rating preparation, and club instruction activities:

$30 per half day (approximately 4-5 hours)

$25 per half day (approximately 2-3 hours)

Note: No compensation will be made until all application paperwork has been submitted.

Is other compensation allowed?

Compensation for transportation is made between the sponsoring Pony Club and the candidate. Work study candidates cannot accept money from another club and still credit their hours to the Work Study Program.

How does our club request a candidate to help?

The DC must contact Debbie Stewart, the Work Study Coordinator, to request a participant. The DC may mail, fax, e-mail, or phone in a request. You may request a particular participant, but you should remember that the object of the program is to get as many participants involved throughout the region and to expand each participant's experience level. (In other words, we would like you to use a variety of applicants.

Work study candidates are not to set up their own assignments. Assignments will only be made through requests of the DC's.

May we use a candidate who belongs to our club so they may receive compensation?

No candidate will be assigned to his/her own club's activities. Such activities are expected to maintain the status of a "member of good standing".

How does the candidate receive the proper credit hours?

The DC should fill out the Work Study DC Evaluation Form within one week of the activity. Mail it or fax it to the Work Study Coordinator.

The Evaluation sheet will then be reviewed and hours credited. Candidates will be mailed a voucher with a description of the activity and the amount earned

Should problems arise, they will be dealt with in a professional and confidential manner.

Here is a list of documents available: