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Does Winston Churchill’s quote, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man,” strike a chord with you? Would you like to take your passion, love and concern for horses to a whole new level? Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, pitch some hay, and trade your office for a stable? Then pack up your boots and jeans and join Judy Robin at Robin Hill Farm for a VocationVacations® dream job holiday in Kentucky horse country (in Walton, one hour north of Lexington) and learn what it takes to be the owner of a horse boarding and riding stable.
“I was one of those kids who always wanted a pony,” remembers Judy. She would ask for a pony for her birthday, Christmas, Easter, hoping to have her dream come true. However, it wasn’t until she found herself in Los Angeles standing under the HOLLYWOOD sign that this dream began to become a reality. An unlikely place to find a horse.
Judy had worked in the airline industry for many years and was transferred by Swiss Air International to Los Angeles. Exploring her new city, Judy discovered Sunset Stables located under the HOLLYWOOD sign. She began to take riding lessons and participate in trail rides and FINALLY got her own horse – Khemosabi. Her love and connection to horses grew quickly. When her husband was transferred to Kentucky in 1990, the move created the opportunity to pursue her dream of working with horses. The couple purchased seven acres complete with a home, a barn and horse facility. After much renovation, Judy and her husband Jean-Yves opened Robin Hill Farm in 1993. Judy now had her dream job.
Today, Robin Hill Farm offers full-care horse boarding and English/Western riding lessons for the beginner and novice. “We can accommodate 11 horses and always have a waiting list,” says Judy. The small, private, natural nature of the stables results in very satisfied, long-time clients. The riding lesson side of the business is busiest May to September but is offered all year. Judy is a CHA certified riding instructor
A day at Robin Hill Farm is long and begins very early 365 days a year. “If you are interested in this type of business you have to have a strong work ethic, be willing to work hard, and truly have a passion for horses,” cautions Judy. Judy’s passion is evident in how she cares for these animals and her concern for their well-being. “At Robin Hill Farm we encourage and practice Natural Horsemanship techniques to ensure safety for the horses and riders and help people to become one with the horse, understanding why horses do what they do,” she explains.
Judy has worked hard and learned a lot over the years to create this top quality facility appreciated by both her two-legged and four-legged clients. But, it hasn’t always been easy. “It would have been great if I had had a mentor when I first started,” says Judy, who is now committed to offering that type of mentorship to others, providing a hands-on opportunity to see all sides of the business. “People need to realize what this business is all about and determine if it is right for them before they take on the responsibility to care for these animals.” But for Judy this is a labor of love and not work. “When I talk about what I do, I switch the four-letter word “work” for “play” because that is what it feels like to me.”
While on your Horse Boarding and Riding Stable Owner VocationVacations® dream job holiday with Judy Robin at Robin Hill Farm, activities will include some or all of the following:
- Feeding the horses
- Grooming the horses
- Leading the horses into and out of pastures
- Doing daily chores
- Observing general stable, tack and farm maintenance
- Learning general stable and rider safety, general equine health and nutrition
- Participating in a riding lesson – English or Western
- Observing horse trailering and horse trailer safety
- Learning equine business basics such as: having a business plan; liability and insurance issues; marketing, advertising and networking; rider instructor certification
The Horse Boarding and Riding Stable Owner VocationVacations® dream job holiday with Judy Robin at Robin Hill Farm includes:
- Two days of one-on-one mentorship in your dream job as an Horse Boarding and Riding Stable Owner
- The opportunity to participate in a total of one hour of pre- and post- VocationVacations career coaching from an accredited, affiliated VocationVacations career coach
- A pocket-size VocationVacations journal so you can document your dream job coming to reality
- Light lunch with your mentors
Available: All year, based on mentor's availability with exceptions of holidays
Price: $799 Per Person
Suggested Accommodations
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Courtyard by Marriott |
Hilton, Cincinnati Airport |
(Not included in the price of the VocationVacations® holiday)
Other activities and tourist destinations while on your VocationVacations® adventure:
Reservation, Cancellation and Rescheduling Rules and Conditions:
Each requested date for a VocationVacation is 100% dependent upon the mentor’s approval of dates. Each Vocationer is required to sign a liability release stating that they are 18 years or older, 21 years or older if the VocationVacation involves the production or serving of alcohol. Full payment of the VocationVacation is required to make a reservation. A $100 non-refundable fee is assessed if a VocationVacations experience is cancelled or rescheduled prior to 14-days of the scheduled VocationVacations holiday, based on the approved availability of the mentor to reschedule. A VocationVacation cannot be rescheduled and is non-refundable if cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled VocationVacations holiday. Written notification of cancellation or rescheduling is required in all cases. Grounded Nomads, LLC dba VocationVacations encourages all customers to acquire travel insurance to cover any unforeseen expenses due to cancellation or rescheduling. |
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