moving to Bend, Oregon for equestrian school (Redmond, Sisters: school district, college)

[plaiddino]

I am a young college graduate who has been wanting to move to Oregon for years. Recently, I stumbled upon the Collaborative Institute of Equestrian Studies, which is located in Bend. The city itself sounds amazing -- small, outdoorsy and adventurous -- and from what I hear, the school sounds very good too.

I would like some input about both Bend and the Collaborative Institute of Equestrian Studies, if you have any. FYI, I am a 23 year old female college graduate from Ohio. I am a certified teacher, and hoping to teach elementary school, while teaching riding lessons/boarding horses on the side.

Thanks for your input!

[houseshunter]

If you haven't already checked out Bend's city website, I recommend it. You will be able to see what you are describing in pictures. It is quite beautiful! In terms of teaching, they do offer a lot of nice schools that have been built since Bend's population explored in the late 90s early 2000s. Depending on what you enjoy as activities besides equestrian, living on the westside offers the closest proximity to parks, the mountain, and the most room.

[delta07]

If you plan on teaching to make a living while in Bend, you might think again. The school district here has been laying off teachers for the last 3 years. Unless you have experience and special certifications, I don't see an recent college graduate getting into the school system anytime soon. I'm a certified elementary school teacher too and haven't been able to land a full-time position in Bend since I moved here in 2008. It's difficult to even get a sub job. I've received a total of 2 calls this entire school year. I don't know anything about the equestrian program, in fact, I've never even heard of it.

[kapetrich]

Make the move it's everything you're looking for, but listen to Delta when it comes to jobs in the education field. I've heard it's petty dire. That said, I just had a friend get a job at a montessori type school full time, so maybe check out some of the alternative avenues who may not be as strapped for cash....

Sorry, I don't know anything about equestrian, hopefully someone can point you in the right direction....

PM if you'd like some specific info on Bend (I'm 26 and made the move last year) or just post em' up here!

[Bendite]

I also have not heard of Collaborative Institute of Equestrian Studies (also apparently known as Cascade Institute of Equestrian Studies). Since their website indicates they deal with rescued horses, I suggest you contact Bend Equine Outreach which does rescue horses in the Bend area - they are quite well known here and would know if the CIES is reputable or not www.equineoutreach.com. As for teaching positions, Delta07 is correct - that's a very, very difficult job to find in this area, at least in the public school arena. You might have better luck with a private school and look into surrounding towns like Redmond, Sisters and Sunriver as well.