Unpaid labor
Without getting into too many details, my teen has been working at a barn that does Hunter/Jumper lessons and has about 15 horses. He's been taking lessons for a few years and has been doing feeds other tasks for a year or so. He gets paid cash for each feed and until a couple months ago, he got paid pretty consistently. Now something happened to them financially which they just can't seem to straighten out with ongoing drama, court and problems in the mix that don't exactly add up but I've tried to be sympathetic. Lately it's been crickets when I inquire. He loves working there and loves the horses and I think it's great exercise for him and teaches him responsibility. But how long am I supposed to let him go on like this without pay? Is it difficult to get hired on part time at another barn? Is this a common phenomenon in this industry? I'm a little heartbroken for him and getting upset about the whole situation.