Cross Breeds

Young girl, Horses, Career?! HELP!!!!!!!!?

So im 17, i have one year of school left then im going to univeristy... to study something horse related haha. Im just horse crazy... and really want to dedicate my life and work to horses... i cant imagine doing anything else! what careers with horses (besides a vet) have decent money in them so i could make a decent living? i am possibly looking into doing this degree in equine sports therapy? then i would love to open my own equine spa/clinic what do you think of it? http://www.writtle.ac.uk/pge_MainDisplay.cfm?CID=958&groupID=7&id=300&smenuid=288 im just so confused as to what i want to do... im also very interested in teaching and coaching riding... and would love to be able to coach at a high level... but how would i go about doing that? HELPPP??? i know i want to work with horses and make a decent amount of money... im just confused as to what i want to work as.

Public Comments

1. You could try managing or opening your own stable or riding program. Becoming a director of an establishment like this, would require a lot of work, but you'd be working with horses and depending on its success could make a good amount of money. You could also look into the business of caring for and tending to race horses jockeys use. You could do this by going to your local race track and asking about their care of horses and how one could get into the career of doing the same.
2. With this economy, I highly discourage trying to run your own stables. I don't know your experience or whatever, but if you do want to run your own stables, ask around and see if you can get an internship or become an apprentice. Here are some other ideas; Equine therapy. Horseback riding instructor Equine massage Stable hand. & the list goes on... If something in equine doesn't work out, you could have a full-time job in _insert what your other options are_ and take up some equine photography and work at shows by taking pictures of the show contestants. Also, keep in mind to have a second option. Good luck! =D
3. To coach riding you would need alot of coaching yourself. Which can be expensive, and then you would need to get certified. Some trainers don't even make much of a living while others make more than enough. Equine sports therapy makes roughly 30,000 a year. In my opinion, you could do better and make more. Alot of people do not even believe in equine sports therapy (although I have used it and like it.) I am 17 too and in my last year of high school, I also plan on going to a four year college. Since my freshman year I have tried to research well paying equine related jobs. I have always been dedicated to animals, especially horses. None of the jobs are safe, especially if there is a recession when people will only pay for the necessities. Alot of times hobbies and careers do not mix. My best friend is 25 and she went to school for animal science (to become an equine vet) She finished school and now has no time to own or even ride horses. In my opinion, go for a major you know you will make a great living in. So maybe instead of coaching riders at a stable, you could own the stable yourself? hope I helped
4. theres no money in horses, unless ur gunna be a vet (: if ur working with them it would be out of sheer love for the animal ; study hard, get a career that pays well and this will fund you being able to keep and compete horses urself in ur leisure time (: thats what im planning to dooo
5. The best way to learn is to apprentice somewhere and take many many lessons...that's if you want to manage a barn or teach lessons. Equine massage and all that is very popular right now and you could make some great money doing that....especially in the north eastern states. I have a friend in CT who started equine massage about a year ago and is now so busy she can barely keep up. She was able to quit her daytime job and is now loving working with horses in the best way she knows how. I'm 18 and I run a 14 stall barn with my mother and that has taught me sooo much. You can't learn much by just reading books...you need to get out there and experience everything first hand. I have recently started buying and selling horses and if you can find some good deals you can make some money doing that. Of course with the economy the way it is I'm having a real hard time selling a few of my horses. Hope this helps and good luck on all your future endeavors!
6. i would try to find a barn to be a trainer. dont buy your own farm yet, you'll need to start somewhere. as for when you go to the barn, offer your teaching skills for your horses to be boarded. if they don't have a lesson program, many will let you start a program on your horses. my instructor is also a trainer at my barn. you have to get a licence to teach riding for a good program. a total package is likely to get the job, so take many horse related courses in college, and take lessons in several types of riding with your spare money. then you can offer lessons on several disaplines, training, equine massage, shoeing, ect. hoping you the best!(: goodluck!
7. The link below may give you some information on careers in horses:
8. i had a friend who wanted to train, and then ended up editing a horse magazine. also, training is difficult these days, due to the extent of information that is broadcasted. but do-able. work hard, and never give up. find a professional now, to start interning with.
9. you could go into horse therapy....be an acupunturest or something. they make pretty good money and get to help horses. its not exactly like a vet, but helps them get better also. hope you find something!
10. are you experienced in training? cause if you want to be a trainer/coach, you have to start learning & networking early on. you can make a lot of money in any of those jobs if you are good at it. you could manage a stable, be a trainer, open your own practice, etc. but just go to school, and get all your GE's done first (that takes about 2 yrs) and then you can decide what to focus on, plus you can always change your mind
11. Well i was like you an wanted to work with horses so i got a job at my stables an have been there ever since. I started to teach or coach as the correct term is for it about a year now. If this is something ur intrested in then usually you need to pass ur stage 1 & 2 in order to take ur P.T.T Priliminary Teaching Test an then theres higher qualifications you can get. Plus the more you teach the better experience you get ... the more clients you get which means you get a name for yourself an have alot more clients an even teach at high level. Hope this helped you if ur wanting to teach if ya need anything else about it just ask (: