Equest careers

[Kels]

I want to have a career that involves horses. I have loved horses for as long as I can imagin. In September 2000 I fell off a horse in a lesson and broke my back, and now more than ever do I want to be involved with horses! I know it sounds wierd, but that shows how much I love them! I don't really know what kind of jobs are out there, if you could help me that would be great!
Thanx a lot,
Kels:)

[Lgd]

Best way is to get some formal qualifications for teaching equitation as that will help in getting a better paying job. Management qualifications are also useful if you wish to run a yard.
It is useful to have a degree even if it is in something like equine studies as you may (heaven forbid) have an accident and be unable to work with horses again. This also opens the way into other horse related careers such as equine nutrition.
Equine physiotherapy is a useful career, usually need to qualify as a human physio first and then do an additional qualification to work with horses.
Competition Groom work is quite interesting when you are younger but not so good for long term work ie for the next 40 years. Some riders do take on working pupils and will train you as a competition rider but you need to be talented to get taken on.

Stud groom qualifications if you like working with the breeding side.

If you can stand a long time training there is also veterinary degrees then specialise in equines. (lots of money from us besotted horse owners)

[Mehitabel]

as lgd said, being a groom/working pupil is great when you're younger, but it doesn't pay. i've recently had to leave my job as head girl of a riding school because it was find a different job or live with my mother for the rest of my life!
how old are you? a degree is definitely a good idea - it will stand you in good stead whatever you end up doing. the subject isn't as important as you might think - what's more important is that it shows you're intelligent, able to think and prepared to learn.
how about saddlery? the world always needs more saddlers!
as far as hands-on working with horses goes, i think it's very difficult to make it into a viable career unless you have your own yard.

[Kels]

thanks, i am 14, turning 15 in october, i just got my certificate for rider 1 in western, and an going to get my #2 in the summer, and maybe my #3.

[Mehitabel]

i don't know how the education system works in canada, but if i were you i'd leave it as late to specialise as possible. now is a good time to map out a few possible career paths, and work out what you can do to keep your options open as long as possible. you don't want to end up with only horsey qualifications and then discover it's not what you want.

[Charleymouse]

I am 15 going on 16 and am in the top year at secondary (year 11) I plan to go to college and get a degree in admin then go to my stables and do an NVQ. This way i can have something to fall back if i have (tough wood i dont) an accident, but also get to work somewhere with horses, which is ultimately my goal. Do you know if there is any racing stables or anything near where you could get info about a career in one? just an idea:D