BHS exams or equine science degree?

[Sharon & Willow]

Hi all, you might remember me from earlier this year. Even if you don't it's no matter, please help anyway! :D

I would like (read:I will never stop until I manage) to become a professional show-jumper, I know the best way to do this is to train under someone already at the top. However I was wondering whether people would be more likely to take me in (either as working student or a groom/rider etc) if I had my BHS exams or if I had a degree in equine science (4 years long) from the University of Limerick.

I am currently doing the degree but training for stage one of the bhs at the moment and hope to do it soon enough. I also plan to take stage 2 and 3 as quickly as possible after that. I really don't like uni to be honest and I don't much care for the course as it is not very hands-on or horse centric at all. Most of it is centered around business and general biology and chemistry so far.

I ideally would like to be working under someone as quickly as possible as I really want to be a pro as soon as I can and I want to learn more about the jumping industry. If I finish the degree at uni I know I definitely will be much less likely to go train under someone at all. Simply because I feel I have the ability to make London 2012 (and no I'm not delusional, I'm being honest, lol.) and finishing uni in 2010 is too close to then to just begin training under someone at that stage. Any advise? What is the best route for me to take- bhs exams or equine science?

[Est]

I remember you :) How's everything going?
For your goals, the BHS exams are what you want.
Have you just started the degree? You might be better changing to a shorter course (1 or 2 years - some kind of diploma in horse management or stud management perhaps?) that still gives you a bit of paper at the end as a fallback (not saying you need it, but smart people always have a contingency plan), and taking the remaining stage exams as quickly as possible at the same time.
The degree will get worse - trust me, it will get more theoretical and technical the longer you study :) I'd love it :D :D
In the meantime I'd be pestering local yards/riding schools etc to let you gain work experience with them on weekends and evenings. It will prove to future employers/trainers/big competition yards that you are serious about working hard and gaining responsibility.
Once you've got the exams and maybe that diploma thingy, then you can move elsewhere in the country and apply to bigger competition yards and take it from there.
Good luck :)

[hApPiNeSs]

my advice would be to get out there and show everybody what you can do. :D To be honest, i wouldnt have thought that 'top' riders would care much for a science degree - practical skills are what you want.

Good luck - i hope everything goes well for you :)

[mellissa]

Hello there,

I have only joined the website today. I have recently graduated with BSc (Honours) in Equine Science and therefore know the perception of academic v. industry qualifications i.e the BHS exams. I also showjump BSJA every weekend at Newcomers/Foxhunter level so I know where you are coming from!!

A few things to consider:

Firstly- How old are you? I went back to University at 22 and therefore I am now 25. If you want to make it in showjumping a degree will limit the amount of time you can spend competing. I am not sure how it works in Ireland but in England many BSJA competitions are not only at weekends but during the week. We recently came back from Bicton in Devon which is a five day show.
I can tell you from experience- I showjumped as a junior then gave up for nine years, I have only just started again this year with the purchase of my new horse because of work and University. If you want to make a career out of it you need good financial backing for transport to shows and very good horses- AND DO NOT STOP FROM JUNIOR TO SENIOR- it takes a long time to get the feeling back. You do not say whether you compete as Junior or senior.

Secondly- You could work for a rider already. A word of warning though- unless you get spotted for your talent you may have to become a groom and this does not mean you will get much time to ride and compete your own horses. I know that showjumpers do not care for qualifications- only if you can ride and have the temperament to make it. I would also assume that if you want to make it as a showjumper then you would have to move to England to increase the amount of high level shows you can go to.


In summary, three years at University did me the world of good and it means that banks will be happier to lend me the money I need to buy my own yard (I am an accountant by trade), but it will hardly influence your employability when working with horses, whereas BHS qualifications may help you get a teaching job in a riding school. However, showjumpers will not usuallly worry about this- it is not a legal requirement. If you want to make it you need a lot of money, at least four exceptional horses- novices through to more experienced, a lot of talent and of course, luck. Furthermore, you need to be on the circuit all year round and trying to make a name for yourself.

Good luck!!!