Some of us just love horses, regardless of age or sex, we just love them. I can remember being a very small child and always asking Santa for a pony for Christmas, or when birthdays came around or instead of an Easter Egg – any excuse for a present was an excuse to ask for a pony! All I ever wanted as a child was a pony of my own that I could spend time with day in and day out – and I was not unusual in that desire.
Some people outgrow that desire but the true equestrian never does – you live eat, sleep and breathe horses. Your every waking moment is filled with the thought of your horses, or just any horses to be truthful. If that is the case then you should look at working in an equestrian environment because you just won’t be happy anywhere else. Even if competition riding is not your strength there are so many other areas in which you can work with horses and these days it is a truly global career.
Equestrian Sports worldwide involve many millions of horses and there are numerous opportunities to work with them for the true horse lover. Each of these careers, whether it be as a rider, or a specialist equine vet, stable hand, trainer, teacher, has it’s value and it’s place. Even the scientific research into equine care and feeding means you will be involved with horses. There are so many industries that are involved in the periphery of horse care and management there is bound to be something that is suitable for you.
Equestrian Sports are just one part of the horse world – how do you find which career is right for you amongst all those available. Research into those various career opportunities is something you should be prepared to spend time on to make sure you find your proper niche. If you are unhappy in the role you have chosen the horses in your care will sense it and they will be unhappy too which is not a good state of affairs. Whatever career you do settle on, you will certainly need training and appropriate qualifications that are recognized as valid within the industry.
Before embarking on the research you will need to do, you should ask yourself some questions to help identify the area of work that is suitable for you. For example, what do you really want from a career with horses. Is it to spend time with the animals, riding and caring for them, which is hard physical work. Or would you rather work in a more supportive role which is often pays better and is not such hard work has more regular ours but does not involve so much time with the horses themselves.
Your choice will be dictated to some extent by your level of education. If you need to go to College or University to study to become a Vet you will need more academic qualifications than you would need to become a stable hand. Both are equally rewarding jobs but they require different skills. Before undertaking any career in equestrian sports or caring for horses generally be sure you know what you are aiming for and what will make you happy – because then the horses in your care will be happy too.
About the author of this article:
tane moores has been riding since a very early age and has long been involved in all things equestrian. the experience and knowledge gained over many years of involvement in the world of horses is freely shared with anyone who cares to read. tane writes regularly on horse facts and equestrian sports at the easy equestrian
