Getting paid to work with what you love is a career that all of us dream of in future. Experienced horse riders know what they want when looking for a riding school. But for a beginner, this may be a challenge. Many institutions offer Equestrian education but not all offer what you need. You need a school where you will be safe as there are 38,754 injuries annually caused by horses. If you experience inadequate training, it may ruin your passion for horses.
Here are some tips which will assist you to find the right school:
Teaching Program
A good college should cover all the basics of horse riding. There is the theory of learning and the physical skills to gain. You need to find a school that will compliment what you already know as well as increasing your knowledge. There are hands-on programs where you practice all through to be able to retain what you learn. Then there are the formal learning techniques which concentrate on theory. You take tests, attend lectures and get assigned homework. You need to understand what you want to learn then look for a college that will satisfy your needs.
Career Path
What do you want to do after completion of your training? You may want to run your farm where you breed and at the same time you are working with horses and training them. You can sell them afterward or register them for competitions. You may also want to work for an association that focuses on horses. It will require you to know every aspect of the horse business not just riding one. Or you may want to be a rider who competes in exclusive events and tournaments. Whichever path you want to take, you will need to find an institution that will impact the knowledge you require to follow your dreams.
Cost
How a college structures its equestrian program will determine how costly it would be. The good thing is that these schools do not require you to have your own horse. Before committing to a school, compare the cost of each, request for newsletters and research on their performance. What value do their programs offer? Even if they suit your learning style and goals, you need one that will give you a fair return on your investment.
There are those colleges that allow you to go with your horse. However, this is costly as you will be required to pay for its maintenance. You won’t also be allowed to compete using your horse as it violates set regulations on college competitions.
The Facility
A great way of assessing the suitability of an institution is to visit it. Plan a trip to the facility so that you can go and see for yourself what they have to offer. Meet the instructors and see if you get along. Ask them questions that will help you make an informed decision. A professional instructor will not hesitate to explain to you the benefits that their institution offers. Also, check out their horses. Do they look healthy and happy? If the horses look dull and unappealing, you will have your answer. Unfit horses are dangerous to the rider and showcase the negligence of the institution.
You also need to research the facility just like an essay writer. Look at their graduates and if possible find them and ask them what they think about the college. Check if the school has accreditation by the various agencies, a certification implies that they are up to date with set standards and regulations. All this will be an eye-opener and will assist you in making an informed decision.
Written by Kevin Nelson
Kevin is a professional educator and a private tutor with over 8 years of experience. He is also a content writer for various blogs about higher education, entertainment, social media & blogging. Currently, Kevin works as a part-time writer for sigmaessays.com. During his off time, Kevin enjoys traveling and cooking. Feel free to connect with him on Twitter, Linkedin & Google+.
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