When someone mentions horses, the first career that comes to everyone’s mind is riding. Only the select few are good enough to ride, but that shouldn’t dishearten you in any way. Having a horse is a blessing by itself, so you don’t need to worry.
However, your four-legged friend with a mane can help you to a multitude of different equine careers. Some of them require more training and education, but it will help you do what you love.
In this article, let’s explore the possible career paths for both horse owners and horse enthusiasts.
Starting from the bottom
If you have a horse, the chances are that you spend a lot of time grooming it and taking care of it. Even though you’re not a racer and your horse isn’t a racing stallion, you can still do a lot. One such thing is becoming a show groomer. What are the tasks of a show groomer exactly?
Your day will be spent at horse shows and racing tracks, taking care of the competing horses. Other than grooming them, you will feed them and even take them for walks. Many jockeys and equine experts have started off this way.
Horse grooming is a great way to meet all the important people in the industry and make connections. Contrary to popular belief, the equine industry is in a state of constant growth.
With $300 billion in constant flux and 1.6 million full-time jobs, there is a space for everyone. The key is to meet the right people and use your love for horses as a business qualification. Don’t be afraid to start from the very bottom. Every career requires advancing up the ranks, and the equine industry is no exception.
Nutritionist and veterinary careers – for those willing to turn their job into a science
Your horse can help you make a career in a multitude of ways. However, some equine-related careers require you to do most of the work on your own.
Having a horse as a young child has motivated many people to become equine nutritionists and veterinarians. Unlike show grooming and riding, these careers require a formal education that can take many years to complete.
What does an equine nutritionist do? This is one of the more entertaining careers in the entire equine industry. As a nutritionist, you will study statistics of racehorses and think of meal plans to help them become better. What you’ll need is excellent knowledge of chemistry, nutrition, sports, and anatomy.
Equine nutritionists are highly sought after and aren’t confined to office spaces. Because you can get paid a lot, you’re your own boss. There is always work – regardless if you choose to handle multiple horses and clients or if you’re on a break.
How about equine veterinarians? If you love medicine and have a horse, there is no reason not to become a vet. What might put off some people is the length of the education requires. You will most likely need a degree in animal science, with an equine specialization. What’s great about this career is that you can combine it with so many others.
Other than regular medical care, you can also provide nutritional services, as well as learning to be an agent or trainer. Above average students in animals sciences can score internships and good jobs easily. The average pay is $88.5K with a 9% estimated growth.
Become a bloodstock agent or showcase your horse
Having a horse is the best possible way of gathering all the equine knowledge you need. A good move would be to search for some amateur horse shows in your area. Approach an agent or an owner and get some tips on horse care. If your horse is purebred, your chances of success are that much higher.
Mixed bred horses can also succeed, but both cases require a lot of time, money and effort. If you don’t have enough resources, it’s not the end of the world. Instead, you can still be involved in the equine industry?
How? Simple – by becoming a bloodstock agent. These professionals get to see the best of both worlds. They both know their equine science but are active participators in the industry. Your job will involve traveling to auctions and bidding for your clients. This is an excellent way to know how the industry works and find out about the current trends.
If the horses you pick perform well in races, so will your pay rise. Bloodstock agents often become scouts, assistant horse trainers, and advisors. Since your job will be making connections and talking to people, you will find job alternatives that much easier to obtain.
And the best part? You can get cheaper prices for horses if you wish to expand your ranch and spend time with the animals. A win-win, no matter how you look at it!
Horse-riding is still a possibility
If you have a horse and you love riding, the chances are that competitive-horse riding is the goal. While only the best make it, that doesn’t mean you still can’t make your dream into reality.
Practice horse riding with your horse and a trainer and keep in contact with ranches and horses. Oftentimes, there is a big shortage of training riders. Yes, that’s right. While jockeys practice their skills all the time, the horses are also kept in shape by training riders.
The model is the same – you will do what you love and obtain valuable connections in the equine industry. With a good starting pay and great opportunities, there is no reason why you shouldn’t become a training rider.
Concluding thoughts
The equine industry gives you a lot of opportunities to make money on your horse and your equine love. Practice riding your companion and you might become a training rider. For those that love science, you can become inspired and take up being an equine vet or nutritionist. Agents are also valued in the industry, so there is an infinite number of possibilities. Stay inspired and motivated.
Written by Peter Hill
Peter Hill is the best editor of BestEssayTips. He is a socially active person, likes traveling and photo/video editing. He finds himself in writing. Feel free to contact him on Google+
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
