Am I too old to start a career within the equine industry?

[Trudyt76]

Hi, I've been thinking about returning to the horse industry after a very long break from it and I do not have any formal qualifications in this area. I've been looking at courses but they all seem to be fulltime (which is not realistic as I have a mortgage, kids and full time job).

Everyone seems to be really young within this industry and I feel like i've missed the boat. Is 34 too old to pursue this change of career? I feel that I have missed out on my vocation in life and would really like to pursue a career in this industry.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how I can break back into the horsey world without having to quit my job and go back to college fulltime?

 

[alfiesmum]

try your local riding school? they usually happy to get a hand and then you could probably get more involved over time , dont give up- i am older than you and only gave up working with horses full time over 3 years ago x

 

[Honey08]

Your age is not a problem at all. I'd personally prefer an older groom, or someone with lots of experience.

It really depends on what experience you have, as to how employable you are.

What area of GM are you from? PM me if you like. There could be a local yard that train people for exams, and perhaps you could join in their lessons part time to get some qualifications?

 

[Trudyt76]

try your local riding school? they usually happy to get a hand and then you could probably get more involved over time , dont give up- i am older than you and only gave up working with horses full time over 3 years ago x

Hiya Alfiesmum, thanks for your suggestion. There is a fab riding school near me but it caters more for the younger rider. They are a BHS accredited riding school where the pupils work towards their BHS stages before taking exams. They don't seem to cater for people who work full time though so it was back to the drawing board with that one. I have been looking at Myerscough but cannot find a qualifcation to suit my needs as a full time working mum.

I live in hope of winning the lottery and having my own competition yard

 

[Trudyt76]

Your age is not a problem at all. I'd personally prefer an older groom, or someone with lots of experience.

It really depends on what experience you have, as to how employable you are.

What area of GM are you from? PM me if you like. There could be a local yard that train people for exams, and perhaps you could join in their lessons part time to get some qualifications?

Hi Honey08, I've just PM'd you a very long winded msg (so long in fact, I was logged out) lol I sent you another shorter msg but I think you got both of them. Very sorry for the information overload lol