equestrian career - what to choose

[evie.equine]

Hi everyone, im currently looking into the career options available and im stuck between 2 choices. Study equine genetics, or set up an equine business.

In regards to studying equine genetics, does anyone have any recommendations of university courses or equivalent that focus on breeding, genetics etc, but and also what kind of careers this can lead to?

I am also wondering what peoples opinions would be on a business where young equestrians could loan horses and ponies but run in a riding school manner? It would try to bridge the gap between riding schools and owning horses especially aimed at those people who are not from horsey families. In the long run, I would aim to offer lessons, camps, clinics and competitions but initially it would start off as individuals loaning horses from the yard, just like you usually would but with the added support of knowledgeable people to help. The idea is to provide quality ponies that would really progress riders to those that dont have access to their own and want to progress on something with abit more capability than most riding school horses (all riding school horses are amazing but people usually look for something to step up to when loaning). We would promote a varied life for the ponies and offer help and support and discuss each clients riding aims whether it be happy hacker or wanting to compete and move up the levels. From this, we would then pair them with a pony and have them trial for a period of time and then go from there. Its a very rough around the edges idea but its something i would have thrived with when i was younger and I would love to provide people with the opportunity to progress with quality ponies and also try to eliminate the barrier that money inevitably provides in the industry.

Im struggling to decide whether to go down the science or business route so anyones experiences and opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[teapot]

There are plenty of riding schools that already offer what you're suggesting, some better than others - it's not that uncommon in the industry. Plus speaking from experience of that very type of yard, when the kids hit 13/14 they want their freedom - whether that's competitions off site, Pony Club, or leaving altogether. If you were starting from scratch (premises, staff, buying horses, and suitable horses at that, let alone the day to day running of the place), you're going to need a lot of money to do it, and not make much in return I'm afraid.

If you're considering university for the first time, well the world is your oyster!

 

[FieldOrnaments]

There's no courses specifically tailored towards equine genetics but there are university degrees in bloodstock management and broader degrees in genetics -- I started a masters in genetics before dropping out. It might be worth talking directly to places like Sparsholt, Hartpury, Royal Agricultural College, Hadlow College and seeing what they'd recommend/offer and the careers course leavers at each institution have gone on to do as well if you're interested in a horsey career.

 

[Gloi]

Option 1. Study genetics. Lots of universities have genetics degrees. There will be lots of future opportunities. You can specialise in horse ones at a later date.
Option 2. Would be a nightmare. You are dealing with the public. Avoid that if you can.

 

[evie.equine]

There are plenty of riding schools that already offer what you're suggesting, some better than others - it's not that uncommon in the industry. Plus speaking from experience of that very type of yard, when the kids hit 13/14 they want their freedom - whether that's competitions off site, Pony Club, or leaving altogether. If you were starting from scratch (premises, staff, buying horses, and suitable horses at that, let alone the day to day running of the place), you're going to need a lot of money to do it, and not make much in return I'm afraid.

If you're considering university for the first time, well the world is your oyster!

coming through the riding school myself ive seen how weve all moved on to loan ponies but it seems to be so hard to find a quality type that i could get out compeating with, the idea needs rethinking but i think especially where I am located, there would be a high demand. About university, its deciding what job i actually want to go into, not sure what jobs around breedinf there is other than stud manager ect?

 

[fidleyspromise]

The loan idea is good however you need land and facilities and then there is the purchasing of each animal especially the types youre likely to want. Insurance I suspect would be astronomical plus you'd need a licence and possibly other things.
Then what happens if someone is loaning and the horse goes lame so they no longer want it? Do you swap it out for another one plus you have all the costs plus vet for the injured one?
I suspect you wouldn't make enough with each horse to cover bills so would you have more than one person per horse?

I've seen riding schools do similar to supplement their income but the lessons/hacks/camps are the main income generator.

Option one gives you more opportunities. Go to uni and study bloodstock. It will give you a good theory basis and then you can see where your interests lie too.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

You don't say how old you are OP?

Lots of colleges which offer Equine Studies as part of their curriculum are holding Taster & Open Days throughout the academic year and this is something you might like to consider (if you are still at school that is).

Whatever, I'd suggest you do a LOT of research into what qualifications are needed for the career path you wish to follow: you may find to get onto an Equine course at any of the colleges you'll be asked for Maths & English.

I like your 2nd idea; however it is going to need a lot of money invested in the business before it could ever become profitable.

Wishing you well!

 

[FieldOrnaments]

Sporthorses and equine bloodstock is a huge industry so there's careers in everything from laboratory and AI technicians for companies along the lines of stallion AI; stud grooms; stud managers; even specialised courier services for transporting chilled and frozen semen; and agents who source recipient mares or liaise with stallion and mare owners across continents. Loads of different things you can do.

 

[evie.equine]

You don't say how old you are OP?

Lots of colleges which offer Equine Studies as part of their curriculum are holding Taster & Open Days throughout the academic year and this is something you might like to consider (if you are still at school that is).

Whatever, I'd suggest you do a LOT of research into what qualifications are needed for the career path you wish to follow: you may find to get onto an Equine course at any of the colleges you'll be asked for Maths & English.

I like your 2nd idea; however it is going to need a lot of money invested in the business before it could ever become profitable.

Wishing you well!

Im currently studying A level biology, business and architecture at college as i chose to get qualifications rather than go straight into architecture. I need biology to go into the science side of the industry but I have always wanted to have my own business, it is the money thats going to limit it though!

 

[evie.equine]

Sporthorses and equine bloodstock is a huge industry so there's careers in everything from laboratory and AI technicians for companies along the lines of stallion AI; stud grooms; stud managers; even specialised courier services for transporting chilled and frozen semen; and agents who source recipient mares or liaise with stallion and mare owners across continents. Loads of different things you can do.

thank you thats very helpful! never thought into the AI side of it before!

 

[FieldOrnaments]

It's harder - not impossible but harder - to go into a biosciences degree/career without chemistry.

 

[Gloi]

This looks good

Equine Genetics and Breeding for Athletic Potential - Reaseheath College

www.reaseheath.ac.uk

 

[evie.equine]

This looks good

Equine Genetics and Breeding for Athletic Potential - Reaseheath College

www.reaseheath.ac.uk

thank you!!

 

[teapot]

coming through the riding school myself ive seen how weve all moved on to loan ponies but it seems to be so hard to find a quality type that i could get out compeating with, the idea needs rethinking but i think especially where I am located, there would be a high demand. About university, its deciding what job i actually want to go into, not sure what jobs around breedinf there is other than stud manager ect?

I think a lot of us on here will tell you to do something that'll open as many doors as possible, but also that your degree doesn't automatically determine a job or career. I know mine don't

On demand, there's always demand to a point, but the riding school industry is suffering as it is, and you would be trying to open a business that a) may not have the demand you think there is and b) in a rising cost of living world where the things that go first are the expensive kids' hobbies, or parents start looking for cheap as chips options to keep their kids riding. What would you do if a pony on loan turned out to not be suitable for the child, or it needs six months off work etc? Running any form of yard is not easy, and even the established ones are beginning to feel the struggle.

 

[evie.equine]

I think a lot of us on here will tell you to do something that'll open as many doors as possible, but also that your degree doesn't automatically determine a job or career. I know mine don't

On demand, there's always demand to a point, but the riding school industry is suffering as it is, and you would be trying to open a business that a) may not have the demand you think there is and b) in a rising cost of living world where the things that go first are the expensive kids' hobbies, or parents start looking for cheap as chips options to keep their kids riding. What would you do if a pony on loan turned out to not be suitable for the child, or it needs six months off work etc? Running any form of yard is not easy, and even the established ones are beginning to feel the struggle.

this is very helpful! its safe to say theres no guarantees with anything! cost of living is a factor i hadnt completely thought about, in terms of other businesses, I have always been interested in producing horses or kids ponies. Im planning on taking on a couple of projects after exams but is producing even a thriving business at the minute?

 

[shortstuff99]

It's harder - not impossible but harder - to go into a biosciences degree/career without chemistry.

You can easily do genetics without a chemistry A level. Especially the sort of genetics the OP is interested in.

 

[evie.equine]

You can easily do genetics without a chemistry A level. Especially the sort of genetics the OP is interested in.

im having a look into it now and biology is usually just required for uni courses!

 

[shortstuff99]

If I was in your position I would pick a more general degree like Zoology and then specialise within that to focus on genetic techniques and do a 3rd year thesis on horse genetics.

Or do a course like this https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/equine-performance-science

 

[Gloi]

If you are interested in genetics it should lead to a decently paid job that lets you bring on project ponies on the side. I used to work in a lab and do that in my 20s.

 

[shortstuff99]

If you are interested in genetics it should lead to a decently paid job that lets you bring on project ponies on the side. I used to work in a lab and do that in my 20s.

Not in the today times unfortunately unless you get into commercial/ drug company side.

 

[SEL]

Project Pony | Project Pony

projectpony.co.uk

I know a couple of places that loan via RS type set ups. Expensive to maintain because you'd need all your insurances etc as well as hood quality ponies. At the higher level there's Project Ponies who loan out event ponies to talented kids. There's another place near me with decent jumping ponies and they seem to take those kids all over the country.

Personally I'd recommend you go for the genetics and keep your options open once you've got a post A level qualification

 

[FieldOrnaments]

I thnk the thing about having a degree/qualification (especially one that's applicable to things outside of just one industry) is it gives you fallback/s if your business idea does not work but doesn't prevent you going ahead and trying that in future if you want. Whereas if you went and decided to forego university to start your own business if it went wrong you'd be in more difficulty.

 

[FieldOrnaments]

You can easily do genetics without a chemistry A level. Especially the sort of genetics the OP is interested in.

I know. I don't have a chemistry A level.
But it helps and unis like it, some do requre biology & 'one other science subject'. (facilitating versus soft subjects). Although I was a lot more interested in more molecular genetics which is pretty much just chemistry so me not doing the a level was stupid

 

[evie.equine]

If I was in your position I would pick a more general degree like Zoology and then specialise within that to focus on genetic techniques and do a 3rd year thesis on horse genetics.

Or do a course like this https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/equine-performance-science

thank you! ive never looked at this uni before, thank you!!

 

[evie.equine]

I know. I don't have a chemistry A level.
But it helps and unis like it, some do requre biology & 'one other science subject'. Although I was a lot more interested in more molecular genetics which is pretty much just chemistry so me not doing the a level was stupid

chemistry isnt my strong point, i just dont find it as interesting as biology. unfortunately i am limited to the bio only courses now as ive not taken it for a level but allot of courses take you without chem but some you have to do a foundation year to make up for it

 

[FieldOrnaments]

kind of a tangent but informative resources on subject choices:

Subject choices at school and college

Informed Choices

russellgroup.ac.uk

https://www.rsb.org.uk/images/Russell%20Group%20-%20Informed%20Choices.pdf

Informed Choices | Informed Choices

www.informedchoices.ac.uk

 

[IrishMilo]

I have always been interested in producing horses or kids ponies. Im planning on taking on a couple of projects after exams but is producing even a thriving business at the minute?

The market is flooded with dealers and sales livery yards, every Tom Dick and Harry do it now and its success depends very much on the economic state of the country and borrowing rates etc. I would go for something that will not be so affected by the ebs and flows of the economy - there’s big money in bloodstock agency, have you thought about something like that?

Or equine dentistry or saddle fitting.

The market is dead at the moment, prices have dropped significantly again and dealers are struggling to shift stock.

 

[shortstuff99]

I know. I don't have a chemistry A level.
But it helps and unis like it, some do requre biology & 'one other science subject'. (facilitating versus soft subjects). Although I was a lot more interested in more molecular genetics which is pretty much just chemistry so me not doing the a level was stupid

I didn't do chemistry A level and I have a PhD in genetics so you never know

 

[Gloi]

I didn't do chemistry A level and I have a PhD in genetics so you never know

What route did you take?

(I did chemistry )(back in the day)

 

[evie.equine]

If you are interested in genetics it should lead to a decently paid job that lets you bring on project ponies on the side. I used to work in a lab and do that in my 20s.

That's the dream but the market seems slow at the minute