Equestrian Careers

[Anonymous]

So I’m thinking I really want to have a career with horses ideally in training I would consider dentistry but I don’t fully understand how you train and haven’t seen anything online about it or farriering but I feel like it’s definitely more of a mans profession but just wondering if a grooms apprenticeship will help me or any other avenues I could take I am currently doing a levels but don’t think college is for me as I’m not enjoying the subjects

 

[CMcC]

My farrier had a female apprentice. She was great with the horses and perfectly capable of the physical side of the job. Don’t give up on that idea, maybe investigate apprenticeships and find a female apprentice or qualified farrier to talk to and get work experience or advice.

 

[EventingMum]

Dentistry is hard to get into now the degree courses at Hartpury no longer runs. It's hard for people wishing to become EDTs to find an apprenticeship. Don't be tempted to train abroad, the courses are not recognised in this country and often don't give a comprehensive training, especially short courses. Ideally, you would need to aim to get an apprenticeship with a fully qualified EDT and sit the necessary exams to become qualified via BAEDT (BEVA/BVDA exams) or WWAED. To become BEVA qualified takes a lot of work - 300 documented cases including 25 advanced cases, a verified period of working with a qualified vet or EDT and further references from a vet all before sitting a theoretical exam and then a practical exam. Then to retain registration CPD must be undertaken annually. Insurance has to be in place for membership too. Vets with additional dental qualifications are obviously a good thing but many vets don't do enough dental work to keep their skills up, it's a physically demanding job - not in terms of using strength against the horse but using tools at the necessary height and angle to be effective.

 

[Orangehorse]

There is lots of information available, have you looked at careers on the British Horse Society website or at college websites. Warwickshire does farriery and Hereford of course. I think you need a farrier to agree to take you on as an apprentice and also have some money in the bank!
My farrier has a girl apprentice, well I think she is qualified now, she is quite tiny. There is a lot of bending over remember!
My dentist is also female, but she says she is cutting down, I suppose she is in her 40s, as she is starting to get problems in her arms.