Help with horsey career?

[Scyamore]

Hi! Just wondered if anyone could give me some advice. I'm 14, started riding when I was 4 or 5, but not regularly, and when I was 10 I started helping on a Saturday at a trekking centre. A few months ago I moved to a new riding school, with a really understanding owner, who pays me to work on a weekend, so I can still spend time with horses instead of working as a waitress or something. I go and help 2 or 3 times a week after school, and sometimes help on a Sunday too. Recently the yard owner has been letting me exercise horses as part of my work, which is a great experience as I ride all the horses, from the really lazy ones to ex race horses. I officially start working at 9:30ish, and finish at 4, but I always try and get to the stables at 8 , and work for as long as I can. I just love being around horses, I don't care about working hard or riding( that much(but I really enjoy it!)). Before working here I had never heard of hunting , or been to a horse show, but now I get to go and groom at shows, and I love it. I just want to know, how can I do this when I'm older. I don't want to ever work in an office or anything. Does anyone know how I can do this? I don't care how much hard work it is, I just want to be around horses! I live in North Yorkshire, if that helps. Does anyone have any advice on training or college courses ect. There is a small problem that my mum will only pay for my education if I get 'proper job'! Sorry this is really long, just wanted to know if any of you professional horse people had any advice, or stories about how you got into the profession! Thank you!

 

[keepitugly]

My advice would be to stay on at school and go to college and get some useful a levels so they are there if you decide you want to go to uni in the future, I would not recommend equine college unless you have something very specific in mind.

In the mean time take on a working pupil position in the summer holidays and then you'll find out if its really what you want to do. There are so many different yards, jobs can be so different. Just try to get as much experience as you can and find out what you like.

But don't throw away your education for horses as you will most likely regret it, I speak from experience, don't close doors that you don't need to.

 

[Scyamore]

Thank you, I'm predicted As in all my GCSEs, and I will work hard at school, but at the moment, and for the past about 10 years , I've been mad about horses. I don't really know what jobs you can do with horses, apart from being a groom or a riding instructor, so you're right that equestrian college might be a bit pointless! Thanks!

 

[keepitugly]

Alot of people go to equestrian college because they like horses, but if you want to work on a yard the best thing you can do is go and work on a yard! Hands on experience is key, I'd try to get in with a professional, I've learnt a lot on various dealers yards over the years. Working at a riding school and working on a pros yard are worlds apart. Does any discipline particularly interest you? Or do you think you'd rather do something like a physio? Either way all experience is good experience, you've got plenty of time!

I would recommend seeing if you can go and help out with a local dealer to get some experience, I'm not sure how insurance works with your age etc but they'll eventually let you ride I imagine if you show you're keen.

 

[Scyamore]

There's a lady who is friends with my yard owner who has a Shetland ponies for racing, some of them are going to Olympia this year. She also has show horses, and I think I'd quite like to work with show horses so talking to her might be possible. I love watching eventing, but I don't know anyone who owns event horses. There is also some local hunts, but I'm not really interested in hunting. I'm not sure if there are any dealers near me, but I could have a look.
Thank you!

 

[viola]

Hello
I love how you say you just like to be around horses, it reminds me of my early teens and all those long days helping out I work as a riding instructor but there are many ways to work with horses. Have a look at this website: http://www.britishgrooms.org.uk/ - I would try to find a yard where they have a good scheme of work in place so you can learn as well as having a good time and do what you love doing. Absolutely go for your A levels, you never know, you might want to become an equine vet in the future

 

[Scyamore]

Thanks! I'll have a look at the website.

 

[Ruth17]

Thanks! I'll have a look at the website.

If you're predicted all As then you must be quite bright.why not consider being a vet?

 

[Cortez]

Erm, I may be wrong here, but isn't it illegal to employ 14 year olds?

 

[ruth83]

It is perfectly legal to employ 14 year olds providing you follow the legislation surrounding their working hours and conditions. You also have to gain a permit for each young person signed by their parent (these were available through school when I was that age).

OP - I would thoroughly agree with those who have recommended continuing with your A levels whilst working at yards during weekends and holidays. You could also look at gaining your BHS exams as you are doing this. This will leave a number of doors open to you. If you decide to persue a none equine career and keep horses as your hobby you will still have this option. If you decide you would like to be an instructor, you will have started on that path. If you want to be a groom, you have some practical experience. If you want to become a vet, the path is still open. A levels do not cost so you don't need to worry about deciding on your job now!

My own story. I did well at GCSE. I did fairly well at A level (with some exceptionally uninspiring teachers!). I also started studying for my BHS exams when I was 16. I gained my PTT when I was 18. This had the extra benefit of allowing me to earn a little more than most (in their waitressing jobs etc) alongside my study. I did go for a year at an equine college, working towards a degree. This was the compromise between me and my parents (I had decided I wanted a horsey job, they were fairly insistent that I went to Uni). Much of what I covered there was a repeat of the stages but with little practical application. I hated it and left. I made a real effort to work at a range of different yards and settings (either taking temporary contracts or making it clear each time that I was there to gain experience and training so as not to lead employers to think I would be there long term) and gained a fairly wide range of experience. I continued with the BHS exams and am currently working towards the last element of my BHSI exam. I work as a freelance instructor, rider and groom, which I thoroughly enjoy. Although I have no intention of doing so, I do like the knowledge that I have other qualifications to fall back on should anything seriously untoward happen.

 

[Scyamore]

Thanks for all this! I am going to start working on my BHS stage 1, because it's the only one I'm old enough to do!

 

[teacups]

Thanks for all this! I am going to start working on my BHS stage 1, because it's the only one I'm old enough to do!

Are you near Askham Bryan College? They do some BHS Stages evening classes, so you could do it alongside school/work as it's only one evening a week, I think.

 

[FlaxenPony05]

As others have said, have you considered something vet-related?

From your predicted grades, you seem bright, and I would definitely stay on to do A-Levels. Keep working with horses part-time, but keep working at school too. It will all pay off in the future.