Horsey people and there jobs

[Clare03]

Hi all, I wanted to see what everyone does for a career if you own horses.
If you left school planned to work with horses and things change and now is doing something different.
If you work with horses what do you do, how did you go out about getting to where you are now?
Any advice and tips you would give.

Look forward to hearing your comments?

 

[laura_nash]

If you left school planned to work with horses and things change and now is doing something different.

That's me, did Equine College and worked with horses for a few years. Then did an OU degree in IT, now working as a software developer.

There's quite a bit on this previous thread:

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/what-jobs-do-you-do.804870/

 

[ihatework]

Planned on being a vet. Spent too much time in the pub and riding during A-levels. Ended up doing biology at uni. Finished not knowing what to do. Did a PGCE because liked the sound of the holidays. Found teaching dull. Left within a year. Fell into the pharmaceutical world. Worked my way up drug development/clinical trials. Consulted for a number of years then got my arm twisted to take on a senior role in a biotech company developing cancer therapy.
Planning my get out!!!

Re horses - don’t do it as a job, unless you are seriously well funded by someone and don’t need to earn any money!

 

[AntiPuck]

Went from unrelated degrees into a banking grad scheme, and then moved into data engineering. In terms of advice, I'd say try to talk to people (either at work, conferences, Meet Up events, friends and family etc.) to try and find out more about other jobs, doing things like informational Interviews in return for coffee. Ask relevant people how you can form your existing experience into a narrative that will help you apply for the positions you decide to go for, and which gaps you'd need to fill first.

I'd also say, be clear about the characteristics you want the job/career to have, and use that as your guide - e.g. tech jobs are generally great for flexibility/remote positions, pay, and interesting work, but not so great if you'd find it stressful constantly having to learn new things to stay up-to-date, or if you want to be working outdoors doing physical work.

 

[Antw23uk]

Studied pre vet nursing and small animal care before deciding that being a newly qualified vet at 'old age' was not my thing. Fell into Facilities Management, now i run big sites/ buildings and everything and everyone that goes into making them run so core businesses can just do their thing and make their money without worrying about the building falling down around them!

Food factories seem to be my thing at the moment ... which has meant no furlough ..... and yes, I am very bitter about it, lol!

 

[WispyBegs]

I had always intended on being a Veterinary Nurse, however I just didn’t take school seriously enough and rode my horse instead of revising so unfortunately I didn’t get the grades.
But I’m now in a good job doing Sales and Marketing in the Textiles Industry and it’s something I’m very passionate about.

 

[Shilasdair]

I worked with horses for 20 years, earned a very good wage, free accommodation, all bills paid, free full livery for one horse, free stud livery for a broodmare.

To get there I did a mix of BHS exams, and academic qualifications, deliberately worked in different areas of the industry (riding school, stud, event yard, rehabilitation yard etc.) to learn the most I could.

I now don't work with horses, and work for another university where they pay me even more.

 

[Tarragon]

I thought I wanted to have a career with horses, then spent 6 months working in racing stables in Australia after taking my A-levels, and it changed my mind! Came back home and did a degree in maths and computing and kept riding as a hobby

 

[Shilasdair]

I should add to my post that I thoroughly enjoyed all my time working with horses, both on yards, and for universities - had amazing opportunities (having a GP dressage horse on loan - which had been trained and ridden by a rather famous Olympian).
I met all the 'great and the good' of the equine world, went to many events, took students on trips - had a ball.

Jobs in the equine industry are incredibly competitive though - and before employers will pay you a decent wage, you have to prove that you are absolutely worth it.

 

[Cowpony]

Did languages at university and fell into accountancy, then tax. It's one of the best jobs for paying good wages, so I can now afford two horses. But don't go into it unless you find it interesting, because you need to give 100% to the studying and passing exams at the same time as working, and the hours are often long.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

Left school at 16 in 1986, worked as a working pupil and got my BHSAI then trained for stage 4. Got disillusioned and worked in a shop for a bit, then went to US for a year as a riding instructor and barn manager at a girls private school.
Came back, worked as a chamber maid then went to work as a vet nurse at a major equine hospital in Newmarket. Then went and worked in racing for a couple of years.
Went on a full time science foundation course at 28, then did a microbiology degree, then a PhD and apart from a few months freelance grooming between contracts, I have been in science ever since-mostly parasitology now. I haven’t always loved being a scientist but the last 4 years have been great but the pay isn’t that astounding given my age, working conditions are excellent though and appreciated.

My best job though still stands at being a working pupil at 16-18, I peaked early! But I’d not want nor want to do those hours now, just wish I still had the seat and hands I had from riding 3-6 horses a day.

 

[teapot]

Equestrian based ops/office manager by way of too much time spent at uni/doing research. Love the job and rarely get cold or wet, but utterly disillusioned with the industry (my interests are in education and training), and will be leaving it shortly. Also don't have my own which says a lot. Will say I'm okayishly paid but there's only one more step ahead on the ladder as it were, but given I don't teach, 99% of those jobs won't be open to me...

Given the state of the industry post Covid, I would be advising anyone even vaguely considering it as a job/career to keep their eyes and options open.

 

[Dave's Mam]

I was always told by my Dad not to follow my heart into working with horses, as it would ruin my hobby.
I have been through sales, customer service & police staff before landing in Facilities Management & Compliance within a multinational construction company.

 

[milliepops]

I thought i was going to be a vet, did the a levels and work experience and then panicked big time at uni interview stage and changed course completely and inexplicably into history/politics courses. WHY?!?
multiple course changes and drop outs later, i worked as a groom at a charity which was the happiest i have ever been at work, but i was also too poor to exist really and there wasn't much in the way of progression or development. I put myself thru BHS exams and did teach on the side but couldn't really pay the bills for a horse.

so. graduate job in the health service beckoned and i have stayed in that sector ever since. currently in a hybrid analyst/Ops role and have managed a reasonable work/life balance most of the time. I would dearly love to work with horses full time but I can't imagine a way to make it pay the bills. OH is a farrier which seems about the only way to earn a living around them!

 

[Red-1]

I decided early on (young teenager or even pre teen) that I wanted to be a Mounted Police Officer, on seeing a TV program about England's first one, only at that time women weren't allowed in Mounted in my force and everyone told me to give it up as an idea... I didn't give up the thought, in fact, I decided that I wanted to be the trainer as well.

I held onto that dream and started to do everything I could towards being ready, in case. I took my BHS AI and did competition.

I was turned away from being a Police Officer first time, as they said they took males at 18, but women not until they were older, as the job was too hard for young women. So, I waited and did the various jobs they told me to in the mean time..

When I re-applied, having jumped through all their hoops, and finally did join the Police, I was forewarned that if I said I wanted to be in mounted, they wouldn't take me seriously. So, I told them I wanted to be a beat Officer.

You had to be a beat Officer for 5 years before being allowed to apply for mounted, and when I went for my interview the Inspector of Mounted asked why he should employ me as I would be hounded out of the department like the last two new females had been. I was very firm that I would not be deterred.

My first year was 'interesting' with being 'tested' in various, dangerous, ways. But that was OK, I could actually ride - so was OK! I was one of four females in a department of, I think, 27.

I fulfilled that dream, was in mounted for 20 years, and also for 15 of those, trainer, and head trainer.

Different shifts fitted in with horse ownership, the wage was enough to pay for the hobby, and in mounted I also got a lot of riding and training in. With riding many hours, my home riding was greatly enhanced as I was fit and tuned in.

Even better, I could retire at under 50 years old, and I now work part time in a school.

Joining the Police is a lot easier for females now, and you can do an apprenticeship that pays more than a standard one, to reflect the challenging work environment, and you end up with a degree and secure job.

The pay is enough to enjoy horses, and full pension isn't as good now as mine was, but is still final salary scheme after 35 years, so earlier and better than most.

 

[SEL]

I had no idea what I wanted to be after school and when my careers advisor asked me what the s was good at and I said maths they pushed me down the accountancy route. Passing the exams was tough but I've had some interesting jobs and it's funded the horses - including a few years where I had one on share and spent my spare cash doing overseas riding holidays in exotic locations.

I've done a couple of career breaks working with horses and I do enjoy it but i couldn't make the money side of things work for me.

When I was tiny I really, really wanted to be a jockey but was told I'd be too tall by my mum. I'm only 5'3" so I have to read Elf's posts and dream of what could have been ?

 

[teddy_]

I left agricultural college and worked as a groom across several disciplines. After a few years, the penny dropped that it was unlikely I'd be able to fulfil certain aspirations in this line of work. Frankly, at this point I was also sick of being exploited and not being on a payroll ?.

After this, I worked for a solarium manufacturer for about 18 months, which was incredibly interesting. Unfortunately, there was never more than part-time hours available, so I couldn't stay on.

I was fortunate in that I immediately found a full-time 'desk job' (right place, right time), assisting a finance department. I realised that I enjoyed this thoroughly and decided to qualify as an accountant.

Seven years later, I now work in financial services, specialising in tax. I relish the flexibility my job offers me, I have more time for the GG's than I have ever had ?!

 

[McFluff]

I was always told by my Dad not to follow my heart into working with horses, as it would ruin my hobby.

My Dad gave me the same advice. And I hate to admit that he was right.
I spent a summer working with horses. I really enjoyed it, but even my teenage brain had to admit that Dad was right.
I went to uni, then floated about doing some temp jobs while I did a postgrad in HR. Worked in HR since and now have enough funds to enjoy my own horse.
You spend a lot of time at work, so worth finding something you are good at and enjoy doing.

 

[EnduroRider]

Another wanna be vet that didn't quite get the grades. So I did an Equine Science BSc instead and intended going in to veterinary sales afterwards. Couldn't get the sales job without any relevant experience so temp'd in an insurance office instead. I then got offered a permanent underwriting role and never left, 16 years on I'm still at the same firm but in a much more senior role.

I am so glad I don't work with horses. I have a good salary, only have to work week days so am free to compete at weekends, and in a super flexible role to take the time I need for farrier etc.

 

[LittleRolo]

I decided early on (young teenager or even pre teen) that I wanted to be a Mounted Police Officer, on seeing a TV program about England's first one, only at that time women weren't allowed in Mounted in my force and everyone told me to give it up as an idea... I didn't give up the thought, in fact, I decided that I wanted to be the trainer as well.

I held onto that dream and started to do everything I could towards being ready, in case. I took my BHS AI and did competition.

I was turned away from being a Police Officer first time, as they said they took males at 18, but women not until they were older, as the job was too hard for young women. So, I waited and did the various jobs they told me to in the mean time..

When I re-applied, having jumped through all their hoops, and finally did join the Police, I was forewarned that if I said I wanted to be in mounted, they wouldn't take me seriously. So, I told them I wanted to be a beat Officer.

You had to be a beat Officer for 5 years before being allowed to apply for mounted, and when I went for my interview the Inspector of Mounted asked why he should employ me as I would be hounded out of the department like the last two new females had been. I was very firm that I would not be deterred.

My first year was 'interesting' with being 'tested' in various, dangerous, ways. But that was OK, I could actually ride - so was OK! I was one of four females in a department of, I think, 27.

I fulfilled that dream, was in mounted for 20 years, and also for 15 of those, trainer, and head trainer.

Different shifts fitted in with horse ownership, the wage was enough to pay for the hobby, and in mounted I also got a lot of riding and training in. With riding many hours, my home riding was greatly enhanced as I was fit and tuned in.

Even better, I could retire at under 50 years old, and I now work part time in a school.

Joining the Police is a lot easier for females now, and you can do an apprenticeship that pays more than a standard one, to reflect the challenging work environment, and you end up with a degree and secure job.

The pay is enough to enjoy horses, and full pension isn't as good now as mine was, but is still final salary scheme after 35 years, so earlier and better than most.

Would it be mad to apply to the police at 37yo? (just)

 

[Ceifer]

My best job though still stands at being a working pupil at 16-18, I peaked early! But I’d not want nor want to do those hours now, just wish I still had the seat and hands I had from riding 3-6 horses a day.

1000% this sentiment.
My equine career was equal in great highs and lows. The highs were fabulous horses in amazing locations. I made some amazing friends. My working pupil days were like st trinians on horseback. I worked in a variety of yards to gain experience. I used to ride up to 6 horses a day and a lot of no stirrups resulted in a great seat and a lot of stickability. Unfortunately I’ve lost this only riding one horse

The lows were pretty much working for bonkers employers, low wages and hard winters.

I left the equine industry and fell into construction.

 

[Ratface]

I worked in various high risk/open-all-hours jobs, which paid for the horses to live a lovely life and for me to be a happy scruff when not at work. I did 40+ years.
My generous occupational pension now pays for my old boy, and he is the reason I get up in the morning.

 

[Winters100]

Clare03, I assume that you are asking as you are a young person considering your options.

The one thing that I would say to you is that education gives you choices, and throughout my life being able to choose my own path has been incredibly important. Working with horses can be a wonderful career, but many people find that as they get older they find it harder to tolerate the physical work, and also the limited salary, as there are few jobs with horses which pay well. Having an education does not mean that you cannot work with horses, but it does mean that you can change and do something else if you want to, so if you are still in school keep working, because you will never look back in later years and wish that you had paid less attention than you did.

Personally I went down the route of following another career, taking some time off from horses while I studied, built my career and later my business, but this now allows me to have horses and to enjoy them as a hobby. I am really not sure that I would enjoy horses so much if they were my job, but I strongly suspect not.

You have every option open to you now, so make sure that you keep these options open, because much as my younger self thought that I would love working with horses I am quite sure that I would not now be happy in this career.

Whatever you choose to do always do it as well as you can and you will not go far wrong. Good luck!

 

[iknowmyvalue]

I did make my childhood dream of being a vet! I’ve been graduated 2.5years. I work in mixed practice, and I do genuinely love my job but the hours (and OOH) can be tough, and I don’t earn as much as people think. But I wouldn’t do anything else, I get to spend my days driving round the county with my dog and helping people and animals, it’s a privilege (that’s what I tell myself on the bad days anyway)

One of the downsides is that realistically mine has to be on full livery otherwise there’d just be no routine/consistency as my hours are so unpredictable, plus there’s barely enough hours in the day for me to ride him without having to do stable chores on top!

 

[Red-1]

Would it be mad to apply to the police at 37yo? (just)

No, older people than you apply and join. It helps if you have a degree nowadays, plus transferable skills and common sense.

Some people join and then leave straight away, apparently they didn't realise they would have to work shifts and deal with angry people ?

 

[scats]

I decided I wasn’t going to go to uni at first and took two years out where I worked in a variety of jobs (office, marks and Spencer’s cafe, estate agents) and backed and produced horses in my spare time. Got fed up of those types of jobs and went to uni to do a media degree, simply, I think, because it was something to do that didn’t involve a rubbish job. Graduated and ended up working as a sales coordinator for a windows company. Horses tied me to the area and lack of media related jobs without moving was an issue.
As a way out of a dead end job, I applied to do a PGCE in computing (conversion course, so 2 years) I thought the holidays would be nice. Got a job as an ICT teacher at a school and stayed for 10 years.
Did my BHS exams and PTT as well and taught freelance at weekends.
Decided to leave teaching a few years ago as I was no longer enjoying the job and felt it wasn’t the type of thing you can do half hearted.
Blew all my savings on a dog grooming diploma and converting the garage to a salon and set up my own business as a groomer. Nearly two years later and I have a thriving business, which survived all the lockdowns.

I also work 2 days a week in a friends college where we offer animal care and dog grooming apprenticeships. Im the lead assessor, office based and in charge of a team of assessors. I built the schemes of work, resources, assignments and mark schemes from scratch.
From January I am dropping to 1 day a week there as I desperately need two days off again a week for my health and sanity!

 

[Olly's crew]

Went from A levels to mental health nurse training in '84, then worked as a mental health nurse in the NHS until 2011 when I moved into psychotherapy work, following further training. Was one of the last lucky people who was able to retire at 55 due to when I qualified in mental health nursing.

 

[First Frost]

I did A levels then worked with horses in America for a year. When I came home, I went to university and studied bio chemistry. Then I did my teaching qualification. I did classroom teaching for 11 years before becoming a head teacher at the age of 34. I have recently retired after over 20 years as a head headteacher and Ofsted inspector.
I have had my own horse/horses throughout my career, eventing up to intermediate. I am now really enjoying looking after them myself, after years of having either full or part livery as a necessity.

 

[Red-1]

I did A levels then worked with horses in America for a year. When I came home, I went to university and studied bio chemistry. Then I did my teaching qualification. I did classroom teaching for 11 years before becoming a head teacher at the age of 34. I have recently retired after over 20 years as a head headteacher and Ofsted inspector.
I have had my own horse/horses throughout my career, eventing up to intermediate. I am now really enjoying looking after them myself, after years of having either full or part livery as a necessity.

Wow, I work in a school now and take my hat off to you, being a teacher then a head teacher and finding time to event too! I have no idea how our teachers, and especially the head, manage to fit everything in!

 

[[153312]]

Professional procrastinator is a job right? ?