Job with horses... i'm stuck.

I was like you - I went down the A levels and Uni route, then decided I hated it all and dropped out (and I got ill). So now at the age of 20 I am working with horses and teaching swimming and abseloutley loving it! You should go down the education route, then if you dont like it its never too late to start something new. I have a great job on a dressage yard and the fact I have no qualifications didnt bother them at all as I had a lot of experience part timing whilst at uni and before uni around A levels as well as having my own horses :)
 
Definitely a good idea to take A levels, get them over and done with, because if you don't and then later you want to go to uni, you have to get A levels first, and it is much harder when you are older. Do the subjects you like and are good at and with a good variety to spread your options.

Having passed your A levels (!) then you could decide to have a year or even two working with horses and it would give you good experience and help you decided what you want to do with your life. You don't have to go to uni, only go if you really want to.
 
Just out of interest - what are your predicted grades? If A levels are going to be realistic then I think they are a good idea. Not necessarily so convinced about university.....very expensive and often not relevant. Also often better left until you really know what course if any you want to do and can really understand how the course will help you progress in your career.

Do you enjoy Biol/Chem/Phys/Maths or are you more of an Art/English/Languages sort of person? You could consider anything scientific and then link it to horses (I have a degree in Physiology and Biochemistry and now work in veterinary diagnostic imaging for example). If you're interested in journalism you could work in equine journalism/writing. You could study Pysiotherapy and then go down the ACPAT route, or you could do your BHS stages and become a riding instructor?

There's saddlery, lorinery, dentistry, vet nursing, stud hand, vet science (research not practical vet work) auctioneering, stud management, event management, nutritionist, equine transporter, equine therapy worker, charity work, feed merchant, equine retailer, AI technician, photography..........the list kind of goes on and on, but make sure you pick something that you are good at - then you'll earn more money and enjoy it more.

Let's start with GCSE grade predictions though - by subject - and then we'll have a better idea what might suit.
 
ok my predicted grades :

ART B/A
BIOLOGY A/A*
CHEMISTRY A/A*
ENGLISH B/A
HISTORY B/A
MATHS A/A*
PE B/A
PHYSICS A/A*
POLISH A/A*
RE B/A
SPANISH B/A
WRL A/A*
PERSONAL
ECONOMICS A/A*

Plus my school already gave us 1 GCSE exam in y9 which is core science (b1,b2,c1,c2,p1,p2) and i got an A on that, so i already have one GCSE.
 
I can honestly say that the worst thing I ever did was leave school with next to no qualifications. I got a full set of credit grades in my standard grade - A's and B's your GCSE's. At Higher, A Level, I could not be bothered at all. I somehow scraped though the year and managed a B and a C in my exams - how I did that I will never know. I have been working with horses since I left school 7 years ago and whilst I still maintain that I have a paid hobby I really do wish I had stuck it out and did the whole school thing properly.

Later this year I am going to start an Open University course in Archaeology and I will have to do that whilst working as I quite simply could not afford to quit and go to uni.

It is easier to train and find jobs you want to do with some qualifications at your back. Yes for some jobs you don't need them but for others you do and you will regret it if you take the chance whilst you can.
 
OK - I would definitely recommend A levels with predictions like that. I think you'd be mad not to. The A*s seem to be in the sciences (plus a few I have no idea about - what's WRL and what's Personal Economics?). Do you enjoy science? Could you face doing 4 science A levels or does that send a shiver down your spine?

When you wake up in the morning and know you have double maths that day are you happy or are you happier when you're timetabled for English and Art?
 
shiny-ISH said:
but if i dont know what i want to do then how do i decide which A levels to take?
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Crikey, your predicted grades are awesome, I think if you were to be a yard hand you would quickly get bored with the lack of mental stimulation.

If you enjoy them, doing biology and chemistry at A level will stand you in good stead for anything horsey.

How would you feel about an office job which was related to horses? Like nutritionalist, or a researcher. Or out of the office but (slightly) less manual jobs are things like dentistry and saddlery. Most of the better paid jobs require years of qualifications, so doing your A levels will give you another couple of years to think about if there is one particular route which appeals to you before you take the plunge.

I think its the BHS who have an excellent equine careers section to their website. Have a mooch. I'd also see connexions (google it) and get a session with an advisor outside of school, if your school one is being silly.

I also strongly second the person who advised you to get work experience. Apply now for the summer, even if its a week here and there, or even an afternoon to watch what someone does, its all helpful to you to decide what to do, and if nothing else you will end up with an EXCELLENT cv, which will stand you in good stead for most things. Also, why don't you find a weekend yard job? That way you'll try grooming on for size, and get to know people and make contacts to chat to more about the horse industry.
 
i can't face doing any more chemistry, i'm absolutely sick of it. but i love biology and physics :) i never have double maths but when its a maths day i don't wanna get out of bed even thou i find maths easy its just boring, yet when its art day i can't wait! i'm really not looking forward to maths exams but for my 10 hour art exam, i can't wait! 2 days of drawing, painting and messing about with different materials, love it! don't mind english but as its my second language i know i will not do as well as i would if it was my first language. i also love learning new languages. (polish is my first language)
WRL - work related learning but we only did 3 months of that then school changed it to personal economics which is learning all about how to save up, which accounts to use and what banks and how to recognise the best loan and how to recognise the best savings accounts, how to invest your money etc. boring really :/ i know its usefull so i listen in lessons but don't particulary look forward to the lesson. i mostly enjoy langages, art and physics and biology and pe.

i was actualy thinking about staying at school for A levels, do biology, physics, maybe spanish or art or maybe both? then have a gap year and work in different parts of the horse world and i'm actualy drawn towards animal physiotherapy...
 
This all sounds great!

The most established route towards equine physiotherapy is the ACPAT route (don't shoot me down in flames anyone who doesn't agree - it's a fact. The BSAVA now only approve ACPAT registered physios I believe, and the only physio who can treat a horse under my insurance needs to be ACPAT registered).

To do this you need to be a chartered human physio first. So we're getting somewhere.

Have a look at the ACPAT website and the chartered physio one......

www.acpat.org and www.csp.org.uk

How about Biology, Physics, PE and whatever else you fancy most as A level choices? They sound perfect to lead you towards a career in physiotherapy. You may find that you could pick up a subject you've not yet studied like Psychology as your 4th subject - that would also fit perfectly.

I'd contact an ACPAT physio near you asap (you can track them down from the website) and see if you can get some work experience with them this summer. Work experience within Human Physio would also be a good idea as you ought to qualify by this route first and they'll want to know that you're interested in human stuff too. Think about how you could help riders as well as horses! Also look at RDA volunteering - fantastic physiotherapy! All good for building an impressive CV.

Have a look here: http://www.workshop-uk.net/physiotherapy

You need to pay for these courses, but I think they're worth it.

Then there's the taster courses run by University of East London - they'd be worth considering too.

Entry requirements are quite stiff - looking at King's for example you would need ABB including Biology or 2 from Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Psychology. So as long as you have Biology A level you would be OK with whatever others you choose. And by your predictions it doesn't look like you'd have a problem gaining a place academically.

This is the way you need to be thinking about any possible career choice - but don't forget that nothing is ever set in stone and you can always change track later if it's not working out.

Good luck!
 
physiotherapy sounds like a possible career? equine or human?
Or Saddlery if you are artistic. Possibly a science degree to take you into the more scientific aspects of horse care, e.g technology advances etc?
 
physiotherapy both human and equine cuz i'm thinking, if the horse needs physio it will probably be because of the way the rider sits on the horse so if you fix the cause of the problem then you only need to fix the horse once in a while as you've fixed the main problem which was the rider. am i right? :)
 
Well no, not all the time, but maybe some of the time.

If you're interested in both then that's a huge advantage.

However, if you've got GCSE's looming (as my daughter has, by the way) I'd be getting off to bed now if I were you........!
 
EKW said:
All I can say is - don't work with horses longer than a couple of years. It's a life but it most certainly is not a living. Stay on at school, get your exams, go to uni and keep horses as a hobby.
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I agree with this although I didn't when I was your age! I used to be in the army, joined the kings troop (royal horse artillery) and loved it!! Money wasn't as good as some other regiments though and depending on what rank you join at, it's tough! Strict routine, everything's immaculate but back then I was happy to do it! Trouble is you are primarily in the artillery so chances are you would be sent out to war. Nowadays I work in construction, can afford my own horses and get to enjoy them as and when I like.
How about joining the police, you have to be in for 2 years before applying for the mounted branch, was always something I'd have liked to have done!
 
I was like you, didn't know what I wanted.Was good at art, biology & physics, hated maths!
I became a saddler, now invent,design and manufacture all manner of different saddlery as well as fit and flock saddles and alter or repair all saddlery.
Oz :)
unicornleather
 
unicornleather said:
I was like you, didn't know what I wanted.Was good at art, biology & physics, hated maths!
I became a saddler, now invent,design and manufacture all manner of different saddlery as well as fit and flock saddles and alter or repair all saddlery.
Oz :)
unicornleather
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ooh my daughter (just choosing gcse options) wants to be a saddler - she would be so interested to hear what route you took.
 
I'm not going to entirely agree with everyone else, here.
I would go ahead and do A levels, certainly - stick with subjects you enjoy, if you have no clearer idea of what you want to do with your life. Sounds like you're in a good school, and it's a (cheap and!) easy way to get the A level thing done and dusted.
But then, if you're still mad keen, I'd be tempted to take a gap year or two and work as a groom, go overseas if possible, see the world and the horse world, and then make your midn up.
University is NOT the be all and end all, and wasting three years of your life to be tens of thousands in debt, just because your careers advisor lacks vision is not compulsory. Maybe you'll start your own business? Maybe you'll get an idea of what you want to do?
Life is not all in the box.
 
It is ok not to know what you want to do now.

I started working with horses, did not get paid even the agreed amount, was not enough to live on. It was all I ever wanted to do.Now work as an accountant, with my husband. Can afford horses and a property to keep them on, plus more...

My son left school to do a course with horses, not sure that is what I want for him, did not think he was that keen on horses, but he is happy and keeping out of trouble. Has been told he has potential (yesterday by an international riding instructor.... I am not sure he has the application - but he has to work that out).

When you are young you have nothing to lose ...you have everything to gain. you sound like you have ability... when you find what you want to do and put your mind to it you will succeed. Don't be afraid to try a few different things, or take a chance. You have to work a long time, it is better if you are fulfilled doing it, or enjoy it.

Careers advisors are not going to tell you to do anything other than take the normal path....
 
skewbald_again said:
ooh my daughter (just choosing gcse options) wants to be a saddler - she would be so interested to hear what route you took.
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Sorry to hijack your thread OP just going to answer this quoted above:
I went to Cordwainers College (it was in Hackney in London then) in 1987 to do the Rural Saddlery & Harness making course, I also did Lorinery.The college shut down years ago, it held, apart from the Saddlery course, Leathergoods and Footwear courses (my material sciences teacher designed and made Princess Diana's handbag for her royal wedding (didn't know she had to have one for that, where she going to put it!))
The college shut a few years after I left I believe, it was resurrected in Capel Manor near Enfield.
I went to a open day a few years ago. beautiful place, it's also a horticultural college,amongst other things, you should see their gardens!

Here's their link

http://www.capel.ac.uk/

They have a open day coming up in May, if at all possible get there, you won't be disappointed.They had a heavy horse show there as well when I went!
Let me know how you get on?
Oz :)
 
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For your A levels I'd definitely do the two sciences, Biology and Physics, a language, and perhaps something like Business or Economics which would stand you in great stead if you ended up self employed.

I'd say do the A levels, and then seriously think about what you want to do. Careers like physio, saddlery, equine dentistry, nutrition etc will all require significant training - some will need a degree, and some won't.

So I say do the A levels that will set you up well for any path, and if still in doubt then do the option that leaves you with the most to fall back on if you change your mind later. But do think very seriously about uni - it is not the right choice for all and its very expensive if you don't actually need it.
 
shiny-ISH said:
ok my predicted grades :

ART B/A
BIOLOGY A/A*
CHEMISTRY A/A*
ENGLISH B/A
HISTORY B/A
MATHS A/A*
PE B/A
PHYSICS A/A*
POLISH A/A*
RE B/A
SPANISH B/A
WRL A/A*
PERSONAL
ECONOMICS A/A*

Plus my school already gave us 1 GCSE exam in y9 which is core science (b1,b2,c1,c2,p1,p2) and i got an A on that, so i already have one GCSE.
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Show off!!! (Shiny-ISH is my former sharer, now yard mate)
Remember they are only predicted, you do still need to do some work!

I think your mom will have kittens if you don't do your a levels! I know uni didnt get me that far chicken but don't be put off, it was a lot of fun and I did learn a lot.

I think you like the nice things too much to do yard work long term, it doesn't pay well enough. I know you are not work shy and you will work really hard when you want something but I'm sorry chick I am kinda with your mom on this one, you have expensive tastes and you need an income to match! You need to work hard now so you don't end up always struggling to spoil your ponio.

I am organising for Kate, Mandy and Francis (Mctimoney, dentist, nutritionalist) to talk to you about their training and careers. I'm sure Mandy did some training in america.

I also think you should look very hard at working as a translator, it can be fascinating, you are good with kids, you speak several languages fluently and with our ever developing multi cultural country you could end up working with some very interesting people in a wide range of circumstances, Court, police, social services, corporate businesses, government, United Nations.

No reason you can't do free lance translation and study as an equine physio. If you do though my horses need free treatment!!!!!!!

We'll sit down and sort out the training routes and career options over the bank holiday weekend before you discuss anything with your mom and start an arguament!
 
I did pretty well in my GCSE's, had no idea what I wanted to do though (apart from work with horses, but that was poopooed by my family).
So off I went to sixthform and did random courses as I still had no idea what I wanted to do. A-levels wen't ok, but not as well as they could have as I hated every second of it and was totally not comitted.
Whilst all this was going down, I had to have my beloved horse of a lifetime PTS due to liver disease (I'd had him since a 2yo, he was not even six when he was PTS).
So, after my entire horsey life being shattered into a million bits, I applied to go to uni to do english lang (still having no idea what I wanted to do with it.)
When I got my offers accepted and was all set to go, I had a massive change of heart, what the hell was I doing? Kind of moment...
I knew what I wanted to do deep down, and I just couldn't face another 3/4 years doing something I don't want to do, with the probability of failing my degree because of it!

So, broke the news to my parents, there was row after row after row, but when eventually they realised that it wasn't to be, they were ok.
So after taking some time out to relax and plan what I was going to do at 18years old, getting back into riding and getting another horse, I decided to have a look at some equine courses.
I applied to do equine science, following on to do nutrition after. After looking at the amount of people applying, and the job opportunities afterwards, it just wasn't worth it, I'd most likely not be able to do anything related to my course after finishing as the job opportunities are so few and far between.
So again, no further on in the 'life plan'.
Had some PT jobs at various livery yards and PTP yards to get experience etc etc, also lucky in the fact that I was taught to ride by a well established international rider and instructor!

So now, at the grand age of 20, I have just set up my own business!
I do breaking and schooling freelance, also working with horses with behavioural problems and retraining racehorses. It's going nicely, I am setting up a good client base, and getting the money I hoped for! It took a lot of planning, research and help from my techy BF to help me set up my website ect ect, but I'm so glad I wen't for it and followed my dream.
I'm really lucky in the fact that I have been breaking in horses and ponies since about 12 and riding since 5, I had THE best instructor and got tonnes of experience in my time between finishing school and now! I can control the hours I work, I can have days of when i want them, I can do as much and as little as I need/want to do in a week. I still have time to do my horses too!

Horses are literally my life, it's where my real talent lies, and to be honest I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm looking into getting some teaching qualifications too, so I can broaden my horizons!

It differs from person to person, but don't jump the gun, at 16, you have plenty of time!
 
How about seeing what qualifications you would need to join customs working with drugs dogs? Think laterally.

You will find it very hard to earn a living with horses, if it was easy most people on this forum would be looking to do it. Unfortunately many interesting jobs pay poorly, as there are plenty of people out there who'd like to be doing them (such as loads of school leavers happy to be poorly paid grooms in return for riding & lessons, just look at your local riding school). Keep horses as your love, & think about finding a way to fund that passion. Don't do uni just because everyone else is, find a course that will be an asset to have on your CV. Good luck, make the most of being young & few commitmants.
 
shiny-ISH said:
It's the time of year for me when all the important GCSE exams are coming up in a week or two. It has hit me that i should know by now what i'd want to do with my life.. but i don't know! All i know is that i want a job with horses.
I used to want to be a jockey, i love speed and horses, but soon i've realised i'll never be able to become one as at the age of 16 i hit 5ft11 so my dream is well and truly a dream for the rest of my life. I used to want to become a vet but after seeing my mums friend work sooo hard and sometimes come home too tired to eat, then also the extra hours, extra courses to keep on top of medicine all the time, i don't think i'd be able to keep up, plus i would not be able to put a horse down, ever, the thought makes me feel sick. So i'm really running out of ideas as to what i can become to earn enough money to have my own horses etc but something i'm gonna love. I just really don't know. Any ideas?
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Honestly, relax :) You are only 16. I had no idea what I wanted to do then either and it scared the bejeezus out of me but looking back I realised that I wasn't the only one! I am nearly 20 and Did work on a horse yard. Yes I loved the work but the pay is cr*p for the amount of work and hours you are expected to do!
I kind of fell into my job working for my parents but I was lucky. Something will come along and it will click and you will love it!!
How about vetinary nursing? Or becoming a chiropractor and specialising to equines?

ETA: Deffo do your A levels, I regret dropping out of mine big style. They don't mean you HAVE to go to uni at the end of it, however they keep the door open if you choose you want to go :)
 
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on another track, how about the international Baccalaureate..........broader than the A level, same level of qualification and you wont pigeon whole your self.

it is your life.............you should do what makes you happy...but and there is always a but, you are only 16 so please don't back yourself into a corner and leave yourself with options.

did you know you could always do a degree in europe, it will cost you less than in the uk and you would have a change of scene.............also some uni's in this country have campuses in different countries. nottingham has china and maylasia, which means you can do a uk degree and live in china, learn manderin and it will be cheaper than the uk
also the oppurtunties that this could open for you would be amazing..........

also if you are a uk national then there are the commonwealth countries...........just think land of neighbours and barbies on the beach?:D


so if you decided on a degree then there are other ways of doing this rather than the straight route.
 
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