Jobs

[PC Steele]

I am 51 yrs old and die to retire soon. I have served in the police for 25 yrs and 20 of those have been in the mounted branch. Before that I have groomed for professional riders. I am very fit and I have an excellent work ethic, when I retire I would like to continue working with horses to keep my skills and my fitness. Is there any demand for someone of my age in the horse industry? I am a grafter but do not want to be a slave for an absolute pittance. I’m not a bad rider either

 

[TPO]

@Red-1 is ex police so might be able to offer a unique perspective

I don't think anyone cares what age you are when it comes to horses, as long as you can do whatever job it is. Not getting paid a pittance might be trickier

 

[Glitter's fun]

Might you be able to find something enjoyable and see the pittance as a pension top-up?

My friend who is ex RAF works as a Trek leader in a very pretty place & gets free livery for her own horse but the wage is as you'd expect!
She also does a few lectures on horse care at a local college.

 

[Carrottom]

Work in racing?

 

[humblepie]

Work in racing?

Definitely have a look at careers in racing job board to see a flavour of what is around and/or speak to some trainers local to you. The industry wage agreement is mainly NMW but the job board gives a better idea of real wages plus staff get a percentage of winnings.

 

[PC Steele]

Might you be able to find something enjoyable and see the pittance as a pension top-up?

My friend who is ex RAF works as a Trek leader in a very pretty place & gets free livery for her own horse but the wage is as you'd expect!
She also does a few lectures on horse care at a local college.

Sorry just to clarify I just want a pension top up but I don’t want to be worked to death!!! I did those jobs in my twenties. I know there are a lot of decent employers out there but there are some who just take advantage of someone who is a grafter and conscientious

 

[PC Steele]

Definitely have a look at careers in racing job board to see a flavour of what is around and/or speak to some trainers local to you. The industry wage agreement is mainly NMW but the job board gives a better idea of real wages plus staff get a percentage of winnings.

Thanks would love to work in racing

 

[BronsonNutter]

We would happily employ someone that age (equine vets) - the youngsters can do lots of trotting horses up and mucking out and are great at it, but there's always a need for reliable trustworthy staff for dispensary, organising other staff, reception etc.

 

[toppedoff]

Can vouch for racing, my old boss had a pensioner ride out for us simply because he loved it

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Given your background how about a race course steward or something along those lines.

 

[humblepie]

Given your background how about a race course steward or something along those lines.

I thought that as well so race day official. Equine welfare and integrity officer.

 

[PC Steele]

Given your background how about a race course steward or something along those lines.

Good idea thanks

 

[teapot]

A decent training centre would welcome you as staff I feel. Salaries will be lower for sure but you should be able to find something

 

[Barton Bounty]

Another for racing.. sounds good! And can do as many days as you feel you can

 

[Jambarissa]

What in particular do you enjoy? Do you want to be handling horses or riding or organising things or doing the physical labour?

Most horse jobs are poorly paid because so many people want to work with horses.

I think you could leverage your background and advertise yourself as a freelance groom, you sound reliable and trustworthy and you'll probably find a couple of (rich) families who'll pay good money for holiday livery.

Alternatively you could look into qualifying in some aspect of horse care, maybe massage or barefoot trimming. Be prepared to spend a couple of years and a few grand to qualify but then by the time you retire you'll be ready to have a few regular clients and can set your own schedule.

 

[blitznbobs]

I’d employ you if appropriately skilled.. age is not a problem

 

[Barton Bounty]

@PC Steele if your on TikTok, look up The Health Obsession. Mostly all men and older too exercising racehorses

 

[Bonnie Allie]

Given your background you will have outstanding communication skills as well as equine skills. Have you considered retraining as a qualified equine therapist? Would allow you to work part time for an established, insured, credentialed organisation and your knowledge of some of the challenges these people drawing down on the services have would be second to none.

You would also be an exceptional vet nurse - again as you can communicate well, which is where our vets are often challenged with their schedules. It’s so valuable having someone in the practice who can communicate well. However these roles are very poorly paid and there are toxic cultures that exist in many veterinary practices due to low competency in managing staff and client relationships.

Finally - given your seniority, I bet you also have good leadership skills. Vet practices really need some help in the new world of digital, and staff well wellbeing. The good practices recognise they need strong practice management which is more than utilisation of staff, rostering and getting bad debts paid. Maybe look to upskill in business admin, take your leadership skills to a vet practice and actually make them customer centric/staff centric as well as increasing profitability.

 

[rabatsa]

Quite a few field officers for equine welfare organisations are ex police. Not a clue about pay though.

 

[canteron]

Definite try equine colleges - although the pay isn’t great, they have all the pension benefits etc and may be keen to utilise you unique skill set.