Non yard based equestrian jobs - who has managed it?

dollymix

dollymix

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Who here has managed to find work in the equestrian industry? - in an office capacity, or something other than day to day horse care (if that makes sense!)

I work in marketing and PR (mainly copywriting, PR, advertising and direct mail, but with web and social media experience too) and would dearly love to work in a similar role in the equestrian industry, or even the agricultural/other land-based industries. I would love to do a job which combines my love of the horse world and/or countryside life! Writing for a horse magazine or similar would be my ideal as I am also a photographer too ;)

If anyone has tips I would love to hear them!
 
Publishing/media wise. It's a hard industry to get into, but once you've got your feet under the table, and got yourself a good reputation - you're in for life.

I am the editor of two veterinary magazines, one exclusively equine, and was previously an animal health/equine journalist, focused very much on high level technical copywriting. I started off in general PR/Marketing, moved across to an animal health specific agency as soon as I had developed the skills, and gradually eased myself across to the publishing side.

If you want to work on the techie vet side, you need to be really really technical - able to take massive technical papers, understand them, and be able to turn them into readable, but still technical copy/articles. If the consumer side is more appealing, you don't need to be as technical, but you will find the competition for jobs/commissions immeasurably more competitive. i did a bit of consumer stuff, but my heart isn't really in it. The pay is low, as there are so many people desperate to get a foot in the door, and you need to have something pretty special to offer to get noticed.

Be prepared that, unless you are very lucky, you may need to work for nothing whilst holding down a proper job, just to get yourself into the industry. Thats my most valuable tip!
 
Thanks for the tips!

I do already write an equine blog for a country magazine title for free ( well, I do have some perks as they'll sign my press accreditation to take photos at big horsey events).

I also wrote a series of blogs which was online for a children's pony magazine which I got through a contact who does a lot of social media/online copy writing as a freelancer. I did get paid for this but as you say, it was peanuts!

I loved it though and am more than willing to do low paid stuff alongside my full-time job if it gets me known in the right circles. Not sure where to look for other free lance stuff though? Suggestions welcome! :)
 
dollymix said:
Thanks for the tips!

I do already write an equine blog for a country magazine title for free ( well, I do have some perks as they'll sign my press accreditation to take photos at big horsey events).

I also wrote a series of blogs which was online for a children's pony magazine which I got through a contact who does a lot of social media/online copy writing as a freelancer. I did get paid for this but as you say, it was peanuts!

I loved it though and am more than willing to do low paid stuff alongside my full-time job if it gets me known in the right circles. Not sure where to look for other free lance stuff though? Suggestions welcome! :)
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You could try Everything Horse. I was supposed to be writing the healthcare section for them, but simply don't have the time to do unpaid stuff, and as a new start-up, they don't have budget yet to pay. They do want to though, so it won't always be unpaid!
 
I worked in the office of a large livery yard, riding school, BHS exam centre and live in training/wp programme and trekking holiday centre. It was interesting and varied work but didn't pay as well as office management work in a different field. I don't think there are many of these types of big commercial yards around these days as students tend to go to college. Also there are hundreds of people doing equine management courses hoping to work in the equestrian field without having to muck out stables.
 
I work as an equine health professional, so kind of on the yard... but through this I've met equine PR professionals, a gentleman who makes and sells sculptures made with horseshoes, plenty of equine publishing and/or advertising specialists, equine events organisers, pharmaceutical and feed reps, equine photographers (both media and souvenir types) etc etc and thats not including standard chiro/physio/bodyworker/dentist/vet/saddler/farrier/saddle fitter/feed shop owner/tack shop owner/ etc etc
 
I fell into insurance by taking a job as a call centre rep with a well known equine and small animal insurer. Went to motor insurance then to the regulating body but realised its not so much insurance I enjoy as talking cats/dogs/horses all day so shortly due to go back to pet insurance. So another angle to think of as they have marketing/pr departments. Also, companies who have stands at the horse shows so ariat or British eventing for example (ie, brands/manufacturers rather than shops as such) might be another option?
 
Saw a friend last night who has been teaching for a new local charity that offers riding therapy for RDA. They are struggling to get attention so I have just offered to do their PR, photography and possibly their social media for free. Will hear back from the manager today, but will be another string to me bow!

They also have a website which I've offered to populate with photos and content. Think it will be a fun project and I have the right contacts to get them promoted locally as I already do a lot of PR with the local press for my FT job. I had a great time last night brainstorming with my friend as to what she could do with social media to get publicity/attention but she looked terrified so I offered to do it for them!
 
I do sales and marketing for a large equestrian/training centre, and recruit apprentices into horsey jobs.

It's like my ideal job, I'm very lucky!

The larger riding schools will have reception and admin teams who do most or all of the marketing, PR etc, keep an eye out or go speak to them and register interest.

As has already been said, it's not as well paid as a 'regular' office job, but a sacrifice worth making for spending the day surrounded by horses and dogs!! :)
 
I work in accounts for a farm/butchers that have shops in London. Want to do more accounts courses and progress but time and finances are putting this on hold!!
Would love to be a racing secretary or bookkeeper so I can combine the 2!
 
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