re-training for horsey career - any suggestions?

[Firehorse]

i worked with horses as a stud groom, in my twenties, after a 2 yr college course. i then went into dogs and for the past 6 yrs hve run my own grooming business.

i would dearly love to work with horses again one day, and am pondering the idea of finding a course and training. now it wouldnt be possible for some yrs yet, not till my youngest son is at secondary school.

i wouldn't want to be a groom/ stablehand as i wouldnt be able to do the hours necessary. tbh, i would want to remain self-employed as it means i can set my hours around school and holidays, as i do now. i would also continue with the dog grooming until the horse job became a success. or possibly continue it anyway, as i do enjoy it.

i hve mulled over, but not yet looked into, the idea of equine sports therapy or massage. when i was at school i always wanted to be an equine phyio. i've also thought about chiro, and other similar things.

would love any ideas, suggestions or words of wisdom!
many thx.

 

[Divasmum]

To be an equine physio you have to do a degree a course as a human physio first.The same applies if you want to be an equine osteopath. There are various other courses available to learn how to do horse massage.

 

[Firehorse]

yeah i remember the courses for physio. i had a friend who was a human physio and used to spend time watching her, which is why i got interested. i'd hve to do A levels before the degree and i'm not sure i would be up for that! i prefer a hands on learning rather than "going back to school".

do you think there is a need out there for equine massagers? even if i learnt it and only ever did it to my own neddy and friends, it would be interesting to do.

 

[Divasmum]

There is a market out there for massage. Have a look at www.equineenergy.com and www.equinemassageassociation.co.uk

 

[Firehorse]

i'm jst having a look! why oh why didnt someone invent equine science degrees when i was at college. there are so many things to choose from out there. thx!

 

[FestiveBoomBoom]

There is now an MSc in veterinary physio that does not require you to have trained as a human physio first, it started in August last yr. Prior to that yes you had to have trained as a human physio first. However, being an MSc it does mean that you have to have a related first degree to get on the course. Maybe in the future there will be an undergrad degree in vet physio, there is def the demand for it!