Riding job pay!

[Evie denton]

Hello!
I’m 19 years old and looking for a full time riding job. I have jumped up to 145cm and jumped on a Junior Nations cup team, as well as breaking and producing a youngster.
What should I be asking as my hourly pay?
Thank you

 

[Midlifecrisis]

Do you mean you want to set yourself up as a freelance competition rider so that I as an owner can employ to ride my horse in whatever classes? Or you want to ride for a competition yard fully employed by them?

 

[Skib]

If you are 19 you could perhaps look for a post where you can train and get qualifications by taking BHS or other exams such as Association of British Riding Schools. Some exams are based on a series of exams, others mark course work.

Try the UK government site of the nationalcareers.service.gov.uk to see the options. I rode with a young escort who did the BHS exams at our RS but then for Stage 3 went to a competition yard for jumping.

 

[Starzaan]

I think we may need you to clarify what you’re looking for before we can help.
Are you meaning you want to go freelance, or set up as a competition rider or producer, or do you want a job at a yard riding?

 

[Evie denton]

It would be a job at a riding yard, it would include competitions on the horses I ride

 

[Amymay Again]

I think given your record and experience you could easily set yourself up as a freelancer. Do any of your mentors have any advice for you.

 

[P.forpony]

It would be a job at a riding yard, it would include competitions on the horses I ride

Just a few things to consider and factor into your rate.

You won't be sat on a horse for every minute of your day. Will you be paid per ride or paid per day regardless of how long you spend riding?
Eg if your normal rides are lame, having a day off etc will you be stood around not getting paid.

Are you expected to be grooming tacking up etc and is this time paid as well as the riding time?

Does the job come with any insurance benefits? You really should have your own regardless. If you break a leg you still need to pay your bills!

Will you get other benefits from the employment?
If you're getting lessons from a proven professional or put through BHS exams then that may be worth a trade off against your earnings.

Are competitions paid at the same rate as normal, do you get bonuses for performance? Will you be paid travel time and expenses when you go to competitions?

So many factors in these sort of situations.
I'd suggest having a look at what sort of jobs are being offered right now and which ones you like the look of, then see if the salary matches your expectations.

 

[Sail_away]

Full time jobs will be on a weekly/monthly salary, not per hour. Usually they’ll have a figure in mind, but if they really like you you might be able to negotiate. Some will have bonuses, eg if a horse sells, so worth factoring that in. Fair warning - overtime is not a common thing except in racing, so expect some unpaid hours.
To be honest for your first job I’d prioritise the experience and opportunities you’ll get over your pay, it’ll serve you better in the long run to build up your CV. I’d ask your coach who they’d suggest, if they’re involved in showjumping they should know who’s looking and who’s good to work for.

 

[HopOnTrot]

Employed or self employed?

 

[Muddy unicorn]

How much support do you have from your parents? Would you be able to prioritise gaining experience and contacts over earning decent (or even not so decent) money as that would stand you in better stead for the future. But obviously that’s easier if you have some financial support than if you’re trying to fend for yourself and be completely independent.

 

[Fieldlife]

Somewhere like Brendon Stud take people on as riders, and give them lots of chances to compete their horses. But I dont think pay is great.

Being a racing exercise rider e.g. Epsom Downs etc. would pay better but not help show jumping career.

Or you could approach names SJ-ers and ask if would take you on as an apprentice.

No route is likely to pay much per hour, but hopefully horse sales commission and prize money might help.

 

[sportsmansB]

Full time employed equine jobs don't tend to pay by the hour (for obvious reasons unfortunately!)
If you really want to make it as a competition rider, be prepared to approach the yards you would like to work in and work it out with them- you may need to start as a groom / rider, and it depends if you need accommodation or not
If you are getting lots of training and the chance to ride and compete much better horses than you could afford to buy, then be prepared to be flexible with the wage to get that experience while you are young enough to do that.

Its not for the faint hearted

 

[sport horse]

Hello!
I’m 19 years old and looking for a full time riding job. I have jumped up to 145cm and jumped on a Junior Nations cup team, as well as breaking and producing a youngster.
What should I be asking as my hourly pay?
Thank you

I dont think you should be asking for anything. If you are lucky enough to get an interview in a top show jumping yard and they offer you a job (I am sure you will have to do yard work as well as ride, certainly to start with) then you will have to accept whatever pay they offer as those jobs are few and far between and highly sought after. You will work very hard but get lots of experience in the right situation. If you are good enough you will over time get more rides on better horses but be prepared that that will take years not just a few days.

You could try Brendon Stud, Billy Stud, Breen Equestrian etc. They all take on young riders. Good luck.