Riding job pay!

E

Evie denton

New User
Joined
21 November 2024
Messages
2
Visit site
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 :)
 
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.
 
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.
 
Evie denton said:
It would be a job at a riding yard, it would include competitions on the horses I ride
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Evie denton said:
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 :)
Click to expand...
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.
 
You have a very impressive track record, and presumably know a lot of professional showjumpers from being at international shows and your training schemes etc. I mean this in the nicest possible way, but I think you are probably better placed than most of us on here are, in terms of what opportunities there are for you and how much they would be worth.

Minimum wage for someone your age who is not on an apprentice scheme is currently £8.60, so you could use that as a starting point.

There have been some good suggestions of places you could contact, earlier on the thread, but I'd also suggest having a discussion with your coach etc who may be able to put in a good word for you with people they know.

You clearly have a lot of talent and determination, so good luck to you 🤩
 
I don’t mean to put a downer on this lovely idea but, you’re not going to walk into a SJ yard, only ride and compete the horses.
Your employer will compete them and staff will be employed to do the work (not saying the employer won’t as well!)
Unless you can start yourself up as a self employed freelancer your best bet would be to find a decent competition yard and get the actual work experience behind you to boost your competitive experience.
You could otherwise offer yourself as a freelance rider, I think there are a huge amount of people with horses they don’t have time to ride properly or would like them to reach their potential when maybe the owner isn’t competitive or isn’t that interested in doing so.
 
Evie denton said:
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 :)
Click to expand...

If you're applying for jobs, you don't - the salary may well be advertised (if it isn't you ask) but at your age, it will be lower due to minimum wage guidance.

Also, just a thought - never use your full name for a forum log in, I found your instragram and FEI page within seconds.
 
Equine jobs notoriously pay next to nothing. Make sure you at least get minimum wage. My son wants to train horses as an adult and I have strongly suggested he have an alternate job option, at least part time, to ensure he makes ends meet!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top