running an event yard

[annam233]

Having finally decided to leave for Gloucester next year after a short break following my GCSE’s (will be finished with year 11 by this september!!) to work at an event yard as a groom and apprentice (training with my current top horse) so, a rather unrealistic question - how likely is it to make eventing a career?

This is mostly a genuine question as I know years upon years of hard work is not enough to get you to the top alone, no amount of hard work will overrun a rider with hell of a lot of money! Unfortunately we do not have that sort of money so my dream of running my own event yard with a nice string of horses will likely never come true - or atleast without a professional job behind the scene to fund for it!! So I was just rather curious to see everyone’s answers.

 

[bonny]

Anything is possible if you want it enough but it will be a rocky road ?

 

[annam233]

Anything is possible if you want it enough but it will be a rocky road ?

I have always sworn by this too, but leaving school this year and finally having to make decisions that will actually affect my future/career has really made me think how on earth I will ever achieve the dreams little 8yo me had (and still have).

I’ve worked so incredibly hard all through my teenage years - gotten project after project, produced all my main event horses myself, spent every penny I earned towards eventing and training with ‘top’ riders and feel like i’ve gotten nowhere - I may aswell plod around on a little cob the entire time rather than overhorsed myself several times simply so I could move up the levels!!

 

[ihatework]

I’m going to give you the honest answer here - anything isn’t always possible with hard work alone.

You will need significant talent on a horse to start with and then a whopping great load of luck on top.

Honestly, if there is anything you can do outside of horses that allows you to keep your own event horse as a hobby I’d do that.

If you continue to want to do this you will need financial backing. Base yourself as a WP at a big yard. Work your butt off. Stay humble. Treat everyone you meet with respect (you never know which random person might be your next owner).

 

[EventingMum]

It's good to have ambition but I would say always have a backup plan. I left school and wanted nothing more than a career with horses. I competed all summer and then went to work on a yard and do some exams. I ended up with a injury and my leg in a plaster cast, I healed enough to compete the following season and afterwards went off to work again only to reinjured my leg and end up in plaster for several months. At this point, I began to think this was perhaps not the right choice for me! Fortunately, I had good enough exam results from school to gain entry to my degree course and did that whilst competing in the holidays. I did return to horses later on but it wasn't in the same way I had initially envisaged. Hold on to your dreams, you might be one of the few that make it but be aware a lot of people who are good riders don't due to lack of funds or opportunity.

 

[honetpot]

Having finally decided to leave for Gloucester next year after a short break following my GCSE’s (will be finished with year 11 by this september!!) to work at an event yard as a groom and apprentice (training with my current top horse) so, a rather unrealistic question - how likely is it to make eventing a career?

This is mostly a genuine question as I know years upon years of hard work is not enough to get you to the top alone, no amount of hard work will overrun a rider with hell of a lot of money! Unfortunately we do not have that sort of money so my dream of running my own event yard with a nice string of horses will likely never come true - or atleast without a professional job behind the scene to fund for it!! So I was just rather curious to see everyone’s answers.

You have to be very lucky, talented and also have owners/parents to buy the right horses.
The young people I knew who were my daughters age at PC and wanted to work and compete horses are now earning a living doing something else. One of them her parents bought her a succession of very expensive event horses/tack/lorry/lessons, now she doesn't ride. One worked for an eventer and hardly got a chance to ride, now works in HR and has his own lovely horse. The only person I know who still competes and makes a living out of horses, transports racehorses.
I left school and worked with horses, and I soon realised I wasn't a good enough rider, and didn't have the contacts. I do not regret doing it because it was only a year of my life, and I learnt a lot, but you need a good yard/employer and if I had the money probably an intensive course at Talland would have been a better option, as I would have a bit of paper which then would have been worth something.
Make sure you have a contract, some formal training, go till next spring, enjoy it, get life skills and move on.

 

[annam233]

Thank you for your replies!! I think i’m getting rather overwhelmed trying to decide what to do right now. If I want to go to university to study after being an event groom and apprentice I would need to apply very very soon however I am still holding onto the very little hope I have left?‍

A rather rough introduction- I currently have 2 projects eventing at 100, one stepping upto novice next month. My main horse is eventing at novice with many intermediates planned this season and stepping upto advanced next season if all goes well. I’ve got big plans for him in the far future.
My parents are extremely supportive and although we certainly have money, definitely not enough to go buying a string of 4* eventers. We are now living not too far from chepstow racecourse. I’m very lucky that my parents supported enough to build a pretty decent yard here, which I’ve always hoped would be my base - my own event yard. The projects will be sold this coming winter before I head off to gloucester.

All my profit from the projects combined, aswell as all my savings from the projects I had throughout my teenage earlier years will go towards an exceptionally well bred 4yo with hopes of producing it upto the slightly upper levels. I’m just hoping, and working extremely hard towards it, that all of this will come together one day but I just don’t know how to get there or how realistic it is

 

[ihatework]

I’d say apply to university and defer your place. Take a gap year (or two) to either get it out of your system or to see if you think you can make a living out of it.

One advantage you have is a ready made base - that is a huge bonus.

Ill PM you

 

[Wishfilly]

You can go to uni at any time or any age these days, and completely change your career path via e.g. an access course once you're over the age of 19. So if things go wrong, that is always an option- you aren't closing that door.

Realistically, no-one can make you any guarantees- there isn't one set formula. Other people can tell you all the things that could go wrong BUT if you don't try, there's a 0% change you will succeed.

Most people don't manage to make a career as a "pro" 5* eventer, but I think you already know this. But there are other ways to make it work, such as selling horses (as you've already discovered), teaching/schooling livery, and, to some extent social media. Again, some of these things may be a bit of a long shot BUT my point is that you can make a successful career, even if you're not competing at the very top levels. It just depends if you would want that?

Ultimately, if you're going to give it a go, now is the time- although people can have long careers in eventing, I think if you're not out competing relatively young, you're very unlikely to make the transition to it being your living. So, for me, it would be worth giving it a shot, whilst knowing that if you feel it's not working out or no longer right for you, there are always options available.

 

[HashRouge]

Thank you for your replies!! I think i’m getting rather overwhelmed trying to decide what to do right now. If I want to go to university to study after being an event groom and apprentice I would need to apply very very soon however I am still holding onto the very little hope I have left?‍

A rather rough introduction- I currently have 2 projects eventing at 100, one stepping upto novice next month. My main horse is eventing at novice with many intermediates planned this season and stepping upto advanced next season if all goes well. I’ve got big plans for him in the far future.
My parents are extremely supportive and although we certainly have money, definitely not enough to go buying a string of 4* eventers. We are now living not too far from chepstow racecourse. I’m very lucky that my parents supported enough to build a pretty decent yard here, which I’ve always hoped would be my base - my own event yard. The projects will be sold this coming winter before I head off to gloucester.

All my profit from the projects combined, aswell as all my savings from the projects I had throughout my teenage earlier years will go towards an exceptionally well bred 4yo with hopes of producing it upto the slightly upper levels. I’m just hoping, and working extremely hard towards it, that all of this will come together one day but I just don’t know how to get there or how realistic it is

How old are you, if you don't mind me asking? You mention you'll be done with year 11 soon, so assuming you're probably only 15/16? If so, I would recommend going and doing either A levels or BTECs or something that would enable you to go on to university eventually if you decided that was for you. I personally think doing an apprenticeship as an equine groom is utterly, utterly pointless. You don't need one to work with horses, for a start, and it also won't set you up well for a different career path if that is what you choose. You could use your summer holidays from college to try and get a summer job working for a competition yard of some sort, and build up your experience that way. If you did decide to go to university, you wouldn't be applying until your second year of college so you have plenty of time to consider your options.

In all seriousness, I am a secondary school teacher so I have a lot of conversations like this with students. You can do whatever you like in your future - after all, it's your future. But what I really advise against is closing certain doors too early and restricting your options. Get A levels or BTECs in subjects that interest you and then, if you still want to, go and work as a eventing groom afterwards once you're 18. You absolutely will not need qualifications to do this - experience is much, much more useful, and you sound like you have a good level of experience already. You could also go as a working pupil, if you wanted to. Just imagine getting to 18, realising you don't want to work with horses and actually, would quite like to go to university, and not having the qualifications to go. Whereas if you go and do A levels first, you can then go and work as a groom but still have the option of going on to university afterwards if you want to do that.

Apologies if I've misinterpreted your post and you are older than I think. But in all seriousness, if you are coming to the end of year 11 (and so 15/16), I am not convinced your plan is a very good one. You should bear in mind that working with horses generally doesn't pay very well, especially if you stay as a groom. So, imagine you don't make it as an event rider, and the only qualification you have is an equine apprenticeship, you might potentially be stuck in low-paid grooming jobs. Whereas if you do A levels, then work with horses for a bit and decide it isn't for you, you will have the option of going off to university and then getting a better paying job that will allow you to keep eventing as a hobby.

Sorry to be blunt!

 

[Winters100]

Well done for asking the question, it sounds as if you are intelligent and realistic, and are trying to weigh up the options with a sense of realism, not just dreams.

It is true that anything is in theory possible, but you have to ask yourself is it probable, even with hard work. Only you can answer the question, but I believe that you may come to the conclusion that the course of action more likely to lead to happiness would be a good education and a career that allows you to own horses. I am not knocking the idea of a career with horses, but it is incredibly hard, and the majority of talented riders do not make their living competing at top level, but training and teaching amateurs. If this is what makes you happy great, it is also worthwhile, but if you feel that it would only be a career for you if you got to top level then it is time to pause and think.

Education gives you choices. It will be perfectly possible to continue riding while at uni, to do holiday work and to gain experience. It is also true that education is the only thing that cannot be taken away from you. Money can be lost, but an education will always stand you in good stead. You are very young to be taking these decisions, so I hope that you have the support and advice of your family, but do weigh up the options carefully, and look to the long term, because a career lasts a long time, and as you get older the physical work with horses might not be enjoyable anymore.

Well done for thinking carefully, and I wish you good luck and success with whatever career choice you make.

 

[Wishfilly]

I would say, these days, there are lots of routes to university, and going straight from Y11 to A-levels isn't essential.

Doors close a lot earlier in sport (any sport) than they do in education.

 

[annam233]

Thank you. I definitely have not ruled out university, I’ve studied like mad to hopefully get the best possible results at GCSE to allow me the option of A levels and furthermore college or university. I have a rather long list of potential universities which would be flexible enough to allow me to work on an event yard alongside studying, aswell as a rough idea of 5* eventers who will be looking for a groom and exercise rider who will be open to me taking my own horse to train with in preparation for his first advanced and hopefully CIC** and ***s. I’m mostly aiming to work on an event yard for the experience, I have my horses at home and although I have my own small string of event horses it doesn’t even compare to a yard of 20+ top eventers of course.

As I said, I am 100% going to keep all my options open. I happen to be speaking to my parents and 2 trainers tomorrow evening altogether to help guide me in the right direction in making eventing my career, and also keeping my aware that this decision can’t be made lightly or in a week. I will continue to study and strive for best possible results, as I always know I have plenty of career paths to fall back on nonetheless! Thank you.

 

[Winters100]

Well done you. You clearly have a good head on your shoulders. Options are everything at your age, but I think you realize that.

 

[fetlock]

16 seems very young to be leaving

How old are you, if you don't mind me asking? You mention you'll be done with year 11 soon, so assuming you're probably only 15/16? If so, I would recommend going and doing either A levels or BTECs or something that would enable you to go on to university eventually if you decided that was for you. I personally think doing an apprenticeship as an equine groom is utterly, utterly pointless. You don't need one to work with horses, for a start, and it also won't set you up well for a different career path if that is what you choose. You could use your summer holidays from college to try and get a summer job working for a competition yard of some sort, and build up your experience that way. If you did decide to go to university, you wouldn't be applying until your second year of college so you have plenty of time to consider your options.

In all seriousness, I am a secondary school teacher so I have a lot of conversations like this with students. You can do whatever you like in your future - after all, it's your future. But what I really advise against is closing certain doors too early and restricting your options. Get A levels or BTECs in subjects that interest you and then, if you still want to, go and work as a eventing groom afterwards once you're 18. You absolutely will not need qualifications to do this - experience is much, much more useful, and you sound like you have a good level of experience already. You could also go as a working pupil, if you wanted to. Just imagine getting to 18, realising you don't want to work with horses and actually, would quite like to go to university, and not having the qualifications to go. Whereas if you go and do A levels first, you can then go and work as a groom but still have the option of going on to university afterwards if you want to do that.

Apologies if I've misinterpreted your post and you are older than I think. But in all seriousness, if you are coming to the end of year 11 (and so 15/16), I am not convinced your plan is a very good one. You should bear in mind that working with horses generally doesn't pay very well, especially if you stay as a groom. So, imagine you don't make it as an event rider, and the only qualification you have is an equine apprenticeship, you might potentially be stuck in low-paid grooming jobs. Whereas if you do A levels, then work with horses for a bit and decide it isn't for you, you will have the option of going off to university and then getting a better paying job that will allow you to keep eventing as a hobby.

Sorry to be blunt!

OP is 18

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/livery-yards.814642/#post-14822040

 

[HashRouge]

16 seems very young to be leaving


OP is 18

https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/livery-yards.814642/#post-14822040

Ah I was confused because they say they're just finishing year 11 and their GCSEs, which would normally be 16.

 

[misst]

Wishing you really good luck and a great time but another vote for having a fall back position if needed. No one my daughter competed with is doing much now in their 30s. Most either have kids or very busy jobs. Few can afford it nowadays. They all enjoyed their teens and early twenties doing varying levels of competing with varying levels of success . One girl from another PC branch is a very successful dressage rider but she always had the best horses and lorries as a teenager and was a very talented rider then.
The other heartbreaking thing is that if you only have one really good horse and it gets injured you are straight back to square one so don't put all your hopes on going straight up through the grades. Try and enjoy the moment. Good luck ! xx

 

[hock]

Marry well … I’m joking!
I admire you for saying and knowing at your age what you want to do with your life. I hope that doesn’t come across as patronising, I still at nearly 50 don’t know what I want to do when I grow up.

So if I was doing it again with your ambition I would treat myself like a business. I would get the very best training I could with the very best most influential high profile employers I could and invest in my own training as well and see this as a necessary ongoing expense. I’m not talking about Frank down the road who has his AI I’m talking about who the professionals go to, even if it’s only 4 times a year. I would make as many good contacts as I could and remember that a good reputation takes years to earn and minutes to lose especially in a world as small the horse world. I’d be prepared to move for good opportunities and that’s not always financial, it’s leaning and experience. Be known as reliable dedicated but someone who knows their own worth. As your experience and knowledge grows charge accordingly because that money is what you’re going to use to plough into your own eventual event team. And then finances, learn now to be really financially savvy. Mortgages are hard to get but you’re going to need one to have your own yard so savings and a really good credit score is necessary. And then self esteem, as I said above know your worth and your value. And lastly go to a proper dressage trainer for flat work not an event rider. But a good one, that insists your basics are absolutely solid. And if it doesn’t work for you, you’re 10 years down the line with a good credit score, high self esteem, a load of good references and lots of great experiences and hopefully stories that’ll set you up for your next adventure. Financial security and independence really improves your quality of life.

 

[Parrotperson]

Plus. Event groom and apprentice with own horse?

Be very careful here. You could end up doing all the crap jobs and absolutely none of the o Ed you actually want to do. And for no or little money.

 

[paddi22]

I've a few friends who are young and are becoming professional event riders. the ones who are succeeding had a lucky break with a cheap horse (usually exracers) who have brought them up the levels. they sell off the ones that don't go up the levels to amateurs, who are delighted to have a horse who can do 1 10, sailing around a 90s course. they also hire themselves out for schooling horses for amateurs and this allows them to network and also get rides on other horses. a lot also work on racing yards breaking young horses, which allow them to keep fit/ride all day, and also have access to fresh exracers.

the others who have an easier life either married rich men or have very high end jobs! they have the cash to buy super horses, keep them at super yards, and pay top riders to school them during the week. they also can afford to work with the best trainers. I remember going to a clinic with one and chatting to the famous rider teaching it, who laughed and said she envies their lives and the opportunities they get, without the graft she had to do.