Those of you with horsey careers

[kylie88]

Im trying to weigh up my options with a career change!

Im 23, left school and got an office job as I didn’t really know what to do. Looking back it was a mistake and I should have gone to college but cant change that now!

Anyway I HATE being stuck behind a desk all day and want to find a new career that I will enjoy. I was thinking of becoming an Equine Body worker as I find this type of thing extremely interesting and I know I would love learning it but the thing is, can I make a career out of it. I know it won't happen over night and I will have to work hard, build up a good reputation but long term will I be able to make it my job!

So realistically is it possible or really only something you can do on the side.

Any thoughts or advice much appreciated.

Thanks x

 

[hollyzippo]

Hi,

I did an Equine Degree then went on to do PG McTimoney-Corley course to become an Equine Spinal Therapist (what a lot of people would think of as a chiro- bit cant use the term with animals). I qualified at end of 2005.

Now I work 3 days a week at a vets as receptionist/helping with lameness work ups etc. I do about 2 days a week for my self, mixture of yard visits of horses at my clinic at a rehab yard. Dont get me wrong, I love it and am glad that I am pretty busy- a lot of my year dont work in that field anymore as not enough work. Its good that I work at the vets as a lot of overlap, its good to see more than just "back problems" and I pick up referals. Also working from a rehab yard is an advantage. BUT I always thought I would be full time within 2 years- NO WAY! The only people on my course that are full time now are in wales and Scotland- where there is much less competition!

I'm sure this is similar all over the UK, there are a lot of therapists with various training but it thins out the work. If you want it, go for it but it may never be a full time job so be prepared. Having said that, I love it and have a pretty successful business so would not put anyone off!

 

[kylie88]

Thanks hollyzippo, That's really helped give me an insight to how it really is. It sounds like you have a good set up and the key with this would be trying to work with vets or a rehab yard.

Thank you