Uni or horses? (Long)

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Charmaine18

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I've been trying to make my mind up about this for weeks, and I thought I had made my choice but now I'm doubting that again and I'm right back where I started...

I'm meant to be going to uni in September, I've already had 4 offers and I've been planning this all my life, but now I'm thinking I'd rather find a working pupil position at a yard somewhere, do my BHS exams and whatnot and find a job with horses instead. I've been debating for weeks which would be best, and I've come up with a list of pros and cons for each. You don't have to bother reading them, I'm basically just writing it all down to try and sort it out in my head.

UNI
Pros: I can get a better paid job. It's a life experience I might regret missing.
Cons: I suffer from depression and an anxiety disorder which means uni will probably be really hard for me, and I'm a bit worried about going, and being all on my own if I start to struggle. I will come out of it in debt, having spent tens of thousands of pounds on an education which, if I do decide to go into a job with horses anyway, I won't even need. All these well-paid jobs I could get with a degree are things I don't even want to do anyway.

NO UNI
Pros: I've been much happier in myself since I started working at the stables - it keeps me fit, I enjoy doing it and I think it's doing wonders for my health (mental and physical). I can start earning money straight away. I can keep loaning Scooby (who I'd have to give up if I went to uni).
Cons: It's not easy to earn much money working with horses. I love travelling, but on a groom's salary I probably won't be able to afford to do much of that. I may love working at the stables now, but who's to say I'll still feel like that after a year or two of hard, ill-paid, tiring work? And if I do decide I don't want to do it any more, I won't really be qualified for anything else.

I'm so completely stuck now. I have barely any pros for going to uni, but so many cons for not going...
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If anyone here has made this decision before, what did you decide and are you still happy with your choice? What would all you clever people do in my position? It's starting to stress me out now
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I've got to start replying to my offers soon, and I don't have a clue what I want!
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Can't you defer, take a year out and work with horses to see if that's for you?
What are you planning to do at Uni - maybe do something horse related? Equine sciencey...then when you come out you'll be a bit better paid and would have the added bonus of being with horses during your course...

Good luck what ever you decide.
 
Hi Charmaine

This might sound odd, but I wonder, given you've found so many cons for not going to uni and so many pros for taking the horsey option - what are you hoping people will tell you?

If I can be honest, I think you sound a bit scared of the uni option - but this is only absolutely natural - and the horsey option feels safer because you know what it would be like, and know where you're going to end up, etc etc.

I can't say what I think you should do. You'll make the right choice, provided you do what you actually WANT to do, rather than avoiding what you're worried about (but which could be great).

But I would say that going to uni doesn't mean giving up the horsey stuff - loads of people on here do both - and it might mean you can have two 'careers' when you leave, one which earns you the money and one which spends it all! x

Edited to say: Helen's suggestion above is a great one. I took a year off before Uni to spend time doing horsey stuff and it was great. You could easily do that - deferring's usually easy once you have the offer, and you can have your cake and it eat a bit too!
 
good luck with this decision, it's one im not looking forward to haveing to make next year!
i have the same dilema as you, cause as you say you love working with the horses now but will you love doing it forever? and i love it as a hobbie but i don't know if i want my hobbie to become my complete life? but also remember unis not for everyone, not everyone goes and can still get a decent job (ok probs not so much nowadays but still).
so yeah good luck
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We are in November - you have another 9 months and counting before you have to make your final decision on University. So make your choices, go to the open days, and then make your First and Insurance place decisions.

And also carry on organising your working pupil placement. Start a placement and see how it goes - if you're really enjoying it, defer your university place to 2011 entry. And if not - go to uni in 2010 as planned.


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Hiya,

I've just finished Uni but have been in a similar dilemma to you in the past. I chose Uni based on a few factors, including the obvious ones like the poor pay/hours associated with working with horses and also the problem of what do you do if you injure yourself and can no longer work with horses? I figured Uni offered better prospectives overall and was lucky enough to find a course which enabled me to study horses and business at the same time.

I don't know about your 'horsey history' but have you worked on a yard before? Prior to going to Uni I already had a lot of experience working with horses, both full and part-time and so had a real idea of how it suited me, the pro's and the con's. I'd suggest either getting a part time job at a yard, or even deferring your Uni place a year and using that gap year to work with horses. If you decide during this time that you definately want to continue working with horses then you have no obligation to start Uni, but you may find that actually Uni would be a good idea afterall. You don't really have much to lose in doing this as it will be good experience whether you choose to move on to Uni or not. Also, in my experience, the students who had a gap year before starting Uni were all MUCH better equipped for handling Uni than those who hadn't had much previous 'life experience'.

Hope that helps Xx
 
Difficult one, but speaking as someone who's in their seventh year of uni (I changed degrees, and have debts of ~ £25k to prove it), and having seen lots of friends graduate but not do anything with their degrees then I'd say don't go to uni unless you need the degree to do your chosen job eg Pharmacy (me!), doctor, lawyer etc etc. Wouldn't bother if you're thinking along the lines of say English or Biology and the like unless you know what you're going to do with it.

Remember, it's never too late to go to uni, in fact if you go after the age of 25 you'll get a much better deal so far as grants and the like go as you'll be classified as an independent student and your grant/loan status will be assessed on you and not your parents income.

There's no reason why you couldn't go and work with horses full time for a year or two and see how you like it and then make your mind up. You wouldn't have any problem applying later if you turned offers down. Problem with grooms jobs though is the poor pay, could you realistically support yourself and horse on the salary, what if you want a family in the future, a house of your own etc? May be looking ahead a bit but you should consider it.

I currently work at the yard my horse is at during weekends and holidays and absolutely love it, given the choice I'd much rather do that than Pharmacy but there's no future in it long term, and I want a stable career which will pay enough for my horsey habit - I like to compete and a professional job will give me both the time and the money as well as the flexibility to do this. Saying that though, I would much rather be working with horses, even having been out in this horrendous weather from 8am til 5pm today!

Sorry for the essay, it's a subject I feel quite strongly on in many ways having seen and experienced it from various angles.
 
I had this decision to make in 2004. I decided to go to uni (& studied business studies) to get a well paid job so I can enjoy owning & having my own horse (maybe horses one day!). I now have a well paying flexible job in marketing which surprisingly leaves me a fair bit of time to spend at the yard :-)

If you wanted to work with horses after uni you would always have your degree to fall back on if it didn't work out. And you could always do your BHS exams after uni etc.

Could you do uni part time while working with horses?
 
I think Willow gives very good advice - experience a good 6 months of working with horses before you rule uni out. I took a gap year and was working pupil for 9 months. I had had horses all my life but hated working for others with horses. I always remember my teachers saying to me that if I loved horses I should focus my attention on getting a good job that paid for them and enjoy my own horses. But.. I didnt have the added stress of depression / anxiety nor student debts (I went before you had to pay for yourself) so I can see how this would be a big factor.

15 yrs on and with a young family and a fairly successful career, I can honestly say that I dont really enjoy my job and I would love to be involved with horses in something - the ultimate aim is to eventually have my own livery yard and do BHS stages

University is a wonderful opportunity, a life changing experience but its not for everyone so dont feel guilty if you dont want to go.
 
As I am a lot older but maybe not much wiser. The advise that Willow1306 has given seems very very wise. If you do your uni you could then do the horse route but will always have the backing of what you achieve at uni.

I'm sure in the end you will make the right decision for you.

Good luck
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Thanks for all the replies... I've applied for English and Creative Writing, so the employment prospects for that are a bit rubbish to be honest! The main ones are journalism and editing, neither of which I'm especially interested in... although it would be cool if I could write for a horsey magazine like H&H or Your Horse, so I could combine my two passions, horses and writing.

I have thought about deferring and taking a gap year, but I'm already a year behind everyone else because I was off school ill for a year, and for some reason I just didn't think I could take a second gap year, as it were. I don't know why I assumed that, as it probably would be an excellent solution... I will look into the possibilty of deferring. Ooh, this is good, another option! Thanks.
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Don't worry in the slightest about taking another year - I took one between school and uni and another between uni and postgrad while all my peers went off and did stuff. They gave me some ribbing at the time, but once you reach early 20s no one even notices your age / academic year or anything like that any more, it all balances out. It's better to be second and right than first and wrong! xx
 
what about going to an agricultural uni and studying equine science or equine business management etc. This way it gives you better career options after uni, but is also very useful if you want to go into groom work, and then they'd support you in doing your BHS qualifications while at uni, and you can take a horse with you.

what have you applied to study out of interest? and was this pressured by college/parents/friends etc? if so don't do it.
 
Don't worry about age, I took a year ourt (unintended as wasn't going to uni) then changed degrees, will finally graduate next Summer when I'm 26! Admittedly majority on my course are four years younger than me, but I'm not the only "wrinkly" lol.
 
I think the gap year idea is a very good one. Firstly if you can save a few ££ towards your costs when at Uni it'll help, plus you may get asked back for the holidays -again any ££ you can earn is ££ less borrowed. It'll also help your job prospects after Uni, particularly if you can show you have experienced life skills such as responsibility (eg sole charge of 10 horses), dealing with the public (maybe in a RS environment or dealing with customers at a dealers yard) dealing with suppliers perhaps, etc etc - whatever you do do make the effort to be a grafter and to learn, to take and follow advice, accept responsibility, show willing and not cruise/lark about / drift as many youngsters seem to do (sigh), as you will need good job references as it's a difficult world out there to get *the* big job after Uni.

Also, if it interests you why not write and ask your favourite mags if they have any gap year work for you? Take the initiative before someone else does!
 
Uni is a life experience but if you're just going for that I wouldn't bother wasting the money. You need to have a genuine interest in the subject you want to study and have the motivation to study it for 3 solid years. Yes there's the social side of things but if you concentrate on that you will quickly fail the first year and get chucked out
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Yes you can get a better paid job with a degree but I am graduating in June next year and job prospects are pathetic, I will be lucky with any job let alone a decent paid job. I'm planning on taking a year out, getting a part time evening job and doing unpaid work experience anywhere and everywhere. When I graduate I will be in £18k of debt and that's with my parents helping me financially
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I had a similar dilemma, I didn't know what I wanted to do at uni and thought equine science (or whatever it was!) would be a good choice. My parents disagreed, and said I didn't want a career working with horses (I didn't!) so why waste all that time and money on a degree I was never going to do anything with. Plus I didn't want to get rid of my horse at the time (very stupid reason not to go by the way!).

I took a 'year out' and got a job working as an assistant in MRI at the local hospital and ended up there for 2 and a half years. I then sort of fell into what I do now and have been quite successful. I have a better paying job (although granted I am having a bit of a job crisis right now not enjoying the company I work for, but that can happen degree or not!) than a lot of friends who did go to uni and have never used their degree. I did regret it for a couple of years after college, as all my friends sounded like they were having such fun, however looking back, I had the most amazing life experience working at the hospital and some of the skills I gained there I would never have got at uni.

I guess what I am trying to say, is don't do something for the sake of it, if you have an idea of what it is you want to do, go out there and get some experience. It will say a lot if you spend a week in your half term trying out what it is you think you want to do, and that may help you make your mind up one way or the other. Good luck!
 
Hi Charmaine, I feel for you as this is a difficult situation to be in. I'm not sure what advice to give so I'll just tell you my story. I've helped/worked with horses ever since I was twelve and always loved it, spending every free hour down the stables, doing all the jobs, getting cold and mucky etc! My parents always hoped i would grow out of this and therefore never really got involved, they certainly didn't want me to get a horse but eventually allowed me to get one on long term loan (Barley)when I was 16.

I had always done very well at school and my parents had high hopes for me getting a good career when I was older. I did very well in my GCSE's getting mainly A's, Barley was sort of my reward for this, then I went on to do A levels, not doing quite so well as I was now being more distracted by horses! But I still managed to get fairly good grades. My parents wanted me to go to uni, I did not want to go, firstly it would mean loosing Barley and leaving behind all my friends from the stables, secondly I am very shy and knew i would struggle to make friends, fit in etc. But then they offered me a bribe i couldn't refuse, they offered to buy Barley for me so i could take him with me to uni. I agreed.

Well I hated uni! The first year wasn't too bad as at least then I enjoyed my course (I did an equine science degree), and really applied myself to it. However I didn't really make any close friends and was fairly lonely. I was glad I had Barley there, without him I would have been lost. The second and third years were the worst as then the course got both complicated and vague, it became much more scientific so less relevant to my own interests (which are caring for horses), my grades began to fall, I was much lonelier and began to become depressed. I became quite ill with depression, i would sleep alot and be tired constantly, I lost all interest in the degree, uni etc, my grades fell and I was just desperate for it to end.

Barley was the only thing that kept me going through all this. And knowing how disappointed my parents would be if I gave up, so I forced myself to finish it. I just scraped a pass and was very releived to get away from there and go back home.

It's two and a half years now since I graduated, I've worked with horses full time ever since in a few different jobs. Some of which have been enjoyable, others which haven't, all have been hard work, my first job was 7 days a week as a workinbg pupil at an event yard, this was the one I enjoyed the most but also extremely tiring, I couldn't stay there forever so left to work as a yard manager which seemed like a dream job, unfortunately the yard owner was a terrible man who made my life misery so i eventually left this too. I now work at a dressage yard which I do quite enjoy but it is very intense work, I do nine and a half hour days with only one 30 minute break, five and a half days a week. I love looking after horses but realistically I still live with my parents as I can't afford my own place and I have very little free time and am constantly worn out. Next year I will probably look for a proper job that pays well and gives you proper holidays/time off, although if I don't work with horses I don't really know what I'd want to do! So I am a bit stuck really. Anyway sorry this is so long. If you do go to uni make sure you choose a course that is right for you and maybe try to find one near home (mine was the other side of the country!) so you don't get lonely and can come back and visit the horses often. Whatever you decide I hope it works out for you.
 
Why not do your uni course part time at a uni near home?

It would mean that you would still have plenty of support and could also work in a horsey job and keep your horse while you do it. You could even do your stages at the same time.

I wouldn't not do uni, it is a great experience and will broaden your horizons. Even if you decided in the short term to do a horsey job, you have to bear in mind that a horsey job may not be for life. A friend of mine was part way through training for her BHSAI when she broke her ankle so severely that the prospects of working with horses in a pain free way were seriously limited. If she had done a degree before then she would have had much better prospects to get alternative work.

Keep your options open.
 
My personal view, having done 2 degrees because my first degree (in Maths) didn't qualify me to do anything I wanted to do is that going to uni is all well and good, and I had a fantastic time, but you really really need to do a degree that is working towards some sort of career! I have several friends who did degrees in geography, in English, in languages and one who did biochemistry and got a 1:1 they are all in jobs they could have got into without a university degree, and that's before the current financial issues we're having in this country. Even with a maths degree at a reputable university (University of Birmingham) I couldn't get a job without a lot of training and starting with a poor salary. The universities these days are chucking out graduates far faster than than they can find employment. My younger sister is studying accountancy as a result of my mistakes she said she wouldn't do an academic degree, she'd be better doing something that would lead her into a career. Whether she will get a job or not at the end of it is debatable, but at least she is part way qualified to actually do a graduate job!
My second degree was a part time (one day a week in uni, 4 days a week working) 5 years course in quantity surveying. I earned money while I did the degree, the company paid my course fees, and I was gaining valuble experience while working. If you can do a course like this near home I would wholeheaertedly recommend it if it is a viable option for you. Means you wouldn't have to worry about money so much. The biggest downfall on this would be the time, you spend one day a week at uni, but the other 4 days you are at work so assessments and the work you have to do for yourself have to fit into your free time so it is hard work. Having said that with good time management I'm sure you can find time for your horse! I was travelling home to N. Devon every weekend at one point to see my boy!
University can be a brilliant option, but you need to make it work for you.
Sorry it's so long, was supposed to be a quick comment!
 
Hi,

I took a year out to decide whether Uni was for me or not. As the others have said, I think this is a good idea to give yourself some thinking space and reduce your anxiety - the 'not-sureness' is probabaly exacerbating your anxiety if you are anything like me!

I decided to go to Uni, and kept my horsey too (admittedly he was on loan, but I made the decision not to give him back, and his owner helped me whilst I was away - I stayed away for the first year, but for the next two years I commuted, so I could still ride every day). This might be difficult these days as there are more costs associated with Uni than when I attended, so unless you are supported financially it's not always viable to keep the horse.

But in your case, you could still be involved with horses if you got a placing near home, plus it would be cheaper in terms of accommodation. You would give yourself more choices by going to uni - in my case it has meant that I've been able to train for a job which provides me with enough pennies to have horses and pay for training etc. It was a means to an end. And there is nothing to say you can't still work with horses afterwards, you'll just have that back-up if you change your mind if you have your degree.

The thought of Uni is scary, but it is 3/4 years out of your life, which soon whizzes by. So, even if you don't enjoy it, you will have something to show for it at the end. Short term pain for long term gain.

Good luck - you will make the right choice for you, I'm sure.
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I tried uni twice- once living away and once living at home. I then faffed about for a couple of years before finding a job which offered me day release study and which I now enjoy. There are graduates that start and do the same work as me for not much more money.

I would agree with those advising you to defer for a year, maybe more until you know what it is you want. I have a friend who worked in a bank until she was 28 then decided to go to uni!

Hope this helps. Good luck with whatever you decide to do
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I faced exactly the same issues- I suffer from anxiety ans stress linked problems, as well as dylexia, I was scared stiff of going after being bullied for being stupid and the bottom of the class all through school, and did not want to leave my boys at home!

BUT-
Uni was the best thing I ever did- I loved it and would go back again!
AND I got to ride a huge variety of horses through the riding club, I competed all round the country, made some great contacts for when I am in a position to compete myself- I even learned to play polo!
And now I have a job where I can afford to keep my own horses instead of struggling to keep my head above water and mucking someone elses out instead of having my own!

GO TO UNI! IT'S THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD!!!

And who knows- you might meet your ideal partner- rich, landed, horse owning and just ride forever... we can dream! lol!
 
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