Working with horses

[Victoria Marston H&H]

Hi everyone,

In this week's reader poll we want to know if you would want to work with horses, or if you already do. Visit the H&H homepage now to vote.

So, if you do work with horses, tell us about it — are you making a successful living as a professional rider? Or mucking out for minimum wage? Do you still have your own horse, or has it taken the shine off equines for you?

Would you love to spend every day on a yard, if it wasn't for the mortgage that needs paying? Maybe you've compromised and found an office job in the equestrian industry?

And if you wouldn't want to, what is it that puts you off?

Thanks!

Victoria

 

[nicolaGibb]

I work on a college yard traning students up to stage 3. I have 4 years of experience on this yard. I love what I do, but would't do this without the stability of the college environment.
It is an excellent way to work in the industry, as even though it is a hands on job wioth horses, my day has various roles encorporated into one job!! I don't spend hours on end mucking out (except in the college hols), but I do spend a lot of time teaching, training, helping and often chasing students along.
It is not the ideal job for everyone. You have to have a degree of patience and understanding to deal not only with 50 or so 16-19 year old girls (a challenge in itself) bbut also with the red tape which wraps everything up in terms of health and safety and risk assessment.
In order to broaden my horizons and improve my experience from which to teach, I'm currently organising a sabbatical for a month's work with a top professional rider.
I have my own horse and as I'm lucky enough to have weekends off (from last September) I do a lot with him. He works in the college yard as well as being ridden and competed by me.
I love what I do and in the 4.5 years I've worked there I've had many ups as well as some crashing downs. I have attained my AI and am now working towards ISM.
It's definately different to the average yard job, but it's certainly the one for me!!