As horse lovers and riders, we have many options for careers with horses. With proper education, we can become horse trainers, riding instructors, trail guides, vaulting coaches, equine facility managers… the options are endless! Whether you are just starting out in the horse world or have ridden most of your life, here are some tips that will help you turn your passion for horses into a paycheck.
1) Be willing to learn. No matter how much horse experience you have, you’ll never know it all! Ask questions, shadow lessons or training rides, and be sure to take lessons yourself. Many big-name trainers continue to ride with clinicians while they train their own clients.
2) Volunteer. If you are looking to gain horse experience that could yield a paid job in the future, try volunteering at a local barn. You could even volunteer for a therapeutic riding program, where you can gain horse experience and simultaneously give back to your community!
3) Ride with different instructors. Learning from one trainer and one trainer only can limit your range of knowledge. If you truly want a diverse skill set to offer throughout your teaching or riding career, take lessons from a few different people. You can pick and choose the methods that you align with, and utilize them to create your own program.
4) Become a working student. A working student assists a trainer with their horses, students, and other barn tasks. Because this trainer has a well established facility, a working student will have a prime opportunity to learn what makes that business great, and will be able to apply these skills to their future career.
5) Make connections. The more people you know, the better. Ride at different barns, go to horse shows, and join group clinics. A lot of job opportunities come through word of mouth. If you know the right people, they can help kick-start your career with horses.
6) Get certifications. If you want to be a riding instructor, you can take courses and eventually get your instructor certification. The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is a program that offers this. Certification is proof of an individual’s knowledge and ability, validating that they are safe and effective in their methods. Additional benefits of CHA certification are insurance discounts, marketing and advertising advantages, and a better chance for employment. You can check out the Certified Horsemanship Association here.
The above tips will ensure your best chance of success in the horse world. With a willingness to learn and a good work ethic, you can accomplish your career goals in no time. The best part? If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.
Written by Nicole Fava (@hoofloose on Instagram).