How to Become a Horse Trainer as a College Student: 7 Key Tips
How do you become a horse trainer? Just think of all the demands that go with finishing college and add extra knowledge and skills a good horse trainer may need. Seems like an impossible task! However, there are ways to plan, prioritise and succeed at using education as a stepping stone toward a meaningful career with horses. Here are seven tips to help you clear the high bar.
Dive Into Relevant Academic Courses
While you are a college student, take as many classes as possible that will enhance your horsemanship and your ability to train horses. Look for classes in animal science, business management, and even psychology – any classes that will give you a broad-based education. You will need to know how animals behave, the basics of veterinary care, and the basics of running a business. This academic background will support your hands-on training and make you a more professional-appearing equestrian.
Gain Hands-on Experience
Classroom theory is important, but nothing matches real-world experience. Find part-time work or internships at stables, at a racetrack, or at other equestrian facilities. Gaining regular exposure to the daily reality of training and caring for horses is an invaluable way to learn about the profession. It will prepare you for what to expect when you start keeping your own horses. It’s advisable to get involved in as many areas of horse care as possible – this is one of the best ways to learn how much work is involved in keeping horses and will give you a better understanding of what’s required of a trainer.
Network Within the Equestrian Community
And in the horse business, developing your network can’t be overstated. Go to equestrian shows, races and seminars to make connections with trainers, vets, and everyone else who’s anyone in the equine world. These relationships can turn into mentorships, more internships, and eventually jobs. As a student, you can also work with professional essay writers online to get a better understanding of essay writing, as it’s a skill that every student needs. Networking can also help you keep up with what’s new in the industry, making you appear knowledgeable and relevant.
Specialize Your Skills
The more you train, the more benefit there will be from building your skills and knowledge in one direction or another – for example, competition dressage or jumping, sport horses, thoroughbreds, or rehabilitation, just for starters. Having a niche can be of great value to a prospective employee or client. A trainer with a specialisation will stand out.
Master Time Management
Balancing academics and horse training demands top-notch time management. Here’s how to keep everything on track:
- Create a Structured Calendar: Plot both your academic and training schedules.
- Utilize Planning Tools: Mark class times, study sessions, and equestrian activities using digital planners or calendars.
- Communicate Effectively: Keep both academic advisors and equestrian employers in the loop about your schedules.
- Plan for Downtime: Always allocate time for rest and relaxation to maintain your mental and physical health.
- Stay Organized: Regularly update your commitments to avoid overlaps and manage your time efficiently.
Managing your schedule well ensures you perform optimally both in the classroom and at the stable.
Stay Informed and Continue Learning
The equestrian life is ever-evolving, with new research into training methods, improved healthcare and industry standards popping up now and again. Start reading equine publications, subscribe to online forums and continue your education. Not only will this keep your skills up-to-date, but it will inform you of the best practices and new research on equine health and training methods, which will help you to provide the best care and training for the horses in your program.
Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Having a mentor can make a huge difference to your career as a horse trainer. If you can find a person with experience who is willing to help guide you in your education and your direction in the equine industry, you’ve hit a jackpot. A good mentor can help you make decisions, introduce you to important contacts, and teach you nuances of the trade unavailable in classroom learning. They can also provide an emotional outlet when you’re stressed by juggling college and a heavy training load.
Embrace Professionalism Early On
Get a jump on the business aspects of your career early on. Learn how to show up and look professional, how to deal with clients, and how to financially and legally run and maintain an equine business. Having these skills will enable you to further your career if you decide to work for someone else, and they’ll give you a head start if you decide to open your own training facility.
Galloping Toward Success
Horse training is certainly a challenging path to take. Still, with focus and determination, it is possible to achieve a college education, get practice on the side, build a network of industry professionals and ultimately start a rewarding career as a horseman/woman. Choosing the path of a trainer is a bold move, especially when starting as a college student. However, if you apply yourself, study hard and gain real-life experience, you will have a stable foundation to begin your career in the equine industry and a lifetime of adventures to look forward to. Good luck!