"I'm glad that you're moving onto something with a little more stability." I can see my father's relieved face as I informed him of my new job choice. I couldn't help but notice a glimmer of joy that my new career was in no way, shape or form connected to horses, as all the others had been.
After all, my mother dabbled in a training and sales position before she moved along to her permanent job. Three years of spending more on my horses than I made on them, countless hours of mucking and a plethora of horse and human students led me to believe that there is no making a life with horses.
Regardless of my conclusion, when the corporate job gets monotonous I immediately scour the Web for possible horse jobs. Putting my linear approach aside, I discovered that equine-related jobs can not only be a professional and lucrative career, but can also take you abroad. From barn help to accountants, the horse world spurs jobs, like any other industry. It is a matter of using a little imagination and, at times, being an entrepreneur.
Canadian architect and president of International Equestrian Design, Robert Jolicoeur, cultivated his aptitude toward design and combined it with his lifelong interest in horses. Brother of international jumper trainer Pierre Jolicoeur, Robert Jolicoeur is credited with working at the FEI Federation Equestre Internationale level, developing courses for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and several World Cups. More recently, Jolicoeur designed the ring and footing for the 1996 Atlanta games.
While he may not work with horses on a daily basis, he aspires to "protect the horses' health and enhance their performance through the development of outstanding footing materials," (For more information: www.iedsopra.com).
Other jobs that require extensive equine knowledge, but do not necessarily demand daily interaction are equine law, insurance, journalism, pharmacist, retailer of equipment and clothing, photographer, graphic designer, nutritionist or sales in advertising, pharmaceuticals or horse property.
With a heightened awareness of horses' health and value as an athlete, performance-related fields have grown exponentially. This produces a demand for better insurance policies and, as a result, a need for equine appraisers. While only a few years ago this occupation was fairly obscure, equine appraisal is not only a profitable career, it also allows one the flexibility in hours, with the added benefit of being self-employed. Appraisal clients can include banks, attorneys and breed associations.
If horse care is more desirable, there are companies such as SmartPak that create an easy and environmentally friendly way to get your horse the proper amount of supplements. These types of companies look for equestrians who can focus on marketing, research and sales.
More common jobs relating to the horse industry are breeders, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, farriers and grooms. All of these require daily contact with horses and can range from full to part time.
There are extensive opportunities for horse people to develop a successful equine related career. The more experienced equestrians who pursue these niche jobs, the greater the authenticity and welfare of the equine industry.