So You Want to Work with Horses: The Myth and the Reality

Many people dream of working with horses - usually in the capacity of trainer or showing horses. The reality of work in the horse industry is much different than most picture.

My first paid job with horses was in the late 1970s at a Standardbred off track facility. Over 30 years later and a lifetime of experience things aren't quite what I pictured sitting on that pony in the hay field after watching Secretariat win the Kentucky Derby! It's better - and worse. So many want a fast track to the sweet jobs and the truth is - without money, luck and marketing there's little future and littler money in the horse industry. If that doesn't discourage you - read on!

The reality is you'll start as hundreds of thousands of others - picking stalls, grooming, feeding. You can insert here you will be the one out in the freezing snow and stifling heat catching the horse who don't want to be caught; you will be the one dealing with nasty tempered horses because those above you insist they can't be disciplined as it will "break" them. And when you work for others you do things their way - or quit.

Stability in the horse world often isn't there. If you're looking for a job where you're guaranteed anything, where people mean what they say (with or without it being in writing) keep looking - in other industries! Some of the best people in the world are in the horse industry - and some of the biggest crooks in the world are there too. You'll find much more of the latter than the former.