How to Begin Making a Living with Horses?

Well, as you well know, it's not going to happen overnight and it certainly isn't going to be easy, but so many people completely miss out on their dreams because they didn't have anyone to support them and tell them "You can do it, just keep working".

I am just now realizing my dreams with the support of family and friends. If they hadn't been there to support me and encourage me, I would still be working in a dead end job that I hated. Of course, there are no guarantees in life and you may not be able to make a go of it. However it wouldn't be for lack of trying and it is always better to remember that you gave it your best shot rather than wonder what could have been.

Become a working student. For anyone. Ride break and train horses in exchange for lessons if you can but the experience is even more valuable.

Realize that your age will keep people from taking you seriously. Don't speak about things horse people you are not 100% about.

Acquire a sound sane horse, move it to a facility that do sent mind you working with children in exchange for cash.

If your parents are paying for this lesson horses board, use your money from lesson kids to buy a cheap horse. Train the horse and sell it. Replete process each time getting a little bit nicer of a horse.

It works. No kids moms cares about if your certified if you make things fun for their kid.


And ugh....yeah this is how im currently making a living.

Look into getting an equine or business degree. I'm a senior at Colorado State for Equine Science, along with a business administration minor. There's lots of people in my graduating class, and we aren't the only school to offer Equine Science as a major, so it IS competitive out there. The best advice my professors have given me is to have a backup, and to USE YOUR CONNECTIONS! Its awesome that you show, it'll let you get to know key people that may be able to give you a job later! Also, I highly recommend working at an actual facility and doing the chores for a while. It's lots of very hard work, but I'm sure you know that already. :)

WOW to BarelySmokin:
This sounds just like me, I live in CT and none of my family or friends are crazy about horses like me, my dream is to have my own barn and horses, teach lessons, breed and live on my farm, but ugh money:( its so stressful. I been trying to find a equine school just don't know which one yet. Money is a big issure to aswell, its going to cost alot and im so nervous..owning my own horses and barn would be my dream come true. Im so stuck!

I agree with smrobs that taking a few courses in first aid would be a really good idea, I also think taking business courses would be an excellent idea. I know of a few BOs who are great with horses but terrible with business and because of that there barns don't do so well. Good luck!

In terms of college...business and financial management courses are key. In terms of getting a full equine 'degree' I would be torn. More often than not, experience is more key to building a successful business than a degree. Get experience as a working student for solid, reputable trainers. I have friends who have benefited more from ten months as a working student than they did in four years at an equine program.
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I would highly suggest a backup plan. I don't have a clue if my instructors or BO has a degree but they have experience and I think that's more importabt in the horse industry. Majoring in something else may give you the funds needed to start a barn someday. A double major in college, equine sciene and something practical( business, management, etc) might be good as it would help with your dream but also provide you with a job if the dream doesn't pan out or takes awhile to get established. You may have to work a regular job until you've saved enough for your dream to become reality.

I hope it works for you :)
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From what I've read, equine degrees are not the way to go. As mentioned go into business, particularly finance and do a minor or get certified with horses. Or skip the education part with horse and just try to get experience.

Save the degree for business. You will definitely need it and should you want to get out of the horse field, the finance degree will be an asset in other areas.

From what I see around here, the most successful horse people are those that diversify. Not just horses, but trailers as well.

We bought our horse from a man who made his way up the horse ladder from nothing. But now he is a dealer in horse trailers as well as buying and selling horses. He has his interests in other horsey endeavors as well. The more you are known, the better.

Don't just depend on horses. There are many barn owners who are struggling.

Have a lucretive business to fall back on and will be a draw to your horse boarding as well.

Thanks for the advice