Considering Horse Training as a Career.

Adding to what's been said, it's a hard, hard career. I train jumpers professionally and spent several years in Florida as a barn manager and assistant trainer. I knew from an early age I wanted to be invovled with horses in the future, but I didn't know to what extent - trainer, instructor, breeder, manager?
You're very young, and your passion for horses is admirable; however, it's a fairly broad industry. Are you sure you training is the route you want to take? Do you see yourself doing this long term? The majority of horse trainers do NOT make huge figures - how will you support yourself?

I have to agree with Speed Racer in that trainers with upper class clientele typically (and I emphasize typically because it is not always the case, my family did not grow up terribly wealthy but I've been fortunate enough to fulfill my dream) come from money themselves. Unfortunately, a great deal of the industry is who you know and where you come from, a harsh reality.

If in a few years once you finish school you're still serious about it, I would seek out a working student (intern) position and go from there. Get your name out. Work hard. Expect long days, a lot of pain, a lot of falls, and remember, inevitably, you're going to get hurt. For now, I would focus on your studies and keep your horizons open. Good luck! :)

Ditto to what everyone else has said.

If you really, really think you want to do horse work full time there are ways to break in.

You interested in western whatever? Be a loper for some cutting outfit.

Like dressage or jumpers? Be a groom.

Many polo players and/or teams hire grooms for the time they are at a club. Give it a shot. Or get a job on a track for a meet.

See if you like the 24/7/365 aspect of the jobs. Find out how much is grunt work vs. glory.

Can you easily name ten top trainers? Probably not. Most trainers don't get recognition for their work, they exist to make the owner look good and have fun. Many people come to resent that and try to go with their own string only to find they lack the dollars to make it happen.

I have worked with horses for 40 years. For pay. But I don't count on it to pay my bills or support the family. It's a gig that keeps my active in what I'm most passionate about and very busy. I won't give up what I do, but I wouldn't do it full-time again, either.

I have to agree with the comments. I used to want to train horses as a career, until I realized reality. If you train horses you won't make near as much money as you would in a modern age career. The horse industry is not near as big as the business industry. And you won't have as much time for your own horses. I'd say go with college. The economy seems to be getting worse, training and breeding will eventually go down. As nobody will want to spend the extra money. Not to be a downer, if you're happy with it, then go for it. If you really want a career in the equine industry then you might as well go for something that requires a degree. And reguardless of what you do, IMHO you should always have Business as a minor. A Business degree will come in handy with whatever you do! Go for something you love, that's has a growing outlook, good salary, benefits, etc. As well as people that are good trainers, a lot of them were born into it. Mandy McCutcheon-her dad owns McQuay Stables and got started in the 70's, the economy was a much better time back then, she was BORN into the industry. Always do good in highschool, you only get one shot. If you are good in math and science, I suggest becoming an Equine Lameness Specialist, just cause there aren't many of them. Lol.