In Rhythm with Hilltop - Careers - Education

Q: I love horses and ride horses. I thought I would be a horse trainer. I want to train horses for show-jumping. I don't want to train wild horses or horses that I have never had a saddle on their back before. Can you give me any advice? (I am doing a report for school.)

A: [Barbara] The best place to start would be in your local area. Call the hunter/jumper stables and see if you can go and watch them train and learn more about it. Many people start out as working students, where you would work on a farm in exchange for lessons. Each facility is individual in the working student options they offer. Other students may choose to go to a college where they could major in Equine studies. This would give you a good background in management, vet care, etc. A working position would give you hands-on experience in all areas, especially in the training aspect. You could combine this with studies at a nearby college. Your college education will be valuable - regardless of your major, especially if you plan to have your own business one day. (I hope this answers your question. If not, you are welcome to email back with more details about what you are looking for.)

Q: I have a report to do about careers and I want to be a horse instructor. Can you recommend some literature and give me some ideas of what I would need to include in my report?

A: [Jill] You should include the qualities of a good instructor and how to gain experience and knowledge (through college and apprenticeships). Try "How to Make the Most of Your Riding Lesson" by Lynn Nelson Whitley. The following are some sources for instructor training, education programs, clinics, and information:

American Riding Instructor Certification Program, P. O. Box 282, Alton Bay, NH 03810, Ph: 603-875-4000

CHA, The Association for Horsemanship Safety and Education, P. O. Box 188, Lawrence, MI 49064, Ph: 616-674-8074

United States Dressage Federation, P. O. Box 80668, Lincoln, NE 68501, Ph: 402-474-7632

United States Combined Training Association, 292 Bridge Street, South Hamilton, MA 01982

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, P. O. Box 33150, Denver, CO 80233, Ph: 303-452-1212

Q: Could you give me some information or where I could look for information on equine schools in Ireland?

A: [Barbara]I am not positive of where you can get this information, but you can start your search in the following locations:

Call the Irish Tourist Board. There is probably one in New York City.
Call the Irish Embassy.
Talk to an Equine School in the United States, i.e., Wilson College.
I believe the Irish National Stud has an equine program, probably geared toward racing. The American Jockey Club could probably give you the address.

Q: Are there any at home/correspondence learning certificates you can achieve? For example, anything to do with horse safety, tack, feeding, lessons/training, etc.

A: [Barbara] No, I am not aware of any.

Q: I would like to know the protocol for becoming a horse riding instructor/trainer. Where does one begin, attract a mentor, apprenticeship program, etc.?

A: [Barbara] As there are no degrees or certificates required to become a riding instructor/trainer, you have many options. There are programs you can attend, i.e. the USDF Instructor Certification. There are various equine schools and even programs in other countries. Experience, though, is your best teacher, and a good way to start is to find a respected professional you can learn from. Working Student programs are very common. Stables have various arrangements for students to work in exchange for their learning experience. This is a good way to get experience in training and it is most likely you could find teaching opportunities as well. If you are not sure where to find a good professional, start by watching at horse shows. Watch riders warm up, as well as the classes. If you see someone you like, introduce yourself and find out more about their training and teaching programs. Be sure to find the right time and not disturb them while they are preparing for a class. Ask if you may watch the teaching and training at their facility. You can also gather valuable information at clinics or symposiums and you may meet people there interested in taking on a working student. In general, I always find it best to keep an open mind, continually search for new ways to learn, and maintain a willing and enthusiastic attitude. Gradually, you will find more and more opportunities.

Q: I am a junior in high school and am starting my search for colleges. I want to attend one that has an equestrian team and is fairly close to my area of southern Illinois. Any suggestions?

A: [Jill] I'm not certain if all of the following have teams but they have riding programs.
        St. Mary of the Woods, IN ph: 812-535-5106
        William Woods, MO ph: 800-995-3159
        Ohio State, OH ph: 614-292-2625
        University of Findlay, OH ph: 419-424-4738
        Parkland College, IL ph: 419-424-4738
        Hiwassee College, TN ph: 423-442-3283
        Lake Erie College, OH ph: 440-352-3361
        Otterbein College, OH ph: 614-823-3042

Q: I am a student at CWU and I am in a thought and language class and we have to write a paper on communication. I wanted to discuss the communication between horses and humans. Where do you recommend finding information on this subject?

A: [Jill] There are several books that give information on this subject. Look in the Equerry Bookstore and read the book reviews in the Horsemanship and Mental Skills sections. I am sure you will find the books that will help you write your paper. These books can be ordered from Amazon Press through the Equerry Bookstore.

Q: I am very interested in training as a career and would like to know how to go about becoming certified. I have been riding since age 10 and have driven horses since 13. I have some experience in most disciplines.

A: How old are you? If college age, you need to go to a college that has a program that matches your interests, get a college degree, and then get an apprenticeship with a good trainer. This is the best way. There is currently no certification to become a trainer or driver, only instructor. If no college, then start out as an apprentice or working student with a top professional. This will be the best credentials you can get. If you need the names of colleges, just let me know.

Q: What types of degrees, colleges, and programs are available in the horse industry? Are they worth while education options? I am looking at a career in breeding, managing, marketing, or something else related to horses (specifically Arabian). I would appreciate information on colleges, internships, or degree programs and potential job opportunities out of those programs.

A: Colleges that offer the most inclusive programs are:

William Woods - 800-995-3159
Colorado State - 970-491-8373
University of Findley - 419-424-4738

Q: I'm interested in training cutting horses and would like to know how I can best prepare for this area. Is post secondary education a requirement?

A: Expanding your education is always useful - but the best education is a good apprenticeship. I suggest you check with Barbara Horton, Riding Director at Northwestern University in Powell, Wyoming. She has an excellent educational program and can help you once she has more detail.

Q: I am currently looking at schools in the equine science field and have narrowed it down to the following: University of Nevada, University of Guelph (ON), Oregon State University, and Rocky Mountain College. Which do you recommend?

A: I would suggest you visit the schools, evaluate their program from the point of view of what you are looking for - the facilities, quality of horses, and where you would most enjoy spending 4 years of your life!

Q: We are interested in starting a therapeutic riding program. Can you tell us where to find information on what it takes, etc.?

A: Check with NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). They are the governing body for standards and organizations for Therapeutic Riding. They have a website at www.narha.org.

Q: I am interested in teaching equine courses at a college or university. What types of teaching opportunities are available and what are the qualifications needed?

A: Choosing a university that offers a degree in education and equine science is ideal. However, strong skills and experience in the discipline of choice is also very important.

Q: Can you tell me the names of some colleges or universities that have a good equine science program and an intercollegiate riding team?

A: Delaware Valley, Johnson & Wales, Lake Erie, Otterbein, Terkyo Post, University of Findlay, and University of Connecticut.

Q: Is there anywhere that I can get a list of horse related careers?

A: Two books which may help you are: 50 Careers With Horses by Bonnie Kreitler, Breakthrough Publishing, 310 N. Highland Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562 (ISBN # 0-914327-60-7) and The Complete Guide to Horse Careers by Sue Reynolds, New Horizons Equestrian Center, 425 Red Mountain Road, Livermore, CO 80536 (ISBN # 0-9663559-0-3).

Q: I would like to become a riding instructor, and if possible, start up and instruct a class for underprivileged urban kids. Would it be possible to do all that at the farm I take lessons at now whose horses I ride for my lessons?

A: Learning to teach riding is a skill - learn and practice. You need to see if the farm owner is interested in you doing this, if the horses are suitable, and if insurance coverage is available.

You can learn a lot about teaching from the book, "Equestrian Instruction" which you can order online through the Equerry Mall or call Mountain Press Publishing at 800-234-5308. You can also get involved with an IAT&L Workshop Series which is designed to teach people "how" to teach. What to teach depends upon the knowledge you have of the discipline you want to teach. More information about IAT&L is available at www.equerry.com/iatl.

Q: Where can I find a list of colleges who offer college scholarships for equestrian athletes?

A: The Chronicle of the Horse (a weekly magazine) publishes a yearly intercollegiate riding issue in the spring. I suggest calling them at 800-877-5467 or visiting their website, www.chronofhorse.com to see if you can get a copy of the issue. John Manning also publishes a Guide to College and Secondary School Equestrian Programs which is available through the Equerry Bookstore.

Q: What type of education and licensing requirements are there to become a horse chiropractor? Do you have to be a vet in order to do this?

A: Contact the following organization for details: American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, 623 Main Street, Hillsdale, IL 61257, Ph: 309-658-2920, www.animalchiropractic.org, or email at AmVetChiro@aol.com