At one point or another, most horse lovers have. Over 14,000 people in the US have taken the plunge and turned their passion into a business. Will you be next?
Before you can become a horse trainer, you need to make sure you have the right set of skills. You also need to be prepared for the business and marketing side of being an entrepreneur.
Do you have what it takes to succeed? Read on to learn how to become a horse trainer.
Horse Trainer Career Skills You Need
Before we talk business, let’s list some practical skills you’ll need to become a horse trainer.
It goes without saying that you should have lots of previous experience with horses. As a horse trainer, your job will include:
- Working with horses on the ground and under saddle
- Preparing young horses to accept tack and work under saddle
- Identifying and correcting behavioral issues
- Training horses to obey commands
- Teaching horses new and specific skills (reining, jumping, racing, etc.)
- Overcoming behavioral challenges (balking, bucking, refusing to load, etc.)
- Helping abused or neglected horses to regain trust in people
In addition to your horse skills, you also need to develop good people skills. The more people like and trust you, the more willing they’ll be to let you work with their horses.
How to Become a Horse Trainer
As a horse trainer, you’ll be a self-employed entrepreneur. It’s not just a hobby—you’ll rely on your abilities to pay your bills and support your family.
No special degree or certification is required to train horses, but that doesn’t mean you can’t educate yourself. Sign up for courses in animal science, agricultural education, or business and marketing. Take advantage of any workshops or apprenticeship programs in your area.
Start with a solid business plan. Meet with an accountant to determine how much it will cost to start and operate your business. Make sure you have enough money and assets on hand before you launch your business!
Next, you’ll need to market yourself. Start with a website for your business, and sign up for business accounts on social media channels. Use free business card templates to create cards, flyers, or newsletters to promote your business.
Never underestimate the power of networking and word-of-mouth. Get out there and meet horse owners and let them know about your business. As you start to gain clients, be sure to use written contracts so everyone is legally protected.
Becoming a Horse Trainer: Are You Ready?
Horse trainers have a high career satisfaction rate, and it’s not hard to understand why. They’ve found a way to take their passion for horses and turn it into a profitable business.
Is becoming a horse trainer the right career path for you? Use the tips outlined in this article to help you make an informed decision.
Now that you know how to become a horse trainer, what’s next? Be sure to read our other how-to articles for more great advice.
