Becoming a horse trainer?

Question

I'm a senior in high school, and I have started thinking of things I'd want to do, and being a horse trainer is one of them. I have been riding 8 years, and I ride English Hunter/Jumper (I have done some western but not enough to teach it). I've been trying to figure out what I'd need to get in college to one day be able to run a barn and such but I am getting really confused.

I'd want to buy, train, sell horses and train others. But like I said, everything I read on google is really confusing me. What would I need to get in college? Some kind of Business degree? Or what?

Answer 1

A business degree is an excellent idea....most of what you will do if your dream comes true will be about running a business.  Also try to intern with trainers in the discipline you choose, to develop your skills in that area.  It is wise, sometimes, to go after multiple degrees at the same time...this is no different.  One is as important as the other.

Answer 2

I really don't think you need to go to college to be able to train a horse and run a barn.

If I were you I would become an apprentice to someone who is a professional horse trainer.  

Answer 3

You don't really need a degree but it would be a good thing to have. Equine Medicine, Vet-Tec, animal nutrition, animal behavior, or a buisness degree  are good but you really just need experience and maybe just a few classes from other trainers to start out.

Good Luck,

Equest.Equine

Answer 4

This is one of the professions I am considering also and I have decided on the University of Findlay in Ohio as the best school for me.  They have equine science, which is a class where they teach you about horses and how to train/ride/care for them.  In your third year (or second, depending on your level) they give you a horse to break for an assignment.  You would have help, of course, but ultimately, you are on your own.  At the end, they have a small show type thing where you can show off the horse you just trained.  They also have a class (or it could be the same one?) that teaches you how to train others.  

So that is great for learning but, as you said, a business degree would probably be very helpful.  It isn't horse centered, but it will teach you how to run a successful business and if horse training doesn't work out (as it is somewhat of a difficult field to get into) most other places look for a business degree. The University of Findlay also has an equine business management class.  I am not sure exactly what they do in that, but it sounds like a regular business degree with an emphasis on equines.

Here is their website (they explain in more detail about the different classes, which may help you choose what to take even if you don't choose findlay): http://www.findlay.edu/academics/college...

And here is a site that lets you choose your major and other specifications and then gives you a list of colleges that offer it (if you are in America: http://www.collegeboard.com/

Answer 5

You're already a trainer in a sense.  You train a horse every time you work with it.  Findlay college in Ohio is a very good school to get an Equine degree from, William woods in Missouri is another and if you want to try vet schools UC Davis or Colorado state are great ones.  Business classes that teach accounting are a great help if you want to own and run your own barn someday.  One of the best things to do is to work for a really well-known horse trainer or breeder.  SOmetimes you learn a lot more from then than you ever could in a college classroom.  I learned more from working for one of the biggest Paint horse breeders in the country, Reisinger Farms, than I ever did in my college equine classes.

Answer 6

The Business Degree comes in handy, but in reality, you don't need a college education, just an apprenticeship under a good trainer actually.

However CalPoly, San Luis Obispo and Pomona both have equine classes available.

Answer 7

The best way to become a trainer yourself is to become a trainers apprentice of sorts. Find a successful trainer and study under them for a while, then when you are finished with that trainer. Find another trainer and do the same. Once you have studied under 4 trainers, then you are ready to start on your own.

I have known many people who have studied under only one trainer, and they are good trainers. I personally believe that to become a trainer you should study several different trainers to get different perspectives. This is what I have done to become a trainer myself. You can study equine science and business. But training a horse takes hands on experience.

Luck

Answer 8

Most definitly try and get a business degree, or at least take business classes.  I recently had a talk with the owner of the barn I ride at, and he couldn't stress enough how important the business aspect of it is.  You can be a great trainer, but if you don't know how to properly manage finances, employees, etc. then you'll be doomed.

Maybe try to go to a school that also offers a degree in Equine science or Equine Studies.  There may even be some sort of Equine management degree or course.  

Good luck!

Answer 9

A business degree would be very smart. Not only would it help you set up your business and run a barn, but if you decide to go another route, it is an excellent foundation.

If the college you attend offers and animal wellness classes or animal nutrition, animal care and maintenance, anything like that, those would be good classes to get some basic knowledge in as well.