My local Christian radio station Vision fm has an advert currently that is promoting a superannuation company that invests super funds in ethical companies. The focal point is that Christians may be interested in having their super money invested in areas that will make a positive impact for others, rather than have it be used by another super company that is only focused on making a profit for themselves.

This got me to thinking about superannuation for those in the equine industry. Well, this ad and the recent change that has allowed jockeys to be eligible for super.

As someone who is an advocate for the equine industry, I would love to know that my superannuation that is being put aside and invested to earn me a return for my future retirement, is being used in a way that will benefit the equine industry as a whole. How is that possible?

Well, what if there was a superannuation company for members of the equine industry that invested its funds in equine related businesses that resulted in a return? Stable hands, stud hands, equestrians, jockeys, trainers, breeders, vets and the like could know that their employers are paying the typical 9% (or more) into a company that offers a return alongside investing in the equine industry.

The horse industry and racing in particular provides so much income to the Australian economy, and yet there are areas that are strongly lacking in funds. Equine education comes to mind immediately. Having a place to invest in one’s own super whilst also helping to ensure the future of the equine industry would be of appeal to me and many other equine workers, I’m sure.

Now if you have a passion for money, people’s future and the equine industry, perhaps setting up a superannuation company that invests in these things may be the niche market that sparks a flame in you. If there’s already someone out there doing this, I’d love to hear about it!

“Lessons From Your Horse… When you feel superior, let me teach you that mostly, you’re the maid service.” – Author unknown

A recent post about jockeys now being entitled to super on LinkedIn got me thinking about job perks. Personally, the appeal for me of working with horses often focused around the fact that:

• I get paid to work with an animal I love
• I learn whilst on the job and acquire many new skills
• I get to travel
• The work is seasonal so there’s often a change of scenery in what’s required of me and the type of stock I handle
• I find I can save a lot as the work is constantly a 12 day fortnight (less time to spend) and I am able to live where I work (save on fuel and no need to pay rent)

Now these are appealing aspects for me, but there are some forms of job security that should be considered alongside these for those wanting to generate a career in the equine industry. Ask yourself of the job you’re applying for or currently working in:

• Is there a chance to work up to a management position?
• Will pay rises or bonuses be offered on a regular basis (e.g. annually)?
• Is there job security, or are you likely to be asked to move on over the slow periods because there’s not enough work or wages to go round?

When it comes to developing yourself for a career in the horse industry, it’s worth knowing what you will get in return for being a skilled, competent and reliable worker.

“The horse you get off is not the same as the horse you got on; it is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible the change is for the better.”

Last challenge focused on developing a short term plan.  For the month of October, I’d like to encourage you to think about your long term ambitions.  That is, what you want your career to be for the long term – more than the next 12 months.

Although the goals should be for the long term, they should include tasks that you can carry out daily, weekly and monthly!  This will help you to feel that you’re moving towards your end goal.  You may find as you progress towards these goals, that your focus changes.  For example, you may initially want to be a farrier to all horses and find as you study and learn, that you want to focus on a specific market, such as correcting conformational issues in horses, or focusing on barefoot hoof care.

Now these goals (yes, plural!) could relate to many things that will help you in your equine career. They could involve:

• Gaining a high level qualification that could take a number of years, such as a degree
• Working towards a management position
• Developing your own clientele and business
• Gaining a certain amount of international experience and skills over a number of years

The idea of a long term plan is that it helps you to better develop yourself and work towards an end goal, in a set time frame.  The goal should be one that isn’t able to be attained overnight, you’ll need to work at it consistently. Once you’ve determined what you want to do over the next 5-10 years, be sure to make them as SMART as possible (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely).

As with your short term goals, be sure to congratulate yourself as you make steps forward.  And if you find you take a step backward, don’t let this deter you.

Use the experience to learn and move forward stronger and more educated about what doesn’t work.  As you learn what doesn’t work, it can encourage you to focus on a different direction that does.  Be sure to ask others about their hiccups or ‘failures’.  If they’re successful in their field, chances are they’ve had to overcome obstacles – this isn’t a bad thing!  Stay positive and keep pursuing your dream.