Katherine Bloomquist practices law and focuses on the niche area of equine law.  She was kind enough to answer some questions here on Equus Education about Bloomquist Law and in what way her work relates to horses!

Ms. Bloomquist is recognized as a leader in animal law and equine law. She is a frequent speaker at the National Equine Law Conference in Kentucky, the Equine Law Conference in California, and is regularly published on this subject.

What is it exactly that you do?
I am an equine lawyer. I handle matters and cases involving horses. On the corporate side I create entities for horse businesses and draft contracts such as releases, boarding, breeding, purchase and sale, etc. I also handle land use ( zoning and feedlot and Conditional use permits) as well as litigation involving horses!

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
I completed 4 years of college and 3 years of law school. Thereafter I developed a focus in equine law!

Favourite horse memory?
Competing at Morven Park at a preliminary horse trial one star – long format!

Future goals?
I much enjoy how I continue to learn about the nuances of the differences of the various sport horses and the people in those different disciplines.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Barn visits – being out of the office and at a horse farm to see my clients do their thing!

“His is a power enhanced by pride, a courage heightened by challenge. His is a swiftness intensified by strength, a majesty magnified by grace. His is a timeless beauty touched with gentleness, a spirit that calls our hearts to dream.” – Author Unknown

Anita Marchesani of Get Up and Gallop was kind enough to answer some questions about her business and horses.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I agist my horse and live in the suburbs, so it takes around 3 hours of my day to drive out, get him sorted, ride, put him away and drive home. I have to admit, one of the driving factors in considering starting my own business Get Up and Gallop was that it would give me a freedom to choose when in the day I wanted to ride, and not be forced to do so in the evenings after a day in an office somewhere!

Lucky for me, the way I have always run my businesses, I ride or train my horse around 4-5 days a week.

What is it exactly that you do?
I’m a business coach and mentor helping other small business owners learn how to effectively market and sell for their business. I trust that my clients are already experts at what they do- equine massage, dog trainers, retailers, riding coaches etc- I’m here to help them find more clients, grow their business, and increase their profits.

Funnily enough, to do that you need to invest in marketing, and learn how to sell! Previously, I’ve created two equine retail businesses- one that failed, one that was a raging success and that I sold 2 years ago. That business – Bit Bank Australia – is still growing with the new owner, and I’m very proud to see her continue to help riders across Australia and New Zealand.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes, of course. In my current business, and in my previous retail business. With the first business I started that was not profitable, it took me critically analysing it, and actively learning new skills to be able to take a loss building business and turn it into a profitable 6 figure venture in less than 4 years.

Its hard work, its always hard work, but yes, you can make money and a good living, working with horses. Now I am helping my clients who work with horses do the same.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Work. Hard work. Discipline. The dedication to jump out of bed every day ready to get stuck into it. Working with a coach or mentor to help you learn the skills you currently lack, and to support you as a sounding board when problems arise.

There are far easier ways to earn the cash than creating your own business. But for me, the rewards are far greater. The thing is, you have to be prepared to suffer for it! And always, always keep learning.

Favourite horse memory?
Jumping steeplechase fences on a 4 star event horse when I was working as a groom in the UK for a professional event rider. Best fun ever!

Future goals?
Horse wise, I would love to take my Mojo pony to Medium dressage, but we have a lot of work to do before we do! Largely, my sitting trot!

Work wise, to be able to help a very select group of business owners grow, develop, and have fun in their businesses. Too many people choose to stay isolated and ignorant. There are no stupid questions, the only stupid thing is to NOT ask them. My clients ask ALL the questions, and that’s why they get the results they do, and it makes me so proud.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
For both – that there is always so much more to learn!