How much of your day/week is related to horses?
When I first started out as an equine sports therapist, I would say that 90% off my day revolved around horses!! I worked with horses every day, I furthered my education on equine therapy related topics, and all the research I did was centred around horses and equine therapy!!

Now I teach horse massage, I’d say 50% of my week was spent with horses and 50% was spent in administration, marking, research etc!! But it’s also horse centred so it makes what would be a more boring topic more fun!!

What is it exactly that you do?
I’m an internationally qualified Equine Sports Therapist who teaches horse massage Australia wide.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Most certainly. I work full time and have four other ladies who work with me, so it’s definitely doable.

Even when I was a sole trader just massaging I was turning over 6 figures. So if you structure the business right it’s more than manageable!!

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
There aren’t really many employment opportunities as such in this field. If you want to be a sports therapist you really need to be prepared to become a sole trader and set up your own business.

Therefore you need to seek appropriate qualifications in therapy, and then something in business management never goes astray either!!

Favourite horse memory?
When my beautiful mare whom I’ve had since a baby and trained up, won her first rug!

Future goals?
We would love to set up a permanent Equine Education & Rehabilitation Centre to host therapists from over east and overseas as well as teach courses and treat horses!!

Best thing about your sport/profession?
You get to go to work every day doing something you love, surrounded by people who all have the same passion as you do 🙂

“The history of mankind is carried on the back of the horse.” – Author unknown

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
My business is 7 days a week. In between dealing with current clients I am always looking for business opportunities with new clients. I am the Australasian Licencee for Essence Equine International.I am involved in the supplement (Stem Cell Nutrition) industry for elite performance animal athletes.

What is it exactly that you do?
I identify trainers with thoroughbreds with high ability that have challenges. This can be identifiable challenges or not identifiable challenges. For example, a horse while competing, may not be performing at its best. It may be respiratory issues, recovery, hoof problems or even attitudinal issues. I discuss these issues with the trainer and provide a 100% natural solution for these issues.

Welcome to the world of Stem Cell supplements. The health, nutritional and sporting supplement industry for both human and animal industry is worth billions of dollars each year. While most of that is attributed to sports drinks, protein powders and general health supplements such as fish oil and multivitamins the next dominant force in the market is going to be Stem Cell Nutrition. I am privileged to have this opportunity.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
The short answer is yes. I have a Business Degree and almost 40 years experience in the racing industry.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
I first started by providing my horses with this product some 16 years ago. The trainer was charged with providing me with his observational notes. From there the industry has boomed. I am proud to say that I am at the forefront of the industry in Australasia.

Favourite horse memory?
Without a doubt winning a “Black Type” race over the Spring Carnival in Melbourne. This horse was the first horse on our supplement in 1998. I’ll never forget it.

Future goals?
To continue to develop the business by spreading the word on Stem Cell Nutrition.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Experiencing the thrill of of identifying an opportunity and watching it succeed.

“Bread may feed my body, but my horse feeds my soul.” – Author unknown

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
100%.  I am a horse trainer.  I also have a blog that is based on the horse community (www.fatbaldcowboy.com), and am working on a web and mobile app called Equine Assistant that’s designed to link a horse’s people.  More information on it can be found at www.equineassistant.com and via our IndieGoGo campaign.

What is it exactly that you do?
My wife (Pam) and I own and operate P&H Horse & Cattle Co. We train and show Arabians, Half-Arabians and Quarter Horses in the Reining, Western Pleasure and Hunter divisions. I also hold an Arabian Judges card as well as Wisconsin 4H and WSCA Judging cards.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Yes it is. Although, with the amount of time we need to invest it often seems as if we get paid below minimum wage.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
My recommendation is to get an education in business and then work for a reputable trainer in the breed and discipline you wish to compete. You should plan on 3-5 years of apprenticeship to gain enough knowledge to earn a living. The gaining knowledge part never stops though. You need to learn every day about the horse.

Favourite horse memory?
This may sound strange considering the success both Pam and I have had in the show ring, but my favorite memories are of watching our clients ride a young horse we trained for the first time. We start a lot of horses and many of our clients purchase young, untrained horses. The first time they get on and can do what we have trained is a great feeling. My proudest moments are when they don’t need us anymore.

Future goals?
I want the horse world to “Get Broke.” So many horses are discipline specific, and that is all they can do. Watching a horse compete in Western Pleasure, then in reining and trail, and then go home and go on a 15 mile trail ride is great. I want to help that happen for as many people as possible.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Training horses is never boring because it is always changing. New horse, new clients. But I think the satisfaction of helping a horse and rider combination get together and accomplish something is the best part.

“A cowboy is a man with guts and a horse.” – Will James

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Currently Shirley and I are “horseless”.  Health issues caused us to sell the ranch and facility and move into a “senior environment”. We are VERY active in the local horse community and since I am a life member of California State Horsemen’s Association (CSHA) and fomer State Vice-president, we still contribute when we can towards successful venues.

I allocate approximately 55 hours a week involved in the horse industry. It is nice to be “retired” from the 80+ hours for almost 40 years ~smile~.  I used to announce 30 West Coast Shows a year, but cannot continue that pace, so I volunteer for a few selected Non-Profit Functions.

Shirley left her boarding business and had to downsize to miniatures because of her bone conditions and finally NO horse and now spend her time handcrafting Wood Yard and Home Decor, focusing on the Western and Horse Motifs.  Even though we miss the smells and daily contact, our hearts and spirit are still with the horse.

Our youngest son has an excellent Cutting Horse Training facility in Texas and is carrying on our “legacy” of being close to the horse.

What is it exactly that you do?
Most of the clients in our Marketing and Business Consulting Company are in the manufacture and distribution of horse products, provide professional services, or are breeders and ranchers.

Chuck Bartok is a 50 year serial entrepreneur who focused his energy in Agriculture and Equine Businesses and Financial Services. Since a major health set back a few years ago, Chuck is now spending his time helping others grow their businesses and profits through the effective use of internet and social media marketing.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Everyone’s definition of liveable is different. I believe my fees and compensation would allow most reasonable people to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. For the past several years it has averaged about $100/hour net after taxes.

There is a demand for experienced marketing consultants and coaches in all fields. There is a strong market in the horse industry, since so many NEW people are always venturing into the business side.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Be familiar with the industry, preferably with hands-on experience. Understand the needs of your client’s customer base. I DO not advocate wasting time getting advanced degrees in marketing. Most programs are taught by those of little to NO experience and are too focused on structure rather than getting the job done.

I have guest lectured in some programs and was appalled at the lack of understanding of how to grow the whole person – so important in the success of any business, regardless the venue.  Suggestions: team up with experience , learn to listen, create your own persona (there are thousands who will follow YOU) and be willing to take the time to GROW.  Just like starting a colt, there is NO easy button.

Favourite horse memory?
My father taking me to the stables in Chicago and riding the Forest Preserves after he returned from WWII. That embedded my desire to become a horseman.

Future goals?
Continue to encourage and help build the horse businesses of others.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Watching clients build the horse related businesses of THEIR dreams. Especially young trainers. Some of my “clients” have really exploded onto the Horse World over the past 20 years.

“Whoever said that money cannot buy happiness didn’t know where to buy a horse.” – Author unknown