Nancy McLean of Stonecrest Equine kindly took the time to answer some questions about her work as a Stübben saddle fitter.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Since I keep my horses at home, I find myself working with horses nearly everyday. Saddle fitting for Stübben North America can mean working three days a week or five. It is whatever the “fitter” makes it. Some days I am at shows and other times I am making barn visits. I make my own schedule according to what my clients need/want.

What is it exactly that you do?
I fit Stübben Saddles for the Custom program. I also fit Stübben standard models and used Stübben saddles. I have been trained on how Stübben constructs their saddles, so I feel very confident in my ability to make/suggest corrections or alterations in fit. I fit the horse first, and then the rider.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
In this field, whatever effort you put into it, is what you will earn from it. I have a working farm with Thoroughbreds, so my Stübben business is part time some weeks. Other weeks it is a full time endeavor, due to demand. I also use a marketing strategy that has required building a platform and that can take time, but it will pay off in the end.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
Learn good saddle fitting skills. Apply to Stübben (or another brand). Visit their headquarters as often as possible to learn your Brand and Models, and the particular construction techniques and nuances.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and I do believe in using those learned processes and precepts in all my equine endeavors. It’s a great foundation builder.

Favourite horse memory?
Getting my excercise rider license, in 1999, on my then two year old filly, Pretty Greta. I passed my gallop test because she made me look soooo good! She is still living with me at 17 years old! Love that girl!!

Future goals?
I am always wanting to improve upon the previous year’s sales. My goal is to eventually step up and take on more business and become the “go to” Stübben fitter/representative for my area.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The horses!  I also treasure the flexibility to be able to take care of my own horses and work with Stübben as a fitter. It’s a great combination!

“There are only two emotions that belong in the saddle; one is a sense of humour and the other is patience.” – John Lyons

Brigita McKelvie specialises in real estate that relates to horses.  She was kind enough to answer some questions about her profession.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Since I mostly deal with horse properties, most of my work is related to horses. From time to time, if someone is either downsizing from a horse property or moving up to a horse property, I will work with them on a residential property.

What is it exactly that you do?
I am a Pennsylvania licensed (#RS297130) real estate agent that specializes in rural and horse properties and farms, with my expertise in horse properties. Since I am a horse owner myself and involved in many equestrian aspects, I am quite knowledgeable to assist other horse owners or potential horse owners with their properties, whether it is finding a suitable property for their needs or selling their current property to another horse enthusiast. My brokerage firm also specializes in horse properties with all the agents working together as a team.

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

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
The first thing to do is to get your real estate license. Once you have your license in hand, then find someone that can mentor and help you in the field so you can acquire experience.

Favourite horse memory?
I have so many. Hard to narrow it down.

Future goals?
I hope to continue helping fellow horse enthusiasts with either finding or selling their horse properties and improving and continue educating myself about horses and real estate along the way.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
I finally found a career with horses, well, at least in the horse community, helping fellow horse enthusiasts. I have always wanted to find a job working with horses and this is the closest I have come. I love it!

“You Know You’re A Horse Person When… you consider a golf course as a waste of good pasture land.” – Author unknown

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
Concerning my company management: I receive demands every day, I have to plan a lot of things, so I work 7 days a week, and I ride horses between 5 and 6 days a week.

What is it exactly that you do?
I have two activities: I sell horses (mainly in China), they are sporting, racing and leisure horses.  I also propose my experience for the creation and the improvement of equestrian centers always in China.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
In my case I would say yes, even if I had to build my reputation in China and invest a lot of money in the journeys and the participation in exhibitions. I just begin to earn money after 18 months of prospection.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
At first, the Chinese culture is very different, you have to listen, understand and analyse the demand of your client, try to find the right horse for the right rider, build your reputation and build a trust relationship with your customer.

Favourite horse memory?
My relationship with my first horse (called « Hanneton/ Cockchafer…). I was 17 and I bought it myself with the money I earned during the summer.  When I ride him nothing could happen. I educated him and we won at lot of eventing contests, he was my first love… with him, I learnt to be responsible, he helped me to enter the grown-up age.

Future goals?
Develop my activity in South-East Asia.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Work with horses, of course!!!!

“A well trained horse isn’t less exciting than a wild one.” – Author unknown