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

Ilka of Gansera-Leveque Equine Services kindly answered some questions about her work as a trainer.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
It’s 7 days a week, at least 12 hours per day and when you are not at the barn you are still doing things related to the business.  I guess that is the nature of being self employed.

What is it exactly that you do?
Getting horses physically and mentally ready to compete. Communicate the progress and game plan to owners. Admin in the office (don’t have a secretary yet).  I’ve done everything from the bottom up. Now it’s evolving more into a managing role.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
In comparison, underpaid to other lines of work but like anything if you work hard, you can go places.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
In Europe: an apprenticeship, go to racing school, work experience.

Favourite horse memory?
Going to the races with my family as a kid.  My big underdog winner Joe Sugden in Newmarket last summer.

Future goals?
Be a winner and train classic winners.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Being in the fresh air, being up with the birds seeing the sunrise. The anticipation and hopes and dreams connected to each horse and race.

“In training horses, one trains himself” – Antoine De Pluvinet