The challenge for growing your equine career this month is one word: diversify. I believe for you to be able to race ahead in any industry, it is important that you can branch out from one area of expertise, to many areas of knowledge.
Now I’m not saying you should be the jack of all trades (and master of none), but work to become a skilled and knowledgeable equine worker in one industry with capabilities in other areas, too. You never know when these will be necessary, so create them before they are!
I started out in the horse breeding industry and always landed another job before leaving one. Although I could stay in the breeding industry year round, I was keen to try other facets of the equine industry.
One such opportunity came in the form of an offer to teach horse studies – after I’d gained a teaching qualification. I was blessed in that I could do this on my weekends off (every other weekend) whilst still working as a stud hand. Then I was able to walk straight into a teaching position.
Another time alongside stud work, I studied to become a horse riding instructor and this study lead to securing work as a stable hand at a riding school, and teaching at another riding school nearby.
Currently my contract has finished for teaching at TAFE and I cannot undertake work with racehorses or the 12 day fortnight on a stud due to family commitments. You never know where life is going to lead you, but you can be better prepared to take on job opportunities if you are willing to diversify your skills. If you can study to improve yourself while working, go for it!
0
20
20
Leave a Reply