[SpiritSaddle]

Well i have a year to really decide what I really want to do...but i'm just confused as what the benefit is of going to a 4 year horse training college rather then 2? I want to train horses and also be a riding instructor. I've tried to look at what the different really is between 4 years and 2, but i can't really find anything. So what can you do different if you go to college for 4 years instead of two? I understand how it makes a difference in some other careers, but i just don't really see what difference it makes when I'm going to be a horse trainer. Also, to be a riding instructor, would I have to take another course or something? Do any of you guys know how long you have to even go to college to be a horse trainer and legally train other people's horses for money?

[SP3]

I'm planning on going to UMass Amherst for an associates in Equine Industry and a Bachelor's in Animal Science (focusing on Equine Science). I want to be a barn manager, train and be a riding instructor.

I think taking a four year college and doing something like animal science where you learn about the animal through and through is a better idea because not only will you get more respect from your peers it gives you a better understanding how to train a horse and help people really be one with their horse. Obviously you need to look for a college that offers a program where you can do training courses and do something with teaching so look at colleges, talk to admissions and research and see whats out there!

well, thats just my opinion, good luck

[Lindsayanne]

depends. Does the four year actually graduate you with a legit bachelor's degree? Do you have to take english and math and core classes in addition to equine studies? If you could graduate with a bachelors, or even associates (2 year) it would be better than a purely vocational degree.

Heaven forbid you are ever injuried or unable to work around horses, a bachelors degree- even in horses- would qualify you for WAY more jobs than a purely vocational degree.

[Lindsayanne]

Originally Posted by SpiritSaddle

Do any of you guys know how long you have to even go to college to be a horse trainer and legally train other people's horses for money?

Zero. Anyone can claim to be a horsetrainer and charge money for their services. However if you want to establish a name and reputation you actually need the expereince to be good at it. That can come from education in school or, just as validly, real life expereince. If I were you, I'd go to a horse college that offered an associates degree in horses (an associates degree means you'd be getting the basics- more english and math type stuff- but qualifies you for more jobs and if you ever wanted a bachelor's degree you'd be halfway) and THEN apprentice a trainer you really respect for two or three years.