[Showrider]

Just reading some interesting posts and would like to hear your opinions

So imagine you're a horse trainer. Do you have a REAL job?

I'll post my opinion later, going out for now

Have fun and no arguements, friendly discussions only!

[AutumnAttic]

I voted only if you know what youre doing.

Its only a job if you have a passion for it, are successful, and skilled.
Kind of like dog trainers. Anyone can call themself one, but for me to consider you a dog trainer, you better show good results

[Kar]

I think it depends on the person.
Personally, training is a real job. However, it wont feed myself and three children. And when I was so busy that it was enough. I wouldn't have the quality time with my family I currently have and enjoy.
Also, I have a close relationship to my clients. They are not just clients, they are important people in my life. By keeping things small, and personal. I gain more. So I have what is considered, a real job. Where Im a reg ol joe, doing what I'm told needs to be done.. And I like that feeling, I feel like I'm contributing to the success of something.

But I cant speak for others.

[Blistering Winds]

Depends, are you making enough to support yourself, your family???

Most people I know, "DABBLE" on the side, and don't consider it a JOB, but a hobby.

That is where I am at. I don't want to do it for employment, for my main income, so it is my hobby.

However, my trainer, it IS his job. He is bringing currently 2400-3600 on average in the summer months. Sometimes more. He has 10 horses right now....on property. Meaning he is bringing in 6000 this month!!!! (600 per head)

Most are there for breaking......a few are finishing.

That is his life. That is what he enjoys doing.

[freedom32]

It is definitly work, and if you're getting paid, then its a job. For the rest I agree with BWs post.

[ches]

Originally Posted by Blistering Winds

However, my trainer, it IS his job. He is bringing currently 2400-3600 on average in the summer months. Sometimes more. He has 10 horses right now....on property. Meaning he is bringing in 6000 this month!!!! (600 per head)

That's some hard work for very little pay. When you take out feed and farrier, then account for what? Half an hour per horse per day, plus grooming and mucking out time, those are some long hours. $6,000 minus feed for ten horses isn't going to keep a family.

[tbtrainer]

A real job compared to what?

[Xiphias]

If it is how you make your living it is a Real job! I worked part time at a barn, to support my horse showing habit.....I worked harded at that job, than I did at my full time job....cleaning stalls, feeding, turnout, blanketing and unblanketing, doing vet care, holding horses for vet and ferrier, working any where's from 2 to 5 horses a day, and back to my REAL job.....I had two REAL jobs then....Cathy

[~*Docs Mommy*~]

Only if you know what you're doing.

[Blistering Winds]

Actually, my husband and I live on 2800 a month., and we've lived on 1800 a month....without government assistance..... So if costs are kept down (which anyone in any service business is BIG on keeping costs down)...it can easily be done.

I met a farrier recently, that he told me 4500-6000 (on a good month) before costs.

I know his wife works, but even without her working, if he can keep costs on those horses down.....it is easy.

When I train, 50-75 is my "cost" for the horse's up keep unless i am boarding. The rest is mine.

No one said training isn't low pay......just because something pays crappy, doesn't make it a REAL job.

Course, according to my husband, my measily 11.01 an hour job is "Crappy pay"

I can't imagion what he thinks of less than that. LMAO

MANY Service-type people live on the border of broke.....because of costs. If costs go up, they lose out....since much of their service income stays at or just below their average to begin with.


The other trainer in the area that is "big" and charges the high price like mine....he brings on more horses....however he has to bring on more HELP to ride them. He makes a bit more than mine in a month.....but then has to shell out money to pay the riders....