Education in horses that isn't worthless

Hypothetical not so hypothetical :rofl: if you were able to retire at 45 with a great pension and continuing benefits (Canadian Army- so full health care benefits, either as a spouse or veteran), and had the opportunity to do an educational plan afterwards-what would you consider? Horse related or something that translates to horses.

Just looking for those out of the box ideas. I don’t want a regular corporate job if I retire. I will likely retire with my MBA (2 courses from finishing an MBA with a focus on military technology and science), possible an additional military leadership focused masters. My husband will either be in the same boat as I am, or stay in and continue to contribute to his pension as he is the higher earner (we are the same rank, but his job is cooler?).

We have our own farm in Canada, but would not be opposed to moving back down south (did the last 4 years in NC) or snowbirding eventually. We are both eventers, and my dream would be to be stable enough in our income and my pension to pursue something in the horse industry that I have as much as, or more passion then my current job. I LOVE what I do in the army, but my health is suffering because the high levels of stress I get from having 380+ subordinates, working indoors most of the time, and caring WAY too much about everyone else. And I don’t love the politics of higher ranks. I would say, and my mentors agree, that I have an extremely high tolerance for stress, great resiliency and perseverance and an exceptionally good work ethic. I’m also smart enough to know that the upper echelons of the army may not be where I want to spend my 40’s and 50’s.

Have fun with this. If I plan it correctly, I have up to 80k CAD to include expenses during that time, and personally and financially will be in a privileged but not outrageous situation. We have no children, and I have an incredibly supportive spouse who would let me quit tomorrow. I’m personally invested in equine health and well-being and helping people be better horse people, and I love to teach and share knowledge. I also love the idea of breeding, but not committed to that, knowing the heartache of it too.

What educational opportunities out there with horses are actually great

A working student/apprenticeship won’t work unless attached to a program

Thoughts?

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https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-an-occupational-therapist-do

If you want to be a coach or trainer above the most basic beginner level then you need a competition track record and pro level skills.

Most barn manager stuff is heavy on the manual labor and doesn’t give you time to ride.

There are all sorts of niches in body work but that’s a very part time income for most people.

We run through this question a lot with teens who want a “horse career” and actually there aren’t that many opportunities that provide a professional level income and time to ride if you aren’t already at the top of your class.

Can you set yourself up as a self employed accountant or business manager and take on clients equivalent to a half time work week, then just ride and lesson the rest of the time? You might be able to pass the EC instructors credentials and be a riding coach, which can be a good hourly rate of pay if you can teach privately and not have to maintain a lesson string.

I don’t think most small breeders make much profit at the end of the day, unless you see disciplined at moving them on our as weanlings

You could use your MBA to get a management job at a feed or tack company but that would be the same office bureaucracy world you are trying to escape.

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I’d become a really good saddle fitter and repairer. Do the Master Saddlers apprenticeship in England. There’s always a demand for really good people who actually know what they are doing.

You could rep some lines or be an independent.

Its physically quite hard work, but that doesn’t sound like it would be much of a problem.

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I think for this you need good basic handycraft skills. I find it hard to darn a sock without creating a giant mess, I would never have the patience to stitch leather. If you have the handycraft skills it would interesting, though.

Not saying that this is what I would want to do, but I am actually quite handy. I crochet, do embroidery, I hand painted over 100 wooden ornaments for my troops last year, I have made my own clothes, stirrups covers, I do wood working and furniture restoration…

Hence the not wanting to go to just another normal business job. I like to create.

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Hmmm there are possibilities there.

Do you like photography? I had a photographer come and take pictures to do a black out portrait last summer. It makes me smile every time I see it.

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Farrier School. Many of the farriers I’ve talked to clear six figures.

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I think if a person has a strong back, totally agree.

The local barefoot guy makes a big living. Out of his Tesla.

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Use your educational benefit to attend vet school. Your background should be a big plus in competing for a slot in that competitive admission process. Start taking the science courses required as soon as you have the opportunity.

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You probably didn’t look into my link and maybe I should have explained it…. But I believe it checks some of your boxes…. I believe in Ukraine you can see how much they work with animals to help the soldiers.
I would think it’s a very rewarding job and it pays well….

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You could target the therapeutic field, either as a therapeutic riding instructor or with formal training in mental health. The education could result in a terminal degree-eg, University of New Hampshire has an undergrad program in therapeutic riding as part of their equestrian science degree. Probably most any university could give you a counseling degree and you could pursue formal training on equine assisted mental health.

As this field expands, it seems like it’s becoming more financially viable for people depending on your salary goals. I’m seeing many people combine direct work with clients with administration/program management, if you’re inclined to manage people again (wouldn’t blame you if not given your current responsibilities!!)

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