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If you could change anything about this life style or the job what would you change?

I am 17 and I have been around horses for 11 years. I have volunteered working at a barn, I have taken horse back riding lessons for 11 years. I worked at a barn cleaning draft horse stalls and stacking hay, I am also currently working 5 days a week at a barn caring for and working the horses. I am passionate about horses and couldn't imagine doing anything else! One day I hope to have my own business with massage therapy for horses. #horselife #horsegirl #massagetherapy #business

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Margaret’s Answer

I completely relate to your passion for horses Amanda, and I share it! I have ridden since I was 7 (I am now 61), and now own a small horse farm in Massachusetts, where I trail ride in the woods every day. I was a competitive 3-phase eventer, and worked through getting my license as a trainer after I retired as an FBI Agent. I now teach neighborhood kids to ride, but as a hobby, not as a job.

I too wanted to work with horses, but after much thought, I personally decided it was better for me to have horses in my life as a hobby, not as a career/job. Keep in mind that doing something for work is quite different from enjoying it as a favorite pass time. I wanted to maintain my passion for horses, and for me, I realized that working as a trainer every day might result in not enjoying that passion so much. I also realized that it would be difficult to support myself in this very competitive field.

I applaud your passion, and if you decide to follow your dream of owning your own horse massage therapy business, I would encourage you to find a massage therapist in your area & volunteer to work beside/shadow them. Learn all you can about the training they went through, watch their daily work/routine, see if they have advice or regrets, see if they are happy with the money they make, ask how they build their client base, ask them every question you have. I think with this experience, you will be in a better position to decide if this is the right path for you. Perhaps it might confirm your desire to pursue this, or it might open your eyes to another path that you haven’t even thought of yet.

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Deborah D.’s Answer

Your passion is contagious! I got excited just reading about what you have done, and continue to do to feed your heart's desire. In answer to your question; the one thing I would like to see is some expansion. In other words, without denying your first love, try to incorporate some skill training that will support you financially.
What if you get there, or at least think you are there,(your dream job) and it's not what you thought it would be, You are loving caring for the animals, but can you teat them if they are sick. That means more schooling. That means money. .
Try to find something you can tolerate doing to make money, (to live on), and enjoy the passion filled journey loving the animals, twisting and turning the corners of enlightenment until the day comes when you are ready to make the leap of faith.
You may change a few things along the way,(training is boring, whatever). Remember it's your world, do what you want, just do it.
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Nick’s Answer

While I don't know much about horses, it's impressive that you have found a strong interest in a career at your age. The best advice I can give is to get formal education in the care of animals, and don't skip on any business education as well. You should share your interest and plans with your current employer. Its very likely they could not only advise you on your education but also fund some or all of your education expenses (could be a tax write off for them) and work around your school schedule. Your employer may have had this education themselves and would be a good source of support. Your employer may also need educated employees to help run the business in the short term and take increasing responsibilities over the long term.

It's good to follow your passion but keep in mind sometimes your passion does not lead to the paycheck that you deserve. Keep an open mind.
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