It may look like a fun, fantastical career or hobby. However, a lot of training, education and first-hand experience comes with becoming an equestrian. Are you considering learning how to become an equestrian? Well, this is what it really takes.
In some of our fantasies we may envision ourselves on horseback and spending time with animals all day long. This is all well and good, but becoming an equestrian requires a lot or work, passion and dedication. You need to be prepared for what it takes and how to listen to industry professionals. In this article we will discuss what exactly goes into being a professional, competitive equestrian.
How To Become An Equestrian
Many riding enthusiasts dream of being an equestrian, but making that dream a reality is no easy feat. If you want to make it to the top and become an Olympic level equestrian it takes a lifetime.
Passion & Dedication
Having passion and dedication is an understatement for potential equestrians. If you want to become more than a hobby, it needs to become a much bigger aspect of your life. Just like any professional athlete, you must train almost everyday. Not only training, but you need to find passion in every aspect of the sport. This means finding as much fulfillment in the mundane chores as you do sitting on the horse.
Time & Commitment
Becoming an equestrian is a huge time commitment and life commitment. Horses live a long time and need consistent work to stay healthy and sound. When competitive horses are not worked on a regular schedule they can become lame which puts you and the horse at risk of injury. Not only is training a time commitment, everything else that goes into it requires commitment. You are housing, feeding and nurturing a very large animal.
Funding
In addition to the time commitment, there is a huge financial commitment as well. Horses are not cheap and neither is competing. Most competitions and shows cost money to enter. Not only that but there is also all the tack, riding gear, transportation, boarding, feeding and veterinary care.
Horses that compete at high levels require constant veterinary care and check ups. This ensures they are sound to ride and protects them from career ending injuries. Horses are stoic animals, which means they try not to show any signs of weakness or pain. Regular vet visits are essential to understanding your horses limitations.
Listening & Learning From Experts
Just like in any profession, learning and listening from industry experts is a huge requirement. This doesn’t mean blindly trusting everyone you meet, but asking questions and listening to as many different equestrians will give you valuable insight. It goes beyond personal research, listening to the people with first hand knowledge and experience is how you can become more involved in the equine community.
Experience & Foundation
Get on a horse. If you’ve never ridden before, there is no time like the present. Becoming a professional equestrian requires a lot of experience. They say 10,000 hours is what it takes to become a professional and that is no different for horseback riding. Learning how to become an equestrian requires experience and a strong foundation of fundamental skills. Start with lessons, join a pony club, start competing then continue with coaching and training.
What Does It Really Take To Become an Equestrian?
Learning how to become an equestrian is a lifestyle. A serious, competitive equestrian is more than just a hobby, it has to be everything. It can be very expensive and difficult but if you are passionate it can be fulfilling. If you can listen to experts and take criticism, you’ll be just fine.
Start joining local equine communities, take lessons and ask questions. Nothing worth having comes easy and that’s especially true in the equestrian world. It takes a lot of time and work to become a professional but with the right attitude, anything is possible!
