How to fit in horses around a full-time job

Horsemart blogger and rider Kirsty Holland takes us through the pros and cons of fitting in horse riding and care around full time work.

If you’re thinking about taking up riding but work full time, you firstly need to think about your priorities and how much time you are willing and able to put aside to fit horses in around your employment.

You will find a lot of riding opportunities working on a yard in exchange for rides at riding schools, family run yards and small liveries. The terms can vary so ring around a few yards, and enquire about adverts to find out their suitability. These adverts will be on riding school websites, online directories, equine magazines, in tack shops and newspapers.

Initially I rode once a month at a riding school around my full time employment but found when I started talking to people about my interest in horses, I started meeting likeminded people who then recommended me to friends of theirs. On one occasion I was able to part loan, more cost effective and more riding. There are different loan/part loan and sharer arrangements available depending on what the owner requires eg money, help around the yard.

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You can also try promoting yourself, highlighting your skills eg showing experience, dressage rider, handles young horses in business cards and post adverts at riding schools/livery yards, tack shops, free advertisement websites. You can set up your own social media page with photos and information and join groups to share advice and find out information. You can also create your own website, there are plenty of free website builders that are simple and easy to use. Then link all of your social network pages, profiles accounts and website together to reach an even wider audience.

It also helps to get involved in the local area, going to shows, tack shops/sales, and competitions. Joining the local riding club is a fantastic way to meet people in your area and at very minimal cost. Riding clubs organise competitions, lessons, clinics and hacks. You can also volunteer in helping organise and set up events.

It really is possible to fit horses into your life around a full time job but it takes commitment and time for opportunities to come along, but they are there and it is worth it! Visit Kirsty's website http://kholland.webs.com/ for more information.

Browse equipment for sale or place an ad on Horsemart now.