Expert: Jodey Smith - 3/7/2009

Question
i have a real passion for horses. i recently discovered equine message therapy and am interested in pursuing it. my problem is that i do not have much experience with horses at all.  and most people tell me that you should not have a career with horses unless you have grown up with them, this is horribly discouraging to hear. i have been trying to contact places that give riding lessons to see if they can help me get some hands on experience. am i doing the right thing? do you think this career could be right for me?

Answer
Don't let the fact that you didn't grow up with horses discourage you.  Many people have successful careers in areas that are new to them.

This could be the right career for you.  It is worth exploring further if you are interested in it.

It sounds like you are off to a good start by asking questions to people who work in the horse field.  I would recommend you keep researching and talking to people.  Contact some people who are already doing this and ask them questions.  You may even be able to "shadow" an equine massage therapist to see what the job is really like on a daily basis.