A hot topic this week. Let’s talk about the equine employment industry. We’ve all been there, long hours, 7 days, all weather, having lunch in a stable, eating hand to mouth each week. I say this all the time, for Ireland known as “the land of the horse”, it is simply not good enough. 

I read a controversial article last week in Horse & Hound magazine, about a groom who works full time for a professional rider and gets paid £100 per week. Imagine that, £100 per week. How is anybody able to eat, pay bills, fuel, live and save some money on a wage like that. I have done it myself for many years, and I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a serious struggle every time. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of bringing your horses for livery on 5* yards was always the most appealing part for me. However, there came a time when I simply had to stop putting my animals in 5* accommodation as part of my ‘wage’, when I couldn’t even save for a mortgage myself! Luckily, I am in a position where I am not in a hurry to move out of home, as I am keen to buy the right place where I can base my business and livery yard. I’m very aware this is not the case or situation for every other horse owner, or those trying to make it in the industry.

I loved every minute of working hands-on with the horses, and in saying that, I was also not underpaid in every workplace. I would have to say 70% of the equine employment I had, was long hours with little money. But my horses were there with me every day, and they were happy. I had access to top trainers and amazing facilities – so why did it matter at all? I grew up. Realized I needed a horsebox for example – that’s a few thousand euro itself. I decided to start working more hours. One week I clocked up 72 hours, and almost fell asleep at the wheel driving home after a 16-hour night shift. It took a massive toll on my health, and I knew something had to change.

I’ve had equine jobs that paid well, but I was treated and worked almost like a slave! I have had jobs where the paying wage wasn’t great, but I was appreciated and had standard hours. It’s really a catch 22, and you can never really tell until you start somewhere, how it’s going to work out long term.  I came into the equine industry, knowing that it was hard work and long hours – and to be honest, I stuck out every single job for the length of time possible, or until I was offered something better, but personally I agree things need to improve.

I was back to square one, feeling tired, overwhelmed and defeated. All my hard work, my years of studying for my equine degree in university. Was it a waste of time? I was completely lost. I was back on the job hunt. Luckily, it didn’t take me long to become re-employed within the purchasing/procurement sector in which I worked before. I had a Monday to Friday, 40 hours, very well-paid job within 1 week. It was only then, that I realized how tough it was for people to “make it” within the equine industry. Especially in Ireland. “Make it” – what exactly does that mean? If you are financially comfortable, and not at such an age of mortgages, cars and children, then you wouldn’t mind as much. It is tough going for anybody.

What I have learned and studied over the years, is invaluable information and experience that I would never have had without the long hours and never-ending days! So, for that I am grateful. 

So, it was back to the drawing board. I decided to start my own business on the side of my full-time office job. I sat down for weeks and months and planned everything start to finish. I had all these qualifications and a top equine degree, why was I letting it go to waste? It was time to knuckle down and put my experience to good use. I topped up on my coaching qualifications, paid to do a private course, caught up on research seminars, and I gave every spare minute of my day to this. I then launched my business. It really kicked off, and I was surprised – given this was at the start of the pandemic. I made this work alongside a full-time job, and 2 horses. It was tough, but so worth it!

In hindsight, yes, it’s paid off. I have found a ‘happy-medium’. The hard work is not finished yet, and there is still a lot of work for me to do, but I am most definitely getting there. What I would like readers to take away from this article is – take your time. Leave the jobs you aren’t happy with. Ask for the extra money if you feel you deserve it. Don’t beat yourself up, the equine industry is tough, and there are simply not enough staff regulations for employees. Don’t run yourself into the ground trying to work 60-hour weeks for it not to be appreciated. I guarantee someone out there will eventually appreciate your hard work, it doesn’t take long to notice it. Put yourself first, always!