Career Opportunities
PROGRAMS Career Opportunities
5 Horse Training Career Paths to Travel as a Josh Lyons Trainer
Many people have pondered a horse training career, perhaps you are an adult looking for a career change or hoping to become an entrepreneur. Maybe you are a recent high school graduate looking for your next path in life. Although your parents or family and friends may tell you that financing an education in the horse industry is really just throwing more money into your favorite hobby, the horse industry is big business in the United States. The American Horse Council’s 2017 update to its National and State Economic Impact Studies reflects the latest statistics:
Reasons to be optimistic about the horse industry & future opportunities…
Despite a dip in the equine industry that deepened further during the Great Recession, there’s reason to be very optimistic about a return to a thriving equine industry and the resulting horse training careers becoming available.
The outlook for professionals in animal care and service, including horse trainers, is excellent. Employment in these areas is expected to grow 11% over the 2016-26 decade, faster than the average for all occupations (source: U.S. Department of Labor). Salaries vary greatly based on the specific field or employer. For example, independent horse trainers giving private lessons may work for $20-50/hour or more.
According to the U.S. Equine Market, 3rd Edition report from research firm Packaged Facts, Americans who own, care for, and love horses are some of the pet market’s most dedicated consumers, and most of them consider their horses to be family members:
“In the equine world, the bond between horse and owner at times goes even beyond that between other pets and their owners, in that riding a horse requires a constant physical communication between horse and rider, a connection that can foster emotional attachment in a way that simply petting a cat or dog does not,” noted David Sprinkle, research director of Packaged Facts.
You may ask yourself, why choose a Lyons Legacy certification program?
Once you have completed a Lyons Legacy Program, you become a part of the longest running Horse Trainer Certification Schools in the Industry, with over 30 years of educating both horse and rider!
Success is based off of the students which makes the Lyons Legacy method so successful.
Become a part of over 600 Horse Trainers in 13 Counties and over 48 States, and Ride Like A Lyons!!!
The takeaway? Being a Josh Lyons Certified Trainer can open the doors to a fulfilling horse training career, providing a high standard of living and a good return on time and tuition investment.
What can you do by being a Josh Lyons Certified and Accredited Trainer?
Horses are an integral part of American culture, being a Josh Lyons Certified &/or Accredited Trainer may qualify you for a variety of financially and professionally rewarding career opportunities.
Here are five exciting examples:
- Horse Trainers & Behavioral Consultants
As a Josh Lyons Trainer, you will gain the knowledge to prepare horses for riding, racing and equestrian disciplines such as reining, cutting and dressage. You may also train horses for various occupations, such as police work, ranch and trail work. Trainers can also be instrumental in rehabilitating animals with a history of abuse or trauma.
Horse trainers bridge the gap between horse and rider. They train horses to accept human contact and commands; they also train people to become more effective horsemen. They require excellent observation skills and a detailed knowledge of equine behavior. They must be able to analyze their horse’s individual and social behaviors; this allows them to avoid or correct problems such as biting, kicking or head tossing. Horse trainers evaluate the environment of their animal to effectively manage the environment and prevent behavioral problems before they occur. Equine consultants may be called in for short term consultations on difficult cases. Consultants are considered to be experts in their field and may be called to testify in court cases involving equine behavior. Many equine consultants also run their own practices as riding instructors, trainers, or veterinarians. - Equestrian Coaching/Riding Instructor
Becoming a Josh Lyons Trainer prepares you to teach students proper form and how to effectively communicate with the horse. You will have ability to teach riders how to understand and interpret their horse’s behavior.Riding instructors teach riding techniques at a variety of levels. From beginner riders, which need to be taught the basic techniques of riding and controlling their horse. As well ass, how to properly care for the horse, including saddling, grooming and the proper use of tack and equipment. Advanced riders work to improve their techniques and overall style of horsemanship. They may work on show preparation in specific events such as, reining, cutting, working cow horse.Advanced instructors may offer clinics and travel to competitions to coach their students. Some instructors work in equine assisted therapy, partnering with therapists to provide equine activities that promote physical and psychological health. These activities can be particularly helpful for clients with serious physical or developmental challenges.
- Equine Therapy
Equine Therapists are professionals who work with horses and help patients and customers accept horses as a means of therapy and comfort. Also referred to as “Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy,” this area of the equine industry is experiencing growing support thanks to studies that confirm its effectiveness in improving the quality of life for individuals with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities.
As a Josh Lyons Trainer, you could find yourself supervising individuals and helping them communicate with horses and develop:
- Assertiveness
- Emotional awareness
- Accountability and responsibility
- Self-confidence and self-control
- Problem-solving skills
Equine-assisted therapy has been used to successfully treat autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, and substance abuse. It is among the largest growing therapy for Veterans of the United States Military, law enforcement officers and first responders, who suffer from PTSD.
- Barn and Facility Managers
Barn & Facility Managers oversee a whole host of human and equine issues simultaneously. They require excellent people skills to work with both owners and employees. They work with veterinarians, suppliers, farriers and other professionals. These managers ensure equipment is maintained, advise owners on horse sales and purchases, and keep tabs on the financial health of the farm or ranch. On the equine side, they must be thoroughly versed in horse behavior in order to maximize animal welfare and minimize behavioral problems. Managers also need to recognize the signs of infectious diseases, lameness and other equine health issues, and be aware of any indicators of stress or anxiety.
- Mounted Police Officer
Perhaps you also have an interest in law enforcement or you are currently an officer of the law looking for advancement into a mounted patrol unit. Only a handful of officers are selected to serve in these highly visible teams, so obtaining a prior experience with horses is invaluable in gaining these positions. As a Josh Lyons Trainer, you will be prepared for the type of horsemanship necessary to excel and gain a position as a mounted patrol officer.
Officers who serve as mounted police are among the most highly respected and visible members of the law enforcement community.
