Are you the happiest while galloping bareback across an open field? Are you filled with overwhelming pride when the horse you are riding snags top prize at an equestrian show jumping event? Do you love being around horses so much that you find yourself sneaking off to talk to them when you are sad or depressed? If so, a career as a horse trainer may be just what you need. To find out more, continue reading this guide on how to become a horse trainer.

The job of a horse trainer is very demanding, so it is essential that those choosing the profession have a deep love and commitment for the animal. Generally, you can expect minimal pay accompanied by long hours and very little vacation time or holidays. The job demands patience, not only toward the animal, but also for the people trainers deal with daily! It is important that you do not enter the profession believing you will have the gift of a horse whisperer or that all roads will lead to the Kentucky Derby. In actuality, training race horses is only a small niche in a much larger discipline. If your love for horses is genuine, however, than there is no better job than spending your days training horses. To learn more, continue reading this guide on how to become a horse trainer.

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• All horse trainers must be devoted to the individual horse they are training, and must live by the 'golden rule' of horses, which states: the horse is always innocent. Specifically, the job of a horse trainer is usually dictated by the type of training you pursue. In general, however, horse trainers:

1. Work on basic training skills
2. Focus on behavior training - this includes working with horses that have a tendency to bite, those that refuse to move, horses that like to kick or generally won't listen
3. Work to help nervous horses
4. Help improve a horse's manners
5. Help condition a horse with reigns
6. Teach horses to stand still

• The process of training a horse is not as simple as plunging right in. It is important to establish a relationship built on kindness and trust. A trainer's approach and temperament, therefore, often determine whether or not the training will be successful. Prospective horse trainers should possess the following:

1. Compassion
2. Thoughtfulness
3. Desire to give rather than receive
4. Kindness
5. Trustworthiness
6. Patience
7. Love for horses

• Education is important for aspiring horse trainers, especially the type that comes in the form of hands on experience. There are two main routes for those seeking a career in the training profession:

1. Attend an Equestrian College - these colleges provide a balance between academic and hands-on horse training. If you decide to attend one of these schools, try to chose one that will present you with the best opportunity for you career-wise when you graduate. Because it is a competitive field, it may be difficult to find employment unless you have connections, and one of the benefits of going to an equestrian college or the job opportunities you will have once you graduate.
2. Undergo specific training courses and certification - specified horse training programs are usually provided at established training facilities that specialize in a certain type of training. The benefit to undergoing training in these facilities is that there are often job opportunities for you after you have complete the course work and received certification. If there is not work, they will usually recommend you to someone else in their network of contacts.

' (Creative Commons photo by nikki tate)

• Although many people think horse training refers to highly specialized field of thoroughbred racing, there are actually several types of training available to the aspiring horse enthusiast. These include:

1. Working with young horses
2. Training problem horses
3. Working with rodeo horses
4. Disciplining sports horses - this includes horses entering Olympic equestrian events such as show jumping

• Those specifically interested in race horsing should:

1. Work part-time or volunteer at stables and race training facilities - learn all you can and make as many connections as possible. Get some one-on-one time with the horses if you can.
2. Become an apprentice or an assistant trainer
3. Understand your training duties - this includes scheduling the work program for your horse, deciding race entries, determining what grade the horse should race against and what type of ground your horse prefers to run on

• For those who love being around and working with horses, pursuing a career training them may be the perfect fit for you. If you are willing to devote the necessary time and energy, then there is no reason why you can't start today.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: What Does a Horse Trainer Do?
• Step 2: Get Educated
• Step 3: Explore Career Options
• Conclusion