OPINION: Supporting young people into the equine industry
- Published
- Wednesday 6 November
Kirsten Owen BHSI, Stable Yard Manager at Myerscough College, discusses how education providers and coaches can help young people succeed in the equestrian industry.
As coaches, teachers and mentors, the chance to be involved with the next generation of our future professionals is both interesting and challenging.
I find the most rewarding thing is teaching valuable life skills, confidence, teamwork, respect, discipline, timekeeping, responsibility and communication skills. I'm very privileged to be the Stable Yard Manager of Myerscough College.
Over the past 23 years, there has been many changes, however, the fundamentals of how we care for the horses within our department, and our desire to motivate and inspire every student, is as strong as ever.
Many students that I meet are often unsure of what career path they would like to take, the simple fact is that's fine! We need to offer as many opportunities as possible, to help them understand the demands of our industry and make sure they enjoy the journey.
Our learners' abilities and experiences are always varied: some start nervous and need to build confidence, while others come determined and competitive. Getting to know each student really helps me to give them career advice - the right advice and support is crucial to their experience. However different the course titles, from Level 1, BHSQ Work-based Diplomas to horse science and management University Degrees, all students need valuable industry experience and skills.
The coaching team at Myerscough, seamlessly integrate the welfare standards promoted by the British Horse Society, within the academic curriculum and in doing this, students gain the skills they need for their future with horses.
From employers we hear that the BHS is the qualification of choice. The BHS Career Transition Fund, now makes these qualifications much more accessible and helps us to encourage students to push forward and grasp opportunities for their future.
Every year, I employ students to work on the yard, but they must go through the application and interview process... another life skill! They become an essential part of the team, caring for the horses when students are completing work experience (a requirement of their course) and during the holidays.
Providing practical opportunities like this means many students, leave education having secured jobs within the equine industry. There are too many success stories to tell you about, but they range from practical roles to management, including sales and marketing, lecturing, coaches, racing, stunt riding, film and TV, International grooms, saddlers, equine dentists goodness the list is endless!
The next generation of our future professionals has a great deal to offer, we just need to support them on their journey.