English Riders answer please! I have been riding for several years, and I am experienced. I want to make it into a professional field, but I want an opinion on what point in your riding career would you be considered a “Pro”. Thanks my fellow horse lovers :3
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At What Point Would You Consider Yourself A Professional Equestrian Rider?
Posted on January 2, 2013.
By definition, a professional makes their living entirely in their chosen field of specialty. So a professional rider would make enough money to sustain themselves financially entirely on their riding.
If you’re asking at what point do you make the decision to try to make a living at this, you must possess the skills that warrant others paying you to ride their horses. You must be able to consistently find the correct distances to the jumps the horse is training on, whether it’s 3′ or 5′. You must be able to train the horses consistently and have a deep bag of training tricks to apply to any horse that comes your way. You must be able to show successfully and be willing to give up your amateur status. And you must be wiling to become insured.
How long it takes you to achieve these goals is of no matter. You could be affiliated with a famous trainer who’s only taught you to ride for 3 years and is giving you their cast-offs. Or you could be riding for decades, decide showing is no longer for you, and trying your hand at making a living this way. Of course if you choose the latter you must have another source of income should nobody send any horses your way.
Never. Being an “equestrian rider” would indicate that you are riding equestrians, which are horse riders.
To answer the question that you meant to ask, the minimum definition of being a professional equestrian happens when people start paying you for your services. Personally, I don’t think you should call yourself a pro if you earn a little money here and there, but should if it’s your main source of income.
When you get paid for it. Once you take money you are legally considered a professional. Until then no matter how good….you are an amateur.
Being a professional is not what makes you good, nor do you have to be good in order to be a professional. If you want to be good, then I suggest never thinking of yourself as a professional. Always think of yourself as a student. That is how you continue to learn and improve. Once you stop learning, then your career starts its downhill slide.
When you’re paid to ride or train a horse, you’re considered a professional rider or trainer. You lose your amateur status, so if you compete, you will be ineligible for amateur classes.
Not until your riding pays the bills.
Nope.