Pros and Cons of Self-Employment in the Equine Industry

Being self-employed in the equine industry has grown in popularity as a career move over the last 15-20 years. Those wishing to work in the industry no longer have to go through a designated route. If they have the skill and the drive, they can go it alone and make a pretty handsome living. Not to mention working with some rewarding clients. 

Whether you’re new to the industry or have been working with an equine organisation for years, before you go self-employed, you must be aware of the pros and cons. This way, you are fully aware of what you’re signing up for. 

What Does “Equine Self-Employed” Really Mean?

Being self-employed in the equine industry can mean your job is one of many different roles. You could be a groom, saddle fitter, equine vet or even a behaviourist. The difference is, you work for yourself, not for someone else or another organisation. This means you are the boss, in charge of when you work and what you do for work. 

Why So Many Choose to Go Self-Employed in the Equine Industry (The Pros)

Here at IASF, we are champions of the self-employed route. There are so many benefits, and most of them have been well-advertised. Most people choose to go down the self-employed route as a way to take charge of their life, deciding what they do with their days, whilst also holding themselves accountable to get the work done. Below are some of the pros of being self-employed in the equine industry.

Flexibility and Autonomy

One of the best known reasons people decide to work for themselves is due to the ability to choose their working hours. If you want to start later and finish earlier, have a longer lunch or take the odd afternoon off, you can do just that.

There are a few caveats for choosing your working hours. Especially in the equine industry, you are somewhat bound to the hours of daylight when you can carry out your work. This is ok during the summer, when the days are long, but during the winter, it can get dark pretty quickly and early.

Following Your Passions

“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” is a common phrase in the equine industry. When you choose the self-employed route, you can do what you’re passionate about. This is important when times get tough, as you remain clear on why you do what you do. This drive will help you do your best work and ultimately make it more rewarding. 

Higher Earning Potential

It is no secret that your earning potential increases if you decide to work for yourself. You decide your rates, services and more, meaning you can have direct influence on how much you earn. This is one of the biggest reasons we see people adopt the entrepreneur lifestyle. By doing something you’re highly skilled at, but for yourself, you reap the full reward. 

Build Your Own Brand/Reputation

If you wish to make a name for yourself within the equine industry, whether that’s as a master saddle fitter or similar, one of the best ways to do so is by going it alone and doing great work. This leads to positive word-of-mouth recommendations that could lead to more work in the future.

The Challenges of Being Self-Employed in the Equine Industry

As is the case with all jobs, there are challenges to accompany the positives. You need to be sure that you are fully prepared to deal with the highs and lows of being self-employed. The brilliant thing about the equine industry is that there are plenty of helpful and kind people out there who can offer advice when you encounter any of the following.

Inconsistent and Unpredictable Income

It is not exclusive to just the equine industry, but any business where you go self-employed, you are likely to encounter inconsistent income. It is all based on how much you want to work as well as how much work you can get. There will be natural peaks and troughs, so be sure to set aside some money in those good months for when things feel like they’re slowing down.

Long and Overlooked Working Hours

You work for yourself, which means you only get paid when you do the work. You will be more aware of deadlines and pressures to get things done, so there may be days when you work longer than desired. Again, this can come down to how much work you take on. There are even hours you can’t bill for that you will have to factor in, such as travelling. More equine self-employed are beginning to factor travel into their charges, which is advisable.

Managing the Business Side

Of course, you will have to manage your business, which may not come naturally to you. You will need to take care of the bookings, acquiring work, accounts and fail-safe plans should equipment fail or need repairing. There are plenty of guides online to help you through the majority of these tasks.

Keep an eye on the IASF website for more guides on running your equine business.

Physical & Emotional Demands

And finally, it can take a lot out of you working for yourself. Long days, hard days and everything in between can push you to your limits. But this is what makes the pros of this lifestyle and career choice. 

Weighing Up the Pros and Cons of Self-Employment

It is important that you’re fully aware of what it’s like to be self-employed in the equine industry. It can be hard work, but incredibly rewarding. Before you jump headfirst into this career, make sure you can stomach the challenges and that the pros are exciting enough to keep you coming back every day. 

Kickstart Your Self-Employed Equine Journey with IASF

Looking to get your foot in the equine industry? Why not consider becoming a saddler with IASF? We run a range of saddle fitting courses designed to match your current level of knowledge. Whether you’re completely new to saddle fitting or have a decent understanding of the craft, find the right entry point for you. For more information about our courses, please do not hesitate to get in touch.