If you don’t already know, my major is Equine Studies. I have heard several times how important experience is in the horse world. I’m trying to think about ways to gain experience, but they aren’t coming to me. I have tried to get involved with the equine clubs on campus however, I have not been able to. Many clubs require students to pass certain classes first or have prior experience. I also don’t have the best relationship with the equine department considering I have essentially no friends in the program. I’ve tried to make friends, but people have been treating me as though I experience some form of sociopathy. I have gathered several sources for internships with no avail in them either. I can’t drive due to having low vision, and my area doesn’t have public transportation. We do have Uber though our rates are very unaffordable to get to the internships. I did at one time consider buying my horse although college has revealed to me it may not be the best idea. The difficulties I’m experiencing already as a first semester freshman has me concerned about my potential for a career following graduation as potential employers seem reluctant about hiring someone with low vision and the inability to drive.
I think that is a reasonable concern. Would you consider a major / career path that would pay the bills such that you could afford to do horsey things as a hobby, charitable work, or sideline activity? Alternatively, have you determined that a degree in equine studies would make you more employable in your desired career path than a degree in anything else would? If it doesn’t, you might consider a more broadly marketable degree as something to fall back on.
Have you spoken with your advisor and/or the dept folks?
If you’re thinking of buying a horse, there must be a barn. Have you looked into volunteering there- doing anything they need, as a start?
My son is a horse kid and has worked in the horse industry the last three summers. I can understand why they are hesitant to hire someone with vision impairment. My son says there are several times he was almost kicked by a horse while performing procedures on him and visually seeing the clues the horse puts out can be difficult. I think they are worried about liability. What do you see yourself doing in the horse industry. Look at some of the major feed companies and their internships. I have heard several people getting good internships in Kentucky. Also look at breeding facilities. Good luck.
@allyphoe
I can’t really see myself doing anything else. I don’t have any interests outside the horse world. Everything other program than my current seems to boring and uninteresting to me. I would not be satisfied studying a different major. The horse industry is very focused on experience, and so another major would take away from the knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry, which considering I never had horses, is essential.
@lookingforward
I have tried speaking with my advisor who is also the director however, as stated before, my relationship with the department is very low. I tried seeking work at our own farm, but they’re uninterested in having me as a worker or a volunteer. I have asked several times though.
@momocarly
I have no idea what I wish to do in the horse industry, but even the feed companies aren’t an option because of my inability to drive and the lack of public transportation. I have found myself in a difficult situation, and one I’m not sure how to solve.
Why is the relationship poor? Is this about your academics?
I see you did buy the horse- and this entire scanario doesn’t make a lot of sense, to me. You may return the horse, you may get another…and you have finaid concerns and earning problems, etc.
If your parents are not thinking straight on their involvement, you may need to be the one who applies solid rational thinking.
If you think your chances of working the obvious jobs in the industry are slim, what is your backup plan? What ideas?
@lookingforward
I don’t know why my relationship with the department is so rough. I haven’t done much in the program despite making an honest effort to. They just don’t have much to do with me. My academics are great actually, so it couldn’t be grades. I have no alternative plan since, as I said, I can’t see myself doing anything else. I have no ideas either.
Is the relationship poor, or non-existent?
Contact the equine dept. counselors/advisor and make an appointment to see them. Maybe it is through email, or maybe by contacting the office. Don’t blame anyone/yourself, but ask about what opportunities are there for gaining experience in equine things.
If you cannot get that to happen, talk to your Dean of Students.
Did you have experience before you started college? Riding lessons etc.?
Can work with your home barn over the summer?