Do you want to work with horses but have no idea how to get started? Don’t be afraid to reach out to industry professionals, even if you don’t see a job opening.
As I’ve said in previous blogs, there are many equine careers both in the barn and out. Many of the people who work those careers are happy to let someone come on as an intern or even an employee if they show an interest. But many of the times it is word of mouth or reaching out that reveals their willingness.
You’ve probably heard the saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know” and that is true to a point. But in the age of the internet, you can make those connections without another person having to introduce you to others.
What led to my career in the industry was an email inquiring about internships sent to the United States Equestrian Federation’s Human Resources department. I didn’t have any connections in Lexington at the time but had visited the town previously and loved it. My college career was coming to an end and I had no idea what my next step should be – other than wanting to work with horses or in sports – so I sent an email.
It was an Olympic year (2012 London Olympics) so the USEF was on my mind more than normal. After a few days of building my courage, I drafted a cover letter and sent it on. I heard back within a few days and the rest is history.
Emails and social media messages have led to my various experiences in the industry because even though it was anxiety inducing, I always made myself hit send. A friend connecting me with someone on Facebook led to me prepping yearlings in 2014 and then staying on at the farm for the next two years to foal mares.
Sending a bloodstock agent a Direct Message on Twitter led to a meeting that not only eventually saw me go to Australia but also saw the group he works for become one of Pyrois Media’s first clients. Which also leads to another point – social media can be your friend if you let it.
I definitely have many more connections in the industry today than I did a decade ago and many of them were cultivated on social media.
I was active on Twitter (now X) and Facebook in college and after gratulation with a big focus on talking about horses. Though it wasn’t the plan, that allowed industry professionals to get to know me. Note that when I say I was active, I tried my hardest to be in productive conversations – not conversations that devolved into bickering with the topic left in the dust. You can easily gain a reputation on social media as being a troll or as being someone who is actually passionate about the equine industry and wants to have discussions, so keep that in mind.
Don’t be afraid to comment on social media posts if you see a post that inspires your opinions or even if you have a question about it. Just like you would in person, make sure you are respectful, but you can learn a lot and make a big impression on industry professionals if you participate on social media posts with an open mind.
If you have someone in the industry who you look up to, don’t be afraid to comment on their posts or even send them a respectful message. That initiative can go a long way toward shaping their opinion of you and possibly even lead to a job or internship.
An email to someone I looked up to led to an internship at Three Chimneys Farm.
If the person you want to work with isn’t on social media – or if you’re sending them an inquiry about a job or internship – find their email. Keep in mind you may not get a reply right away and my rule of thumb is always to follow up about a week after the initial email or message if I don’t hear anything.
Unfortunately not everyone will answer your messages for various reasons .So if you never get a reply, don’t take it personally.
Don’t give up if you don’t get a reply from the first person, or even the second person you message. You never know when your message will arrive in the inbox of someone who can change your life.
Have questions about how you can get involved in the equine industry? Email Melissa@PyroisMedia.com!