Becoming an RA

[queeny]

I am considering becoming an RA (Through Monty Roberts prelim cert etc..), what qualities do you think are needed for a potential RA? Also what are the potential barriers people have experienced in becoming an RA?
Thanks

[Garry]

You need to be good at communicating with people as well as horses. A sense of humour can come in handy ;D

Be prepared to work weekends/evenings.

Some people find that getting experience with a range of horses can be difficult. I found getting involved with a rescue centre was very beneficial.

Keep an open mind

I'm sure some other RA's will come up with loads more stuff

[Deleted]

Echo the sense of humour!

To get to be an RA, be prepared to dig really deeply into yourself. You need resiliance, initiative, determination, imagination... You need to be prepared to make mistakes and be able to pick yourself up afterwards. You need to be able to look inside yourself and maybe see things you're not so keen on, but face them and move on.

I had no idea of how personally hard some of this would be. Now, I'm glad it was but there were times that it was difficult. But I do think it makes you a better person.

Barriers are probably different for different people. There is, of course, the cost involved. It's also been very time consuming. I almost wish I'd kept track of the hours spent with any horse I could get my hands on, it must run into the hundreds. And goodness knows how many miles I've travelled to get to those horses (at my expense), that must be thousands. Knowledge barriers are all over the place when you start, but that is enjoyable work to overcome them. And there is, of course, the barrier of not being taken seriously on non-IH yards. That can be hard.

Another thing to be prepared for is the time it takes. At a minimum you're looking at 3 years (1 for the courses, 1 to get to and take stage 2, 1 for case studies). It's taken me 5.

But... this is the most satisfying achievement of my life. Seriously, literally. My 2 days as an RA have felt amazing, that I have reached what I've been aiming for since I was a child (and that's a while ago!).

[queeny]

Thank you so much for all your really useful comments and I look forward to lots more.
Thanks again

[Zoe RA]

Hi Queeny

Not a lot to add to what Garry and Liz have already said, other than to be aware that as you will be self employed, not only will you have to have a basic knowledge of book keeping so that you can do your Tax Returns etc, but you will also have to make your own Insurance arrangements and be prepared to take the financial knocks of the lean/quieter times during the year.

You will also need to be both physically and mentally fit as although most of what we do is technique, there are times when physical strength plays a part. Mental agility is a must at all times!

It is by no means a bed of roses all the way, but enjoy your journey. If you do decide to go for it, you will be on the road of learning for the rest of your life .................... but WHAT a life it is

[SarahW]

Hi Queeny,

there have been highs and lows for me too. My husband always says "The horses are alright......." and you can guess the rest. I have worked with some fantastic people and some very difficult ones too. Sometimes you can turn up at places and almost think that you need to call the RSPCA and yet with just a little bit of training you can make an enormous difference to the lives of people and their horses. Sometimes it's the small stuff that makes the biggest difference.

The trials and tribulations of my everyday life as an RA are all on my blogsite at www.sarahweston.co.uk

I'd echo what Zoe has said about insurance - it's so difficult to get insurance companies to really understand what we do. I have a friendly accountant but I am very disciplined about writing down income and outgoings every day.

Don't be all talk and no action, make sure you can walk the walk aswell as talk the talk. Immerse yourself in horses and go and see every other trainer that you can find.

[queeny]

Thank you everyone for your comments all really useful and all being taken onboard. Sarah W, I may give you a shout and come and visit at some point in the next six months if you are willing to meet up, as I am also in Hampshire, although may well not be in Hampshire long term. Thank you all again.

[SarahW]

Happy to do that...

Sarah
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