That's a problem with me. I don't like school that much, and I don't like work (except for work around horses.) Is there any job that I could make enough money to own my one horse, but involves horses? (An equine vet would be nice, but I don't like school, and horses are sometimes terrifying)

Maybe you could be a vet tech? That requires less school, though vet techs typically work in small animal practices. If you were interested in any job with horses directly though, there aren't a lot of options. Some require extensive horse experience and lots of money/sponsorships (i.e. pro rider or trainer), or they are low paying manual labor kind of jobs (i.e. groom or stable hand). There might be some jobs out there like leading trail rides on dude ranches and stuff like that, but again, they will be looking for years of experience riding horses. Are you entreprenurial? You could own a tack shop, or at least work in one. Maybe work in the feed industry?

I don't want to sound rude, but you might need to consider a more "boring" day job that isn't thrilling, but is able to sustain you and your desired hobby. You don't need to "live to work", but many of us do need to "work to live".

That's what I thought, thanks! Any tips on how to handle a horse who wants to gallop home on the way back? (When on a trail ride)

Horse that wants to run home on a trail ride...I know all about that one! You have a couple of options.

1) Keep them busy. Circles, transitions, ask them to work and take their mind off of running home and make them focus on you.

2) School your horse in being able to walk on a long rein at all times. My horse wants to run wild everytime we take him out of the ring for the first time each spring. I keep a long rein the whole time, but whenever he goes to speed up, I give one big yank up and back with the reins. Just one that's sharp and fast. And then we are back to the long rein with no/little contact. Every time he tries to go faster, repeat. They tend to figure it out pretty fast. This has also trained my horse to associate the long rein with walking and staying relaxed.

Thanks! She's usually ridden on a very long rein, so that should help then.

One thing to know for sure is that, the only expense is not just the horse, which i'm sure you know that. It comes with a lot of other stuff to keep up with them, such as, boarding (if you will be), feed, tack, farrier, vet, etc. If something happens, here comes the vet, along with a vet bill. And just well maintenance! They take lots of time and care, and it never hurts to ask others you know!

Hello! I completely understand where you're coming from when you say you don't like school/don't want to do any schooling. I'll tell you right now that any high paying job is going to come with committment, time, hard work, and probably schooling. However, since horses are something you want to pursue, I fully encourage you to pursue that passion. If you have any barns/ranches/equine facilities around where you live you should look into them and try to pick up jobs and just gain general experience. If you want to be a trainer then research training programs in your area. Job shadow any relevant trainers in your area. I saw that a vet tech was mentioned, but vet techs don't make nearly enough money to provide with a stable income that supports animal habits. At least not in my area. There is a large animal vet in my area that went the vet route and ended up getting into cowboy dressage. She is still a vet, but she does clinics and she's good enough that she can charge enough money with entry fees to be able to make a living now. If you have any other questions let me know. I've got a Norwegian Fjord and Mustang, so I've got just a tad bit of experience in the ownership field lol.

I've been helping out at my neighbours barn, doing stalls, feeding, bringing them in from the pasture, etc. (I volunteer, they keep telling me not to do so much, lol)

My horse costs everything. Every time you think you might have extra money, forget it. They will get hurt, get sick, need new tack, break something, etc. Lmao. I love my horse but he eats money for a snack!!

That being said I did 3-day eventing with him so I needed more equipment than your typical pleasure/trail horse would need. But shots, farrier, deworming, dentist, any illness/injury, and board all adds up very quickly.

I should also add that a vet tech or assistant is a cool job, but if you're at all apprehensive about working with horses that might be 'terrifying' like you said above, it might be a better idea to work with small animal vets. Large animal medicine is no joke and you cannot be scared of them, they will take advantage of you (not just horses, but any livestock!). Don't take this as rude at all, as I don't intend it to sound that way! I have worked in vet med for 4 years and just completed a B.S. in Animal Science , and I'm applying to vet school this cycle to pursue a career in large animal medicine. It is an awesome field, but you can/will get hurt, especially if those larger animals can scare you. No shame at all, they are big and powerful animals that can be very scary for sure. But just something to think about :)

That's what I thought, I wouldn't be able to be a vet because of that. Thanks!