Are you looking for vital work that will keep you involved with the horse industry?
The American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (aaevt.org) is hosting a job fair July 11 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation (uset.org) in Gladstone, N.J.
Wiss Costanza, the group’s executive director, noted her granddaughter is riding and that the parents at her barn have a concern.
“My kids say they just want to be horse trainers,” they told Wiss.
The parents realize, however, that can be a tough road, and it’s not for everyone.
“They really want to work with horses; is there something else they can do; they need to look for a professional career?”
They asked the right person.
AAEVT, which is associated with the veterinary organization, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, has an answer — there are other ways they can relate to horses while earning a living, besides being a trainer.
“So I thought, I will do this job fair,” said Wiss, who has spent a lifetime in the horse industry.
The initiative means, “you’re saying to high school school students and horse enthusiasts of any age, there really is a professional career path here, so come and investigate it.” Those who already are vet technicians or assistants are also invited to come.
The fair runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with live demonstrations using horses from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The demonstrations will involve learning how to take a heart rate, listen to gastrointestinal and respiratory sounds and find the best way to manage a horse when veterinarians are working on it, so you can keep them, the horse and yourself safe.
Participants in the fair will include Harcum College, Centenary University, Running S Equine Services and B.W. Furlong and Associates (Wiss used to work for both of those) as well as Mountain Pointe Equine.
Delia Nash, president of Kentucky Performance Products will be on hand, along with Kate Hayes, a horsewoman who is vice president for market expansion at Care Credit, a health and wellness credit card that enables holders to charge veterinary expenses.
Admission to the job fair is free and no RSVP is required. The organization is holding its board meeting the day before the fair at the USET.