Justin Cowden trains horses to perform in the show ring.
Name: Justin Cowden
Profession: Arabian Show Horse Trainer
Age: 30
What do you do for a living?
I am a professional horse trainer, I train Arabian and half-Arabian show horses for a farm named Royal Arabians LLC in Scottsdale. I spend most of my time riding and caring for horses to make sure we perform perfectly when we enter the competition arena. I also teach and train others to ride and care for horses.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
Training horses is generally experienced based, most successful people make their way through the industry by learning from others through apprenticeships and assistant training positions. I started riding at a young age and have ridden for many years, practicing many hours a week to get more experience. It takes a lot of practice and constant learning to be a horse trainer.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is being involved with horses from the time they are born all the way through to training them at the highest level for competition. They all have their own personalities and they are so much fun to get to know.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Horses have always been my passion, becoming a trainer was what I always wanted to do. I would spend as much time around horses as I could and still do.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
Put yourself out there to take any opportunity to be around horses to learn about them. It is a very satisfying career that has so many rewarding aspects to it.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
My favorite pastime when not on a horse is wakeboarding or snowboarding.
