From UF grad to equine entrepreneur

Alice Barlow knew from a very early age that she wanted to be a horse trainer and that she wanted to attend The University of Findlay. “The equine program at Findlay helped me decide at an early age to set my goals high and to start planning what I wanted to do with my career.”

Alice graduated from The University of Findlay with a Bachelor’s of Science in Equestrian Studies and Equine Business Management in 2013. After graduation, her passion for horses, an entrepreneurial spirit and the depth of knowledge gained through her studies at UF led her to start her own training business – Team Barlow Performance Horses, LLC. Alice then decided to enroll in UF’s online Master of Arts in Education while getting her business up and running and earned her MAE in 2014.
How did you choose your career path?
“From the time I was 13, I knew I wanted to train and show horses. I found a trainer down here in Virgina, where I’m from, who had graduated from Findlay and she told me I should look into it as a potential college to attend. While attending Findlay I did a survey for my area (in VA.) to see if the training I received would be needed and the survey came back extremely positive.”
How do you feel UF prepared you for your career?
“Mark Smith, an instructor at Findlay, was a great help in teaching us the fine art of dealing with clients and equine interested people. Additionally, the education and information I received from Findlay has helped me in all aspects – from financing to equine training.”
Were there any other faculty or staff members who were particularly helpful?
“My advisors were really very helpful. Robin Koehler, my undergraduate advisor, really did a great job getting me into the best classes to help me succeed. Also, when getting my master’s degree, my education advisor, Skip Cindric, was amazing at helping me get into the perfect online classes with instructors willing to work with me all the way down here in Virgina.”
What do you like best about your job?
“I like that I am my own boss. Findlay really helped prepare me for this role. Everything that Findlay taught me made me confident in my choices. ”
What advice do you have for students making their college decision?
“Since I have received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Findlay, I would tell students to never give up and always stick to your goals! I knew what I wanted to do at a very early age and I stuck to my goals. Things have happened and will happen as time goes on, but knowing what my long term and short term goals are helps me plan and look ahead.
I wouldn’t have traded a day at The University of Findlay to attend another school – not even an Ivy League school!”
Learn more about the programs Alice completed at UF!
Bachelor’s of Science in Equestrian Studies
Bachelor’s of Science in Equine Business Management
Master of Arts in Education