If you are a real horse lover, you may wish to pursue a career that allows you to work with horses. There are plenty of options in many different areas, so if you live and breathe horses, we’ve put together this guide to give you an idea of what your perfect equine career path may be.
Qualifications
For many equine careers, you will need relevant qualifications. Most employers look for qualifications from the British Horse Society (BHS) or Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS), depending on the role. You can also gain qualifications through organisations such as the Pony Club, or from local colleges.
Another option is to do an apprenticeship, where you gain a qualification as well as practical experience, while earning a wage. Read more about equine apprenticeships here.
Horse groom
A job as a horse groom is a wonderfully hands on position. Your day to day tasks will include all aspects of looking after horses, from cleaning, brushing, and clipping horses, to cleaning equipment and tack, or mucking out stables. You will need to pay close attention to the condition of the horses and report any problems.
You may also be responsible for exercising the horses, and depending on your place of work, you may have other duties.
Horse riding instructor
As a horse riding instructor, you will need to have patience, and excellent communication skills. You will need to be a skilled rider, and your work could include teaching people who want to learn as a hobby, or helping to prepare riders for competitions.
You will work varied hours, usually involving evenings and weekends, and work outside in all sorts of weather conditions. You will need a teaching qualification from the British Horse Society (BHS) or Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS).
Farrier
A farrier looks after horse’s hooves, making sure they are healthy and that the horse is balanced, as well as making and fitting shoes.
It is a very physical job, and will involve a lot of traveling. Much of the work will be outdoors. You will generally be self-employed, and the hours worked will usually depend upon your customers.
Equine health professions
There are several professions you may consider that focus on the health of horses, and while these careers often require years of hard training and are physically demanding they can be extremely rewarding.
The most obvious is an equine veterinarian. You must first become a general vet, and then specialise as your career progresses. You’ll need to be scientifically minded, with good observational skills. Another option is a veterinary nurse, which you can read more about here.
To become an equine dentist takes around three years training in an apprentice position with a British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) or British Veterinary Dental Association (BVDA) qualified equine dentist, followed by a theory and practical exam.
You may also be interested in training for therapies such as animal chiropody, and you can read more about the pathway here.
Mounted Police Officer
In order to become a mounted Police Officer, you must first become a regular Police Officer and complete a two-year probationary period. When Mounted positions become available they will be advertised within the force, as will grooms in the mounted unit. It is not unusual to spend many years in the force before a position becomes available.
Horse breeding
When it comes to the thoroughbred breeding industry, there are a variety of positions from stud hand to stud manager, or administrative roles such as stud secretary. Most of these jobs are attained through experience, and you can read more information from The National Stud.
Jockey
One of the main careers that may come to mind when you are thinking about working with horses is to become a jockey. To become a jockey and ride in races you will likely have to start with an apprenticeship. You will need good reactions, and of course a high level of skill when it comes to horse riding. You will be riding every day, but there is of course a risk of injury.
Yard owner
Another great option if you want to work with horses on a daily basis is to open your own livery yard. Not all horse owners can provide every day care to their horses, so if you live in an area where riding is popular, your yard could be in demand.
Aside from the careers mentioned above, there are a few other types of jobs you could end up in, including lecturing or consultancy. Not all careers to do with horses are necessarily hands on, so there are many different administrative roles for example, in various industries. We hope this has given you a good insight into what options are available if you hope to work with horses one day!
