Equine Studies
The equine industry is perhaps one of the most diverse within the land-based sector offering opportunities from livery operations through to thoroughbred racehorse training. Generally speaking, work in this industry covers the welfare, supervision and riding of horses. Riding schools and livery yards offer opportunities for all, as do racing yards, breeders, trainers and various other equine-related activities, such as therapeutic riding and charitable events. Horses represent a major asset for their owners, which need the skilled attention of devoted and well-trained staff.
There has been an upsurge of interest in various forms of equestrian pursuits, such as horse racing, eventing and show jumping and this is reflected in an increased population of horses. It is estimated that in the UK there are 6000 businesses currently employing over 54,000 people. Work with horses and ponies is very much seen as a dedicated profession as they have to be looked after 365 days a year.
The UK spends over £2 billion on the equine industry each year. There are approximately 900,000 horses and ponies in the UK and 2 million riders, which demonstrates the country's love of horses and the potential for making money in the equine industry. Riding lessons alone are worth over £500 million. Horses are a major asset for their owners, and need the skilled attention of devoted and well-trained staff.
Careers with horses may be better paid than some other animal care jobs, you may need to invest money and time in speciality training. Typically horse care courses are more expensive than other career training in the animal care industry.
To pursue careers with horses you must enjoy being outdoors in all types of weather as horses need to be exercised and cared for every day. You will need to be physically fit, hard working, have plenty of stamina, able to lift and carry heavy objects. If you are working for a stable yard, you may be required to live on site and it is helpful if you are able to drive as your work may at times involve transporting horses.
It is crucial that you are compassionate, dedicated and committed and that you don't suffer from allergies. You will need to be able to recognize when horses are unwell or unhappy and be able to pay attention to detail and to health and safety requirements. The working hours are unpredictable and varied and you may be required to work at weekends. Being able to ride a horse is a useful skill for most careers with horse; however, it is not essential for all horse jobs. Stud work and some stable jobs may not involve much riding initially; riding and handling can be improved on as the role progresses. However, someone who can correctly ride any horse in any situation is the most sought after employee.
Stable jobs are the starting point for most careers with horses and to a certain extent, basic stable work remains an element of most careers with horses regardless of how qualified and experienced an individual becomes. It is crucial that the horses are well cared for and therefore important that all people working with horses are able to clean stables and enjoy taking an interest in the welfare of the horses in their care.
There are various different careers with horses that involve working with horses. These include:
Stable hands: This is an entry point and a good starting point for any other careers with horses. They are required at all stables and their work is crucial to the smooth running of any horse business. The welfare of the horses is paramount and it is important that trainees are hard working, passionate and has an affinity with the horses in their care. The daily work is physically tough and involves mucking out stables, tack cleaning, sweeping and other yard duties.
Race Horse Trainer: This is a growing horse career choice as the horse racing industry expands. Trainers are responsible for ensuring that the race horses are fit and have stamina for a race. It is crucial that they are experienced riders with in-depth knowledge about the horse racing industry. This type of work is often self employed and involves a lot of weekend work. Pay varies from £20,000 to £60,000; a trainer charges according to his experience and is reliant on having a good reputation - showing a track record of success will lead to new clients and more business.
Work Rider: This is experienced work and involves preparing horses for a race by putting them through their paces, such as jumping over fences etc.
Travelling Head Lad/Lass: This involves a lot of travelling and may mean working abroad.
Head Lad/Lass: Responsible for the day to day running of the yard. Involves authority to supervise staff and ensure that feeding and veterinary routines are maintained to a high standard.
Assistant Trainer: This career involves working closely with the Trainer to ensure that racing and training schedules are adhered to. This role may involve work abroad and this is an excellent way to build up your experience and to progress to become a Trainer.
Racing Secretary: Provides administration support to the Trainer. This may include office management, payroll, book keeping and other administration duties.
Administration: This is a crucial part of any business and all larger horse businesses require administration staff.
Jockey: This is the type of career with horses that many people aspire to as it involves racing horses for a living and can be very lucrative with salaries of over £60,000 for successful race jockeys. This is extremely demanding work and requires you to be extremely fit.
Dressage: If you opt for an equine career in Dressage, you will have a variety of options open to you. These include becoming a Trainer, Instructor or Stables Manager. The complete training of a dressage horse takes many years and it is a very competitive industry.
Jumping: Horse jumping as a career has many options. These include Show Jumping and Three-Day Eventing. Opportunities in training and showing also open up in this career.
Holiday Centre Manager: A horse riding holiday centre manager is responsible for the running of a horse riding holiday centre and often owns the business. The work involves caring for the welfare of horse and ponies and planning activities for holiday guests. Pay varies from £15,000 - £30,000.
Stud work: Stud hands look after mares, foals and young stock and keep stud records.
Farrier: A specialist in horse hoof care and horseshoeing. Qualification involves a four year apprenticeship with an approved practicing farrier as well as an approved college course.
Saddler: This is a fantastic career for a creative person and once you have qualified, setting up your own business as a Master Saddler is a good business option.
Riding instructor: A riding instructor teaches all types and abilities of people; either individually or as a group. You will need to have excellent riding skills and be a willing and good teacher. Most riding instructors are self employed and some run their own riding schools. Salaries range from £13,000 to £25,000.
Horse Groom: A groom's job is to care for the horses on a daily basis, making sure they are correctly fed, exercised and ready for riding or work. Pay varies from £12,000 - £20,000.
Veterinary nurse: The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has introduced an equine specific veterinary nurse qualification. You will need to have 5 GCSE's along with one year's equine experience to be eligible for this course.
Specialist work
Physiotherapy: - Normally this is achieved through veterinary specialisation but the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy could give advice on such a career. Before anyone can start training with animals, they must first become a Chartered Physiotherapist with humans. To qualify as a Chartered Physiotherapist, involves a 3 or 4 year course, leading to a degree in human physiotherapy.
Nutritionists: Feed companies need employees who understand about their products and possibly carry out research into new areas.
Mounted police: The Mounted Police has over 140 officers and 120 horses across London. Their work includes; high visibility patrols, public order duties as well as specific crime initiatives and specialist events, like trooping the colour.
Equine charities - Require a number of employees who not only care for the horses but also have an understanding of the process of rehabilitation.
