Best Job Careers For Equestrian Enthusiasts

If you’re the kind of person who can’t walk past a horse without stopping for a chat (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a good neighborly conversation?), you might be wondering how you can turn this passion into a paycheck. Well, saddle up, because we’re about to dive hoof-first into the world of equine careers.

And no, it’s not all just horsing around—though, admittedly, a little bit of that is part of the charm.

Before we trot too far ahead, let’s address the elephant in the room—or should we say, the horses? Working with horses isn’t just a career; it’s a lifestyle. Early mornings, late nights, and a bit of mud (okay, a lot of mud) are part of the package.

So, for those who can’t imagine life without the scent of hay in the morning, the rewards are immeasurable.

The horse racing industry is massive. When we talk about equestrian jobs, we immediately think about jockeys and trainers, but there are many other jobs in the industry like vets, event organizers, horse health and wellness, equine tech pioneers, and many others that make horse racing possible.

That’s why in today’s article we will cover some of the best equine careers for all the people who love being around these majestic animals.

Jockeys

Let’s start with an obvious one – Jockeys. Being a jockey is one of the most rewarding careers in the horse racing industry, but also one of the hardest. This is a career that actually requires a certain skill and strict weight and fitness management, which means it’s not for everybody.

And the jockey’s skills can really make a difference in the world of horse racing. That is why the career of jockey is the horse racing best bet of having a career in this industry.

However, if you are someone who loves riding horses and you have a small physique, this might be the perfect career for you. Just make sure to start training for being a jockey as early as possible. The more experience you have the better your skills are.

Equine Vet

The equine vets are the unsung heroes of the sport. These people are responsible for making sure everything goes smoothly in horse racing, and even though they don’t get much attention, it is still a good career for those who love taking care of animals.

The benefits? Well, apart from getting to wear the title of “Doctor” (which, let’s be honest, is pretty cool), you’re also a key player in the health and well-being of these magnificent creatures.

You have to consider that equine vets don’t have working hours. They are usually called in an emergency, even in the middle of the night, and the emotional toll from dealing with sick and injured animals is pretty big.

Equine Therapist

If being an equine vet is too much for you, maybe you can tone it down to an equine therapist. These people are masseuses and chiropractors for horses. Their job is to use different techniques to relieve pain, maintain their top physique, and improve horse performance.

This is quite a niche equine career that requires a lot of specialized training and a strong knowledge of equine health.

Horse Trainer

Horse trainers are one of the most appreciated careers in the horse racing industry. The trainer, as well as the horse and the jockey, get all the attention when it comes to winning in horse racing. However, being a horse trainer isn’t easy.

Even though the foundations of being a horse trainer lie in special practices that will allow you to get the most out of the horse, this career is challenging for a couple of different reasons. First of all, no two horses are the same, which means that horse trainers need to constantly adapt their techniques and learn more in the process.

The average salary for a horse trainer in the United States ranges from $45,000 to $500,000 for top-level trainers.

Equine Tech and Startups

But what if you are someone who doesn’t know much about being around horses but loves the equine industry? Well, fortunately, you don’t have to be directly involved with horses.

Many equine startups push the boundaries of technology. From crypto and blockchain technology to equine smart wearables and big data, the options for the wizards are limitless.

Plus, you’ll have the chance to change the sport for the better, which is a big deal.

Stablehand

Stablehands are the unsung heroes of the stables. They make sure that the horses are well-fed, well rested, live in the perfect environment, and that they are healthy.

Yes, they don’t get much attention and the salary isn’t really big, but if you don’t have other usable skills in the equine industry, this is a career that everyone who loves horses can easily progress in.

On top of that, there is no better way to learn more about the majestic animals in the stables than being the one directly involved in taking care of them.