Equestrian Jobs For Horse Lovers

If you love horses and are interested in pursuing your passion into a career, there are plenty of options. From veterinary work to show management, there are jobs that horse lovers can consider.

One of the most important skills a rider develops is learning to be present with the horse and its movements. This practice has been shown to improve mental health and reduce anxiety for riders. Anxiety lives in the future and feeds off disaster scenarios; to connect with a horse and reassure it, you have to anchor your attention in the current moment – which is the only place that it can be effective.

Equestrians also learn to be aware of the physical signals their bodies send to the horse, as well as the subtle cues they must take from their animal partners. This type of awareness carries over to the rest of their lives, helping them to make healthy choices and to manage stress more effectively.

The ability to focus and communicate with a large, powerful animal on horseback is an invaluable life skill, but not everyone needs to pursue a professional career as a jockey or trainer. Other horse lovers choose to become professional photographers, veterinarians or lawyers who specialize in equine law and care.

A veterinarian is responsible for the medical care and physical therapy of a horse, which includes feeding and medication, cleaning wounds and checking for signs of disease or injury. The job requires a high level of knowledge about the anatomy and behavior of a horse as well as extensive training in animal care, emergency response and surgery.

An equine massage therapist uses a variety of techniques to relax the horse, promote circulation and improve its overall health. This role requires an understanding of the horse’s musculoskeletal system, as well as a thorough knowledge of equine massage techniques and body language.

The job of a horse auctioneer involves standing in front of a crowd and calling for bids on horses that are up for sale. This position requires an understanding of the market for each type of horse, as well as a good public speaking voice and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Professional riders travel the show and polo circuits, earning their income by competing with their horses in various events. These professionals may also teach clinics or offer private lessons to other horse owners. Mounted police officers use their specialized knowledge of riding and horses to patrol off-road areas or work with the public at special events.

Horse show managers are the PT Barnums of the horse world, working to organize and run competitions for their riders and audience. This position requires a great deal of planning, project management and the ability to communicate with a wide range of people, from judges to volunteers, horses to vendors. Writers are in demand for a wide range of publications, from racing and competition coverage to casual backyard photoshoots. A degree in equine studies can help students prepare for a successful career in this field.