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Careers
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Working
with horses
When I started researching this section, it soon became apparent
that there is a broad range of career opportunities working with
horses. All require considerable commitment and hard work; most
involve long hours, often outdoors in all weather conditions. Even
though there are many different types of career, there is strong
competition for jobs in most fields - particularly those that are
'hands on'.
The list below is far from complete; but it should give you a flavour
of the scope of the industry. I have focused on equine-specific
careers rather than more general roles, such as sales and administration,
which offer employment in many different industries.
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Equine
Dental Technician (EDT)
EDTs carry out basic equine dental procedures, as defined in the
Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.These procedures include routine rasping
(or floating) of teeth and the removal of calculus (mineral deposits
or 'tartar') which lies above the gum line.Currently all advanced
equine dental procedures can only be carried out by a vet; but there
are plans to amend the law to enable qualified EDTs to perform a
defined set of advanced procedures, which would include the removal
of loose teeth and the treatment of diseased teeth.
Equine Physiotherapist
Animal physiotherapists are able to treat a wide variety of
conditions and injuries that affect the soft tissues: muscles, tendons,
ligaments and joint capsules.Physiotherapists manipulate and mobilise
joints and soft tissue using their hands; as well as using different
electrotherapy - such as ultrasound - where appropriate.In the UK,
equine physiotherapists cannot treat any horse unless authorised
by the vet who is responsible for the case.Anyone considering this
career needs to be aware of the considerable commitment required:
in order to be accepted on an animal physiotherapy course, candidates
must have a degree in human physiotherapy and be a chartered physiotherapist;
with at least two years experience of human physiotherapy.
Equine Sports Masseur
Equine masseurs apply professional sports massage techniques to
horses to help to prevent injuries and also treat them.It is also
believe that equine sports massage can be used effectively to develop
the performance of competition horses by boosting circulation, improving
muscle tone and reducing tension. In the UK qualified equine masseurs
are also qualified in human massage as well as being experienced
equestrian professionals.
Equine Veterinary Nurse
Equine Veterinary Nurses (EVNs) are employed by equine practices
or veterinary hospitals.Responsibilities include assisting with
medical treatments, general patient care, drug ordering and possibly
reception duties.Training takes two years and is delivered in the
workplace at a training practice, which must be approved by the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).Both written and practical
examinations must be passed to achieve the qualification.
Farrier
Farriers make and fit horse shoes.This is a highly-skilled craft
and potential farriers in the UK must complete the Advanced Apprenticeship,
which involves four years in the employment of an Approved Training
Farrier; this is followed by two months probation.Qualified farriers
need to have a good understanding and knowledge of horses' anatomy
and consider the requirements of the different activities horses
are used for.Farriers have the opportunity to undertake more specialist
work, such as with vets or race horse trainers, to relieve or correct
problems in different horses and improve movement.
Groom
Grooms care for horses and ponies on a day-to-day basis; ensuring
their general well-being is maintained.Grooms are essential to many
equine businesses and there are a range of environments to choose
from, including: riding schools, studs, professional competition
riders' yards and racing stables.Responsibilities include mucking
out, preparing horses for riding, tack cleaning and keeping the
yard clean and tidy.There may be opportunities to exercise horses
and also study for qualifications whilst working, depending on the
employer.
Jockey
Jockeys ride horses National Hunt (jump) races or flat races. All
jockeys must have a licence from the Jockey Club, which requires
the successful completion of a five-day residential Apprentice (flat)
or Conditional (jump) Licence course; plus a medical examination.It
usually takes two years of on the job training to prepare for the
Licence course. Before starting training, experience has to be gained
as a stable lad or lass; anyone under 19 must achieve an NVQ in
horse care before they can start work at a racing yard.This is a
highly competitive and physically demanding career; only those stable
staff who display the right aptitude are selected to train as professional
jockeys.
Professional Competition
Rider
As the title suggests, professional competition riders are
horsemen and women who earn a living from producing successful competition
horses.They earn income from a variety of sources: fees from owners
for stabling, training and competing with their horses; corporate
sponsorship; selling young horses they have brought on; teaching
private clients, as well as training at public clinics and demonstrations.Obviously
talent and skill are key to success; but riders also need to have
access to good horses early in their careers, to enable them to
be successful on the competition circuit.
Racehorse Trainer
Trainers develop horses' fitness and stamina to enable them to perform
at their best in races.They need to be able to judge horses' ability,
both to ensure their health and welfare is maintained and also to
enter them in the most suitable races, to give them the best chance
of winning.Additionally trainers need to manage their yard - including
the staff - and be able to build good relationships with owners.Anyone
who trains racehorses professionally in the UK must hold a trainer's
licence issued by the Jockey Club.
Riding Holiday
Centre Ride Leader
A riding holiday centre ride leader is responsible for organising
riding activities at a holiday riding or trekking centre.The ride
leader is responsible for ensuring the safe enjoyment of the ride
by each member of the group.Other responsibilities include horse
care, staff supervision and assisting the manager/owner with the
day-to-day running of the business.In the UK, British Equestrian
Tourism (BET) qualifications have been developed to equip managers
with the skills and knowledge for the role.
Riding Instructor
Horse riding instructors teach children and adults to ride
safely and correctly.It can be an incredibly rewarding career; pupils
range from complete beginners upwards and it is the instructor's
role to develop their riding skills, helping each individual to
achieve their goals.A teaching qualification is essential for anyone
wishing to pursue a career as a riding instructor.In the UK the
two main training bodies are the Association of British Riding Schools
(ABRS) and the British Horse Society (BHS). Qualified instructors
are able to assess pupils' skills and devise an appropriate course
of lessons to enable them to progress.
Stable Jockey
Stable jockeys are talented riders employed by professional
competition riders to help keep their top horses at peak performance
and also train the younger horses.These roles provide fantastic
experience for young riders, who can learn how a competition yard
is run as well as developing their riding skills.They also have
the opportunity to compete, which obviously helps to develop their
own professional reputation.Securing one of these roles obviously
requires talent; but it also seems being in the right place at the
right time often plays a part.
Stable Yard Owner/Manager
Yard owners/managers have a range of responsibilities, which
can vary depending on the type of yard.Generally they are responsible
for the welfare of the horses and ponies on the yard and have to
ensure that the right staff and other resources are in place to
achieve this.Qualifications are essential; to prove you have the
knowledge and skills to care for other people's horses.There are
a number of full-time equine degrees available, or individuals can
choose to take a more practical route and study part-time whilst
working on a yard.Specialist skills and knowledge are needed to
work at studs or racing yards.
Stallion Handler
As the title suggests this is a specialist role, which is only
found at public studs.The stallions are usually racing thoroughbreds
and are obviously very valuable.Stallion handlers are very experienced
and will have worked as a stud hand for a number of years before
progressing to this role.This is a very demanding career, but also
enormously rewarding.Handlers can work with the same stallion for
all of its life and build a very strong relationship with the horse
during that time.
Stud Hand
Stud hands are responsible for the welfare of number of thoroughbred
mares and their foals.As well as mucking out, grooming and exercising
the mares, the stud hand is also responsible for handling them during
breeding and any visits by the vet or farrier.
Veterinary Surgeon
Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) are
licensed to practise animal medicine.Once qualified, those vets
with an interest in horses join either specialist or mixed practices
where they can get equine experience.To become a vet takes five
or six years of study, depending on the course taken.Many equine
vets take further post-graduate courses to develop specialist knowledge.There
is fierce competition for university places in the UK and excellent
A level results are essential.
Equine Nutritionist
Equine Nutritionists devise feeding programmes to meet individual
horses' requirements.There are only limited employment opportunities
in this field; a small number of nutritionists work independently,
whilst others are employed by the big feed companies.A relevant
degree is essential; some nutritionists then develop their knowledge
further by working in the technical sales side of the equine feeding
business.
Saddler
Saddlers are skilled tradespeople who make and maintain saddles,
as well as bridles and other leather tack.There are a small number
of saddlery training courses available in the UK; these normally
involve two years of full-time study.An alternative option is to
serve an apprenticeship with a Master Saddler, which would last
for four years.
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