Ultimate list of 35 different careers in the horse world

It can be incredibly daunting to launch your career within the horse world. Whether you’re switching careers, or starting from a young age, it can be difficult to figure out how to go about it and what kind of job suits you best. Don’t worry though! I’ll go through the many possibilities and types of jobs that you you can find in the world world. You’ll be surprised about the variety, and there will be something fit for you, no matter your experience in horses.

dressage horse riding on black KWPN horse during sunset
Captured with Pivo

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Horse training jobs

Starting young horses

This is something I personally enjoy very much, but lots of experience and a slight amount of fearlessness is certainly necessary.

Groundwork and horsemanship

Another job where experience is necessary, there are so many courses available both on and offline that teach you the basics of groundwork and horsemanship, these are a great way to get started.

Retraining

This can be done at riding schools or stables, but you can also start your own small business in retraining horses.

Race trainer

Are you experienced in training young race horses? Then this is something for you. Keep in mind that lots of experience is needed.

Show trainer

Are you able to educate young show horses? Keep in mind, lots of experience needed.

Trails trainer

As a trail horse trainer, you’ll also need to have experience.

Also read: How to work with horses and not go broke

Horse safari and trekking companies

7. Guide or back up guide These are amazing jobs that allow you to see lots of nature and wildlife from horseback. If you want to guide in big 5 area, you’ll need to get some certifications.
8. Trainer
9. Groom Don’t want to ride as much as a guide or train, have a look at a grooming position! You’ll be taking care of the horses, feeding them, turning them out and possibly doing stable or farm maintenance.
10. Office jobs I will get back to these later, but a horse riding company also needs an office, so imagine all the different jobs needed.
11. Logistics Lots of horse safari and trekking companies need drivers! The logistics can be complicated and often a logistics driver is needed to set up lunch for guests, drive to sundowner spots to pick up guests and so much more.
12. Accommodation and hospitality Chefs, managers, interior designers, and any other job you can possibly think of that is needed in a lodge and in hospitality.
13. Anti poaching This is a topic that is incredibly dear and important to me. Horses often help with anti-poaching.

Also read: Horses involved in anti-poaching

Jobs as a horse rider

Which ever discipline you’re good at, there is an opportunity to become an exercise rider!
  • Dressage rider
  • Showjumping rider
  • Eventing rider
  • Polo rider
  • Racing exercise rider

Also: saddle seat, trotter, western, endurance, and all other disciplines!

tackless horse riding on KWPN horse
Tackless ride with my previous horse Zappy!

Stable or competition groom

Grooms are needed wherever there are horses, and in every discipline!
  • Dressage
  • Showjumping
  • Hunting
  • Eventing
  • Polo
  • Racing
  • Trekking and safaris
  • Stud farms
  • Farm and stable work Perfect for those of us who don’t have a lot of experience with horses yet but are interested in working on a farm!
  • Au pair/gardener/housekeeper There are lots of families and private farms that need a groom who can also help with the kids, garden and around the house.

Teaching horse riding

Teach lessons at a riding school

This is absolutely perfect if you have a teaching certificate. However, there are many possibilities even if you don’t, as long as you have some experience and a great sense of responsibility.

Start your own equine company

You can create a website or social media page to get clients. You can teach anything from riding, to training, to groundwork and horsemanship and so much more. Nowadays, lots of people have Pivo, which allows them to get online lessons with their horse.

Office jobs at equestrian companies

Perfect if you don’t have enough horse experience yet!
  • Marketing
  • Social media manager
  • Administration
  • Receptionist
  • Personal assistant

There are endless possibilities, anything you can think of that a company needs. You’ll be able to start an office job and learn about horses in the mean time. Eventually you might even be able to shift into working with the horses!

Horse riding on young horses in south africa
Lovely receptionist Jordyn from Khotso helping out with training the youngsters for trail rides!

Also read: Jordyn's blog about starting horse riding as an adult

I hope this article has been helpful! Please share it with anyone you think might be interested in starting their horse career. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more tips and be the first to know when I post about new horse riding trips around the world!

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