If you love horses and dream of working with them every day, you’re not alone.
Horses are beautiful, intelligent animals, and many people want to build a career around caring for, training, or riding them. Luckily, there are lots of job options in the equine industry — whether you want to be hands-on with horses, help them stay healthy, or support the industry behind the scenes.
Here are 15 great horse-related careers to consider, including what they involve and how to get started.
1. Equine Veterinarian
Equine vets specialize in horse health. They treat injuries, perform surgeries, and help prevent disease. This job requires a veterinary degree and lots of training, but it’s perfect for people who care deeply about animal health.
Education needed: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
2. Equine Vet Technician
Vet techs assist veterinarians with medical procedures, such as taking x-rays, giving injections, or preparing horses for surgery. This role is more hands-on and takes less time to train for than becoming a vet.
Education needed: Associate’s degree in veterinary technology
3. Horse Trainer
Horse trainers work with horses to teach them specific behaviors or skills, such as racing, jumping, or simple obedience. A good trainer is patient, experienced, and understands horse behavior well.
Education needed: No formal degree, but lots of hands-on experience is essential
4. Riding Instructor
If you’re skilled at riding and enjoy teaching others, this job might be for you. Instructors help students learn how to ride safely and confidently, from beginners to advanced riders.
Education needed: Riding certifications are helpful but not always required
5. Farrier
Farriers trim and shape horse hooves and fit them with horseshoes. It’s a physically demanding job that requires knowledge of both horse anatomy and blacksmithing.
Education needed: Farrier school or apprenticeship
6. Equine Massage Therapist
Just like people, horses benefit from massage to stay loose, flexible, and pain-free. Equine massage therapists help horses recover from injuries and improve performance.
Education needed: Certification from an equine massage therapy program
7. Equine Dentist
Horses need dental care too! Equine dentists check and treat issues like overgrown teeth or infections that can affect a horse’s ability to eat or wear a bit.
Education needed: Certification in equine dentistry (rules vary by region)
8. Equine Chiropractor
These professionals adjust a horse’s spine and joints to relieve pain or improve movement. This is a growing field that can help both performance horses and older horses stay healthy.
Education needed: Chiropractic degree plus equine-specific certification
9. Barn Manager
Barn managers oversee daily operations at stables. They coordinate feed schedules, supervise staff, handle horse health records, and keep the property in top shape.
Education needed: No formal degree, but management and equine experience are key
10. Groom
Grooms care for horses’ basic needs — feeding, grooming, mucking stalls, and sometimes exercising the horses. It’s an entry-level job but very important in any horse operation.
Education needed: None required, but experience helps
11. Equine Nutritionist
These specialists create healthy diets for horses based on their age, activity level, and medical needs. It’s a science-based career that helps horses live longer, healthier lives.
Education needed: Degree in animal science or equine nutrition
12. Jockey or Professional Rider
Jockeys ride racehorses in competition. There are also other pro riders in disciplines like show jumping, dressage, or rodeo. These careers are physically demanding and competitive.
Education needed: No degree required, but extensive training and athletic skill are essential
13. Equine Photographer or Videographer
If you’re creative and love capturing horses in action, consider equine photography or videography. You might shoot horse shows, portraits, or promotional content for stables.
Education needed: Training in photography or film, plus equine knowledge
14. Equine Product Sales Representative
If you enjoy business and talking to people, working in sales for horse products — like feed, tack, or equipment — can be rewarding. You’ll travel, meet horse owners, and share your product knowledge.
Education needed: Background in sales, marketing, or animal science
15. Equine Blogger, Influencer, or Writer
If you love to write or create content, you can turn your passion for horses into a media career. Share horse care tips, riding advice, or reviews of equine products on a blog or social media.
Education needed: None required, but writing skills and equine knowledge are important
Final Thoughts
Working with horses can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you prefer a hands-on job like grooming or training, or a specialized career in health or business, there’s a path for everyone in the horse world. Some jobs require college degrees or certifications, while others just need dedication and experience.
The key is to follow your passion, learn as much as you can, and never stop improving your skills. Horses are amazing animals, and building a career around them can lead to a fulfilling, exciting life.