Features: Equestrian jobs

Written by Jordan Butler, Editor, Graduate Prospects, January 2013

The equine industry provides careers to thousands of young people all across the UK. If you hold a keen interest in horses then you may want to enter this expansive industry

There are more than 41,000 employees working in over 19,000 horse-based businesses, according to Lantra: The Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector . The equine industries annual turnover is closing in on the £1billion mark, with this number set to increase as the sector prepares to grow.

Career options

Jobs in the equine industry can vary from yard manager and apprentice groom to riding instructor or even equine dental technician.

Grooms are considered a necessity and can be found working in stables all over the UK. Definitions of the position may vary slightly, but they are predominantly responsible for feeding and cleaning the horses on a daily basis, helping to prepare the animals for both exercise and events.

Angela Andrews is currently employed as a groom and has worked with horses for 12 years. 'My key responsibilities are providing a high standard of care to the horses on my yard, ensure the pharmacy is well stocked and to train new grooms,' she clarifies.

For people considering a career in the industry, Angela's advice is clear. 'Be 100% dedicated and willing to stay after hours, as working with horses is not a 9am-5pm job.'

 

Twenty-one-year-old Lauren Page is an advanced apprentice in the equine industry. She began work without any qualifications but found them necessary to progress in her field.

'It was hard to get a job as everyone wanted proof of what I could do and I only had the words of family and friends, so I decided to look into NVQs.'

She now has a level-two certificate in work-based horse care alongside passing a riding and road safety course. She is currently working towards a level-three advanced apprenticeship diploma.

Equine higher education

In terms of higher education, courses are not frequently available, but they can be found in specialist universities and colleges around the country.

Myerscough College, situated near Preston in Lancashire, offers full-time degrees on equine management and equine science, with recent graduates finding work at the 2012 London Olympics and some becoming entrepreneurs in equine business.

Another example is Reaseheath College, found near Nantwich in Cheshire. They house a recently upgraded equine centre and also offer Bachelors degrees in equine science, as well as additional qualifications including British Horse Society (BHS) Stage exams.

Equine courses are not just restricted to the North West, with Duchy College in Cornwall providing some foundation and research degrees in collaboration with the University of Plymouth.

Case Study

Jessica Collard studied for a BSc(Hons) in Equine Dental Science at Hartpury College, Bristol, and now works as an equine dental technician (EDT) in the South West of England.

At the time of my application, Hartpury was the only place in the United Kingdom where you were able to study equine dental science to a Bachelors degree level. No other courses were tailored to such a specific level.

To become a qualified EDT you have to put in a large amount of work, and shadow other qualified EDTs to learn the trade. There are less than 100 qualified EDTs that are members of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT), therefore it is very difficult to find somebody to teach you. I travelled all over the country to gain my experience, but without it I wouldn't be where I am today.

Being an EDT is physically and mentally demanding. On top of this you are self-employed, so not only do you have to carry out treatment on the horses, but you have to do all aspects of business management, taking messages, phone calls and making appointments. On a typical day I treat anywhere between four and ten horses with varying dental abnormalities.

The best thing about working in the equine industry is that every day is different. I get to meet so many people and travel around, as well as plan my own schedule to suit me. Also, I don’t have to sit in an office or stare at a screen - I am outside every day.