Many of us dream of making a living in the horse industry. There are certainly lots of ways you can earn money working with horses. You could be a catch rider, earning money riding horses at horse shows. You could work in a stable, doing anything from stall cleaning, to being a manager overseeing all the operations of a stable. You could give lessons, exercise or train horses. You could ship horses, or be a horse dealer. The racetrack has lots of opportunities. And there are lots of jobs that support the horse industry - from groom to saddle fitter. We’ve looked at some possibilities before, and there are lots to choose from.
Lots of the jobs in the horse industry are lower paying, minimum wage or slightly higher. But there are jobs that will bring you a much higher wage. Most of them will require college, university or an apprenticeship, and perhaps some specialized training. But, once you’re done your training, you will be earning much more than minimum wage. Although for some jobs, solid practical experience is often more valued than a diploma. Here’s a look at some better-than-minimum-wage jobs you could consider.
Veterinarian
One of the highest earners in the horse industry are veterinarians. And there is a reason for that. Being a veterinarian requires years of training, often more than some doctors, long hours, expensive equipment and often involves physical danger and unpredictable personal time. If a vet specializes that can easily require more training and equipment such as portable imaging or therapeutic equipment. Veterinarians can earn over $80,000 a year. Closely related is an equine dentist, and in some places, you must be a veterinarian to do equine dentistry.
Stable Manager
Really large stables require someone with both equine and business smarts. While you might have a degree or college diploma to your credit, potential employers will be more impressed by your proven experience. Stable managers often work long hours, sacrificing personal time as they oversee employees responsible for all aspects of horse breeding, care, foaling, training, and all the other things that make a successful stable tick.
Harness Maker
A skilled harness or saddle maker can make a good living, especially if they work for a desired brand name. And of course, these makers can work on their own too, making a decent living doing repairs and alterations.
Marketing and Public Relations
There are many marketing and PR type jobs in the horse industry, especially connected to the racing and high-end competition sectors. You won’t have much actual contact with horses, but you will be working in environments where people are passionate about horse sports.
Sales
From saddlery, to insurance, there are lots of sales jobs in the horse industry. Feed companies, trailer manufacturers, agricultural pharmaceutical companies and many more industries that support the horse industry require representatives to promote and sell their wares. Some are salary, and many are commissioned, which is a great opportunity for go-getters that love sales. Again you won’t be hands-on with horses, but you’ll be working near an environment you love.
Farrier
One of the higher paying jobs in the horse industry is that of a farrier. Farriers receive training and must do an apprenticeship to be able to practice. Some specialize, requiring further training. The job is dirty, sometimes dangerous and requires some muscle, and often lots of patience with both horses and people.
Mounted Police Officer
One of the best ways to make a good living in the saddle is as a mounted police officer. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of these jobs left as police forces cut back on their budgets. A mounted police officer must take police training and be an effective rider in all sorts of situations, from patrolling a family park, to controlling rioters.
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