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10 careers you can have with an equine studies degree

Blog | 09.27.2020

Equine studies is a unique field, which presents many career options. From spending time one-on-one with horses, to knowing the ins and outs of horse behaviors. Even if you want to continue being involved in equestrian competitions – you’ll have opportunities to show the knowledge you know while enjoying the country environment setting. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is the only equine program in Indiana to offer a Bachelor of Science and only one of about 20 equestrian colleges in the U.S. to offer the degree. Check out these ten careers you can pursue after earning your degree in equine studies.

1. Breeding manager

Although it is a profession that requires a lot of focus and seriousness, there are many rewards by being a breeding manager. By having responsibilities that involve conducting procedures, to setting procedures and dates, you will be able to show off your skills of organization and quality leadership.

Job tasks can include:

  • Oversee general care of horses
  • Handle daily operations of facility
  • Take part in daily check-up appointments
  • File health records of animals

2. Barn/stable owner

Whether you started from your own roots or purchased an already established facility, there are a plethora of benefits to owning your own stables. By displaying your leadership traits, you will be the main face of your facility, which will be the base of the relationships you build with customers. You will also show your organization and delegation skills by working well with your employees to make sure all tasks are completed. Communication is vital in this career, as well as being flexible – your daily routine won’t always be the same.

Job tasks can include:

  • Organize staff meetings
  • Keep employees up to date on regulations
  • Oversee proper care of horses
  • Maintain barn and stables

3. Horse trainer

As a horse trainer, you will use a wide range of methods and strategies to get horses to respond. The ultimate goal of a horse trainer is to tame a horse and familiarize them with the contact of humans. This job is rewarding but can’t be taken lightly. There are many safety courses you must take and have a strong sense of focus because you never know how a horse may react to a situation when you are first training them.

Job tasks can include:

  • Understand multiple training methods
  • Observe horse nutrition
  • Take notes of horse behavior
  • Conduct different race stunts

4. Course designer

Creativity is necessary when taking on the career of being a course designer. You will have to understand the different levels of challenge for courses base on what classes will be participating. As a course designer, you will be in charge of creating different courses, which will come with the need for knowledge from every type of competition.

Job tasks can include:

  • Use online programs to design potential courses
  • Visit and examine arenas for competitions
  • Take measurements of tracks and courses
  • Keep course descriptions on record

5. Rodeo crew member

Your daily schedule won’t be the same, which will be an exciting part of being a rodeo crew member. You’ll come into contact with people from all around the country, which will help your network connections. Aside from cleaning the facility, you’ll see behind the scenes of rodeos and understand the work that goes into it.

Job tasks can include:

  • Chorale animals to specific places for rodeo shows
  • Clean facility
  • Manual labor
  • Train new crew members

6. Horse show manager

As a horse show manager, you’ll oversee show details and communicate when participants are up for their turns in competitions. From keeping the backsides of shows organized, you will also be a go-to person if people have questions. You’ll have the opportunity to lead by example and show your skills of delegation.

Job tasks can include:

  • Oversee participants and horses
  • Take part in hiring new employees
  • Hold meetings among staff and participants
  • Keep employees up to date on safety and show regulations

7. Horse care technician

Working with horses one-on-one will be a part of your daily work routine. As a horse care technician, you will monitor and maintain the health of horses. You must be able to work under pressure. There are many benefits that you gain with this career. From building your confidence to building your own reputation based on the positive work you do with the motivation to help heal animals.

Job tasks can include:

  • Perform annual check-ups on horses
  • Administer injections
  • Prescribe prescriptions
  • Communicate animal health statuses with owners

8. Exercise rider

As an exercise rider, you’ll spend a lot of time with horses to help them keep their fitness up. Taking care of horses physically will be a big part of your routine, but you will also keep up with their mental state. There’s a lot of work that goes into caring for horses and taking them to get their exercise, but it pays off once they compete on a track.

Job tasks can include:

  • Assess horse behaviors
  • Take horses on annual workouts
  • Teach horses skills needed for competition
  • Keep track of horse’s progress

9. Riding coach

Leadership. Assertion. High-level focus. They’re all crucial to have when being a riding coach. You’ll have the opportunity to teach and build strong bonds with students that take lessons. From explaining safety regulations, to showing different techniques of riding, you will show your knowledge of competing and riding horses.

Job tasks can include:

  • Conduct riding lessons and classes
  • Teach multiple styles of riding
  • Track progress of students
  • Analyze horse behavior without riders present

10. Transportation specialist

As a transportation specialist, clients will put a lot of trust in you for transporting their animals. Keeping horses calm and relaxed will be a big part of your routine. It’s important to understand the specific personalities of different horses before you transport them. This career is very popular and gives you networking opportunities along the way.

Job tasks can include:

  • Book and plan horse transportation journeys
  • Make the necessary stops to rest and allow exercise time for horses
  • Keep up with the nutrition of horses
  • Communicate with owners of horses being transported

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