Horse Career Possibilities—Choose Your Path

I. What are your skills and areas of interest?
II. Careers related to the horse industry that you probably wouldn’t think of:
III. Careers that have daily contact with horses:
IV. Careers that are related to horses:
V. What does the horse industry offer?
VI. How much education will you need?
Five Points to Consider!
Resources

I.  What are your skills and areas of interest?

English or History: journalism, advertising, turf writing, publishing, author, pedigree researcher, announcer, etc.
Math: accountant, auditor, statistician, database manager, etc.
Science: chemist, geneticist, virologist, nutritionist, veterinarian, etc.
Art: photographer, musician, sculptor, painter, illustrator, graphic designer, motion picture director, etc.

II.  Careers related to the horse industry that you probably wouldn’t think of:

Medicine: veterinarian, veterinary technician, first aid personal at events, therapist (physical, massage, acupuncture), dentist, chiropractor, etc.
Business: accountant, lawyer, executive for associations, farm management, management in an equine products company or equine organization, etc. 
Transportation: horse trucking company, pilot service with equine specialization, trailer sales, etc.
Industrial: carpentry, engineering, clothing designer, manufacturing (tack, feed, facilities), etc.
Technological: computer program designer, website maintenance, computer management systems, etc.

III.  Careers that have daily contact with horses:

IV.  Careers that are related to horses:

V.  What does the horse industry offer?

Horse Shows/Rodeo: judge, course and jump designer, stock contractor, pick-up rider, event management
Racing Industry: steward, paddock judge, clocker, track superintendent, mutual clerk, catering manager, security, stable manager, track photographer, exercise rider, etc.
Recreation/Pleasure: park ranger, parks and recreation administrator, travel agent, event organizer, guide, boarding stable owner, etc.
Support Services: tack manufacturer, pharmaceutical sales, horse transportation, feed supplier, trailer sales, etc.

VI.  How much education will you need?

Q: Will you need to have a bachelor’s degree, advanced degree or obtain your PhD?
A:  This depends on what occupation you choose.  Your guidance counselor or University representative will be able to help.

Q:  How do I find an equine college once I have chosen a career path?
A:  A good website that ranks horse schools, can be found at www.horseschools.com.

To start your career in the horse industry consider the following five points and be prepared to follow them!

• Be prepared to volunteer: There are volunteer opportunities in almost every aspect of the horse industry.  The “trial run” and on-the-job-training that goes along with volunteering time and energy to an equine related career provides a basis to make informed decisions about a career you are thinking of pursuing.  It also contributes to building your contacts for networking.
• Start networking: Start with the people you already know, and ask for their advice and suggestions.  People who know and are interested in you can create a powerful web of contacts.  Remember that while an introduction from a friend or contact is very helpful, once the door is opened, you’ll need to be ready to act on your own, so do your homework.
• Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses: What are you good at and what do you like to do?  Every job has aspects that are more fun than others, look for job openings that include a good portion of responsibility in your strongest areas and promote those strengths to potential employers.  If you find an opportunity that fits your strengths, and also covers areas that you identified as weaknesses, don’t give up, consider improving those needed skills.
• Sharpen the ax and keep an open mind:  Consider classes, certifications, or degrees that might strengthen your skills and make you a more attractive candidate for the career of your choice.  Also remember that a foot-in-the-door job might be the first step on the path to your ideal position. 
• Check the classifieds: Both trade and lay publications routinely publish classified ads for positions in the horse industry.  American Horse Publications is a non-profit professional association that maintains a web site that posts career opportunities specifically in equine publishing, but many organizations use their site to notify the industry at large of openings in associations and business.  Their website is at www.americanhorsepubs.com

Resources

Unbridled Opportunities: Careers in the Horse Industry.  24 minute educational video from AYHC for $29.95

Equine School and College Directory, $8.00.  Published by the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.  Available through AYHC or HHYF (317)867-5877.  Also includes scholarship listings. 

Horse Industry Directory $20.00 available from the American Horse Council (202)296-4031 or www.horsecouncil.org.  The directory includes a comprehensive listing of equine associations, organizations, press, etc.