March 12, 2024

Horse care and equine course - qualification

Ten Rewarding Careers that Involve Working with Horses in Australia

If you are passionate about horses and have always dreamed about a career working with horses in the equine industry, you will be pleased to know that there are more opportunities, including jobs, than ever to work with horses in Australia. Whether you wish to succeed in veterinary medicine or prosper as a volunteer in the equine industry, you need to be prepared to deliver the highest quality of care to the horses you work with. Below are ten rewarding jobs working with horses and the most important steps you can take to enter these fields.

1) Equine Veterinary Assistant and Equine Veterinary Nurses

When it comes to horse care jobs, Equine Veterinary Nurses and Assistants play one of the most important roles in a horse’s medical care. They typically work in veterinary hospitals or clinics alongside veterinarians as a part of a horse’s healthcare team. Here is a look at some of the job duties of an Equine Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Nurse:

Provide first aid to injured horses
Administer injections and medications
Assist with the use of veterinary equipment such as monitors and X-ray machines
Assists with the (capture) and restraint of horses for medical treatments and surgical procedures
Maintains and upholds the standards of the equine facilities including the stables, paddocks, crushes, equipment

Become an Equine Veterinary Nurse →

2) Stable Hand Jobs

Stable hands play a key role in the everyday care of horses. In addition to grooming and feeding horses, they monitor horses for the presence of common injuries. They also administer first aid and routine medications and ensure that stables and equipment are properly maintained. Some stable hand positions are live-in positions that involve residing onsite to deliver the highest level of care to horses.

3) Stud Hand Jobs

Stud hands provide assistance with the foaling process and also help care for newly delivered foals. They also hold stock for veterinarians, travel with horses as required, help with grooming and clipping, assist with breeding programmes: eg monitoring and observing mares for the correct timing of mating, effectively handling and managing stallions during the breeding season, assisting with AI (artificial insemination) procedures and keeping accurate records of every horse on the property. Knowledge of equine safety practices and healthcare are important prerequisites.

4) Equine Events Assistant

Horse shows, competitions, conventions, equine trade shows, and annual equine sales are all events that require professionals who are trained to work with horses and the public at large.

Equine events assistants may perform a variety of job duties depending on the event size including the following:

Setting up equipment, like rings, jumps and starting gates
Preparing and maintaining stabling areas and supplies
Coordinating and escorting horses during arrivals and departures
Registering participants, managing event entry fees
Maintaining records and event schedules
Assist with scoring and results processing and other duties relating to judges and event officials
Customer service duties relating to event attendees and spectators
Promote events to equine enthusiasts

Kick-Start Your Career with our Horse Care Fundamentals Short Course

5) Horse Farm Manager

Horse Farm Managers are the guiding force behind successful horse operations. They often oversee a team of people ensuring the smooth daily running of the farm. While managers on smaller farms may have more hands-on interaction with horses, all Horse Farm Managers need a deep understanding of horse care. This leadership role requires a combination of horse expertise, management skills, and exceptional organisational abilities. This role is the perfect fit if you possess:

Leadership qualities: You’ll guide and motivate a team to ensure the wellbeing of horses and efficient farm operations.
Horse Expertise: Your knowledge of horse care, training, and breeding will be essential for making informed decisions.
Business Knowledge: Strong organisational skills and an understanding of farm finances.

6) Equine Equipment Sales Representative

It may come as a surprise to many, but there is a whole industry dedicated to equine equipment including veterinary medical equipment. This industry is rapidly expanding and includes everything from wireless X-ray systems to anaesthesia machines designed specifically for horses, as well as day to day equipment such as floats (trailers), grooming, riding and feeding equipment. As the field continues to grow, equine focused companies are increasingly seeking sales representatives with education and training in equine care.

7) Equine Farm Hand

Farm Hands are the essential caregivers for horses on a farm, ensuring their daily well-being. They handle tasks like feeding, grooming, and stable care and may be required to assist with activities relating to breeding, hose sales and training and maintaining racehorses.

Horse knowledge (equipment, health, nutrition) and a hands-on approach are key. It’s perfect for those who love horses and enjoy a working environment.

Ever considered becoming an Equine Veterinary Nurse?

8) Horse Racing Starting Gate Crew Member

Horse racing starting gate crews play a critical role in ensuring that horses are loaded into their starting gates safely and securely before the start of a horse race. They often have special expertise and a level of patience and care in keeping horses calm and relaxed before races.

It’s a role that combines a passion for horses with the fast-paced energy of professional horse racing.

9) Trail Ride Assistant

Working as a trail ride assistant requires extensive experience with horseback riding and trail knowledge, as well as have a commitment to horse safety measures. You also must have good communication skills and be able to work well with co-workers and guests. In addition to these duties, you will be expected to help maintain stalls and barns, help with rider mounts and dismounts, and ensure that horses are properly groomed and fed.

As a Trail Ride Assistant, you will:

Lead trail rides, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for riders.
Educate riders about the trails, horses, and local environment.
Provide care for horses including grooming, feeding, and basic stable maintenance.
Assist riders with mounting and dismounting and guide beginners in basic riding skills.

10) Equine Retail Professional

If you are just as passionate about working in retail as you are about working with horses, then a position in equine retail is sure to fulfil your career dreams. The best part about working as an equine retail professional is the wide variety of job opportunities that exist. Here are a few of them:

Retail sales associate
Sales representative, visiting equine establishments promoting feed, supplements, tack, rugs, and other equine items.
Mobile equine store associate
Delivery associate for equine equipment

What should you do if you are interested in a job working with horses?

As outlined above, there are many rewarding career options for people who wish to work with horses. If you are passionate about horses and are interested in pursuing one of these career options, the best thing to do is to obtain the education and training required to meet general employment requirements.

We invite you to contact us to learn more about our exciting educational programs, such as our Equine Veterinary Nursing Certificate. We also offer short courses designed to prepare you for employment in a horse-related career. We look forward to helping you enjoy a rewarding career in the equine industry!

About AVT

We have been training animal care, animal behaviour and training, equine care and veterinary nursing students for over 25 years in Australia. Students who undertake AVT courses range from high school-aged students just starting their pre-vocational journey right through to mature-aged students seeking an alternative career path. Graduates are highly respected and sought after by industry professionals, businesses and organisations. If you want the background knowledge and skills to help you secure your career in the animal care industry, check out our qualifications here or gain new skills by studying one of our short courses.

Need the confidence to work with horses?

We have two fantastic online options. Our affordable short courses are written by our very own expert Trainers & Assessors and include AVT developed videos and theory to expand your knowledge.

If you are just starting out, our Horse Care Fundamentals Course is the best place to start.

If you are a Qualified Veterinary Nurse and would like the confidence and skills to work in the equine industry? Our Equine Veterinary Nursing Course is the perfect way to obtain foundation knowledge or upskill for your existing duties.