An equine specialist is a professional who works closely with horses, providing care, health management, and sometimes training or rehabilitation. This role can include positions such as equine veterinary nurse, equine behaviourist, or equine nutritionist. Daily tasks may involve feeding, grooming, monitoring health, assisting with veterinary procedures, and sometimes educating owners on proper horse care. Equine specialists may be employed at stables, veterinary clinics, equestrian centres, or even work freelance. The job can be physically demanding, and workers must be comfortable around large animals and in outdoor settings. Many equine specialists choose to specialise further, such as working with racehorses, therapy horses, or breeding stock.
Equine specialists in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on experience and specialisation.
There are around 3,000-4,000 equine-specific roles advertised in the UK each year, across both private practices and larger organisations.
Many equine specialists work irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, often totalling 35-45 hours per week.
A specialist who cares for the teeth of horses, helping to maintain their dental health and comfort.
A professional who helps horses recover from injuries or improve their movement through physical therapy techniques.
Someone who prepares and trains horses specifically for racing, ensuring they are fit and ready for competitions.
Develop a solid understanding of horse care, behaviour, and basic handling.
Start by reading books, watching reputable videos, and visiting stables or riding schools. Volunteering at local equestrian centres or animal charities can also provide you with valuable hands-on experience and insight into daily routines and horse needs.
Pursue basic qualifications in horse care or animal management.
Look for courses such as the British Horse Society (BHS) Stages or City and Guilds Level 2/3 qualifications in Horse Care. These provide recognised credentials and practical skills essential for working with horses.
Decide whether to specialise in training, therapy, rehabilitation, or welfare.
Research the different areas of equine specialism, such as equine-assisted therapy, farriery, physiotherapy, or horse training. Speak to professionals and consider job shadowing to help decide which area suits your interests and skills.
Undertake further study or apprenticeships in your chosen area.
You may need to complete higher-level qualifications, such as BHS Stage 4 or a degree in Equine Science. Alternatively, look for apprenticeships or internships with established professionals. Continuous professional development is important in this field.
Apply for roles in stables, therapy centres, or equine hospitals, or consider self-employment.
Build a CV highlighting your qualifications and experience. You might work as part of an equine therapy team, at a riding school, or as a freelance specialist. Networking within the equestrian community can help you find opportunities.
Keep skills and knowledge up to date with ongoing training and networking.
Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to stay informed about new research and best practices in equine care. Joining professional bodies, such as the British Horse Society or Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, can support your development.
Provides support to veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals, including horses, in both clinical and field settings.
Studies animal behaviour and provides advice on training, welfare, and resolving behavioural issues, often specialising in horses or other large animals.
Oversees the daily operations of horse stables, including staff management, horse care, and facility maintenance.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Equine Specialist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An Equine Specialist typically has in-depth knowledge of horse behaviour, care, and training, which closely aligns with the skills required of a Racehorse trainer. Both roles involve working closely with horses to maximise their performance, health, and wellbeing through specialised training and care practices.
You can get into this job through:
You can work towards this role by doing a senior equine groom advanced apprenticeship.
This will usually take at least 18 months to complete.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
You could work at a racing stables as a groom, a rider or instructor. You would then move on to become an assistant trainer before applying for the full trainer's licence.
As an assistant trainer, you could do a 3-day course at The British Racing School or National Horseracing College, which includes:
If you have a lot of experience in a stables, you could complete the Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and the trainer's pre-licence preparation course.
You could then apply for a trainer's licence from the British Horseracing Authority.
You can find out more about about working in horse racing from careersinracing.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
