An equine specialist is an expert in the care, management, and treatment of horses. Their work can include providing medical care, advising on nutrition and exercise, assisting with breeding, and ensuring the overall well-being of horses. Equine specialists may work in veterinary practices, stables, research institutions, or for organisations such as riding schools or racecourses. The job often requires a strong knowledge of horse anatomy, behaviour, and common health issues. Many equine specialists have qualifications in veterinary nursing, animal science, or specialised equine studies. The role can be physically demanding and may involve working outdoors in all weather conditions, but it is highly rewarding for those passionate about horses.
Equine specialists in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £35,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
There are around 16,000 people employed in equine-related jobs in the UK, with opportunities in veterinary practices, stables, and research.
Most equine specialists work 37 to 40 hours per week, with some roles requiring weekend or evening shifts.
Works alongside equine vets to provide medical care and support for horses, including assisting during procedures and offering post-treatment care.
Specialises in understanding and modifying horse behaviour, often working with owners to resolve behavioural issues and improve horse welfare.
Focuses on creating and managing specialised feeding plans for horses to ensure optimal health, performance, and wellbeing.
Achieve GCSEs, ideally including science, maths, and English to build a strong foundation.
A good set of GCSEs is essential for progressing to further study or apprenticeships in equine care. Subjects such as biology can be particularly useful, as they provide a basic understanding of animal health and anatomy.
Volunteer or work at stables, riding schools, or equine therapy centres to gain hands-on experience.
Practical experience is highly valued in the equine industry. Helping with tasks like mucking out, grooming, and feeding horses will build your confidence and understanding of horse behaviour and care.
Enrol on a college course such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Horse Care, Equine Management, or Animal Management.
These courses provide both theoretical and practical training, covering topics like horse health, stable management, and riding. Many colleges have their own stables for hands-on sessions. Entry requirements usually include GCSEs and some prior experience with horses.
Apply for an equine apprenticeship to learn while working, such as an Equine Groom or Equine Care apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with study and are a great way to earn while developing specialist skills. They can lead to further qualifications and greater responsibility in equine roles.
Decide whether you want to focus on areas such as training, rehabilitation, therapy, nutrition, or welfare.
Equine Specialists can work in various settings, from therapy centres to sports stables. You might help riders with disabilities, train competition horses, or work alongside vets. Investigate different roles to see which suits your interests and strengths.
Join professional bodies like the British Horse Society and attend specialist courses or gain certifications.
Professional membership demonstrates your commitment and provides networking, insurance, and training opportunities. Consider advanced qualifications such as the BHS Stages, or courses in equine behaviour, nutrition, or physiotherapy to deepen your expertise.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Equine Specialist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
Both roles involve specialised knowledge of equine care, training, and behaviour. An Equine Specialist focuses on horse health and wellbeing, which aligns closely with the skills needed to train and prepare racehorses for competition.
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.
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