Career Opportunities in Equine Science

The American Horse Council and the American Youth Horse Council have joined efforts to provide information of available listings from industry leaders all over the United States to assist youths and adults in pursuit of careers in the horse industry.

Working in the industry does not always mean working exclusively with horses. Many jobs, such as an accountant, attorney, artist, clothes designer, journalist, computer programmer, etc. can be tailored to your interests. In making your future plans, consider a broad education that may be adapted later to your choice of career.

Considerations in Planning Your Career

• Be prepared to volunteer: The horse industry thrives on volunteer participation that can provide the vehicle to introduce and get you involved in many aspects of horse-related activities. Often good experience can be gained by offering to work for free. This experience in turn can open doors and help you establish valuable contacts.
• Start at the local level: Gain experience through your community, school and social connections. Utilize a network of people you are familiar with and expand through regional and state contacts.
• Check the classifieds in trade publications: Frequently excellent opportunities are advertised here. Check not only equine publications but look into sports-related magazines and associations, and club and organizational newsletters.
• Talk to professionals: Learn from those that are involved. Find out where they studied, what they recommend as good training, and the work they sought. You never know who will provide an aspect you’ve overlooked.
• Don’t limit your objectives: Most importantly, if you can’t get into the horse industry right away, generalize your scope, such as learning the principles of large animal care, then specialize in horses at a later date.

Career Opportunities

Choose the desired level of contact with horses and the amount of education required, and then locate that combination in the list below for potential career paths.

Contact Level

I. Primary careers requiring daily contact with horses and/or horse owners
II. Support positions requiring daily contact with horses and/or horse owners
III. Careers with horse shows/rodeos
IV. Careers in the racing industry
V. Careers related to recreation/hunting/pleasure

Education Required

Category A DVM, PhD or professional terminal degree from recognized college or university
Category B Master’s degree from a recognized college or university
Category C Baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university
Category D One or two years beyond high school
Category E High school diploma

I. Primary careers requiring daily contact with horses

II. Support positions without daily contact with horses

III. Careers with horse shows and rodeos

IV. Careers in the racing industry

V. Careers related to recreation, hunting, and pleasure

Trail Engineer
Park and Recreation Administrator
Recreation Planner
Guest Ranch Host/Hostess
Parade Organizer
Manager Country Club
Field Master
Professional Huntsman
Whipper-in
Kennelman
Packer/Guide
Reservations Clerk
Trail Crew
Circus Rider

Equine Veterinary Schools

• Auburn University
• California-Davis, University of 
• Colorado State University
• Florida, University of
• Georgia, University of
• Illinois, University of
• Iowa State University
• Kansas State University
• Louisiana State University
• Michigan State University
• Minnesota, University of
• Mississippi State University
• Missouri, University of
• North Carolina State University
• Ohio State University
• Oklahoma State University
• Oregon State University
• Pennsylvania, University of
• Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
• Tennessee, University of
• Texas A&M University
• Tufts University
• Tuskegee University
• Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
• Washington State University
• Wisconsin, University of

Equine Organizations

• American Association of Equine Practitioners
• National 4-H Council
• American Farriers Association
• North American Riding For the Handicapped Association
• American Horse Publications
• National Horse Center
• Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
• United States Pony Clubs, Inc.
• American Horse Shows Association
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Future Farmers of America

Intercollegiate Information

• Intercollegiate Horse Show Association
• National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
• National Horse Judging Team Coaches Association