Careers For Equestrian Enthusiasts To Follow

So, you are passionate about horses and thinking about getting into the industry? Good idea! But since the equine industry is huge, do you have any preference?

Being a horse lover is one thing, but choosing the perfect career in the equine industry is another. While being around horses might be your dream, not everyone can pursue a career in this field.

So, whether you’ve grown up on a farm with horses, or if you just like to place bets on horse racing online, diving into the equine industry might be a lucrative career choice.

So, the question is, which is the best equine career for people who love being around horses? Well, it isn’t as simple as that, just because many of the career paths are based on personal preferences, skills, physical build, and education.

Here are some of the top choices to consider.

1. Jockey

Let’s get one thing straight from the start - jockeys are built differently, and not everyone can become a jockey. Why? Well, first of all, we have physical requirements and jockeys usually have smaller physiques just for the weight requirements they need to meet.

So, if you are 6.5 feet tall, you should probably look for a different career - you are just too tall! (which isn’t a bad thing).

Additionally, jockeys sacrifice a lot! They are constantly on a strict diet, they work out all the time, and the risk of injury or even fatalities in a race is high.

The average salary for a jockey is around $50,000 per year, but there are some that earn more than $500,000 per year, but these jockeys participate in big events like the Kentucky Derby.

2. Horse Trainer

Now if you like something more out of the spotlight but still get some attention, then you should consider becoming a horse trainer. These people are responsible for getting the horse in the best shape possible while still making sure the horse is healthy.

It is a process that mixes art, science, and a lot of knowledge, which means that not everyone can become a racehorse trainer. You need plenty of experience before you become one.

Trainers on average earn anywhere from $35,000 to $150,000 per year, and the top-tier ones can even hit more than $1 million per year, depending on how many horses they train.

3. Equine Veterinarian

If you love taking care of horses, then this is the perfect job for you. But you still need a knack for science and a tummy to handle horse care.

Plus, you cannot become a horse vet whenever you like. You need education.

It’s a hefty commitment—four years of vet school after undergrad, plus a love for late-night calls—but the payoff’s huge. You’re the unsung hero keeping the equestrian world running, and salaries often start around $80,000, climbing with experience.

4. Farrier

No hoof, no horse, right? Farriers are the blacksmiths of the equestrian scene, crafting and fitting horseshoes to keep those hooves in tip-top shape. It’s physical work—bending over, wielding tools—but it’s also a craft. 

You’ll need training (apprenticeships or farrier school), a good eye, and a calm vibe around horses. It’s a steady gig, too—horses need shoeing every six weeks or so, and skilled farriers can earn $50,000 to $100,000 a year, depending on their client list.

5. Stable Manager

Love horses but also good at keeping things humming. Stable managers oversee the daily grind—feeding, grooming, scheduling vet visits, and wrangling staff. 

It’s less about riding and more about logistics, but you’re still in the thick of it, surrounded by horses. Experience matters more than degrees here; start as a groom and work up. Pay varies—$30,000 to $60,000 is typical—but it’s a solid way to stay connected to the barn life.

6. Equestrian Journalist or Content Creator

There aren't many equine content creators nowadays, especially among the young generation. This opens up a big gap and a huge career potential.

Obviously, we are talking about a multi-billion dollar industry that needs to be covered in some one or another. The potential here is limitless. You can become an equine influencer, start your own YouTube channel or a podcast, and the list goes on and on.

7. Horse Breeder

Fancy raising the next Triple Crown winner? Breeders pair stallions and mares to produce top-notch foals, often specializing in racehorses like Thoroughbreds. 

It’s a long game—years of planning, genetics know-how, and a hefty investment—but a successful stud or broodmare can bring in serious cash (stud fees for elite horses hit six figures). You’ll need land, connections, and a love for the slow burn of watching a foal grow into a champ.

8. Equine Nutritionist

Horses are what they eat, and equine nutritionists make sure it’s the good stuff. They design diets to boost performance, recovery, or just good health, working with trainers and vets. 

A degree in animal science helps, but practical experience counts too. It’s a niche field—salaries range from $40,000 to $70,000—but if you are geeking out over hay quality or vitamin supplements, this could be your sweet spot.

9. Riding Instructor or Coach

For those who’d rather share the love, teaching riding or coaching equestrians is a rewarding path. You’ll guide beginners through their first trot or prep competitive riders for the ring. 

Certification (like from the American Riding Instructors Association) boosts cred, and you’ll need patience and people skills. Earnings vary—$20 to $50 per lesson—but it’s a flexible gig that keeps you in the saddle.

These are all exciting careers, especially for people who love being around horses. So, which one is the perfect career for you?