If you love being around horses and are thinking about turning that passion into a career, you’ve got plenty of options. From hands-on roles like training and veterinary care to creative jobs in photography and management positions at barns, there’s a career path that will suit your interests and skills. Here’s a list of 10 careers where you can work with horses and enjoy every day on the job.
The Best Equestrian Careers for Horse Lovers
1. Equine Veterinarian
Average annual salary: $100,000
As an equine vet, you'll diagnose and treat horses, performing everything from routine check-ups and vaccinations to surgeries and emergency care. It's a rewarding but challenging role, requiring you to be ready for anything.
Your daily tasks will include things like:
- Diagnosing injuries
- Prescribing treatments
- Providing preventive care.
Read more: How to Become an Equine Vet
2. Horse Trainer
Average annual salary: $60,000
Horse trainers work directly with horses to help them reach their potential, whether it's for racing, competitive riding, or therapy. They assess each horse's temperament and skill level to create effective training programs.
Day-to-day duties include:
- Riding
- Grooming
- Adjusting training methods to suit each horse's needs.
Read more: How to Become an Horse Trainer
3. Equine Massage Therapist
Average annual salary: $65,000
As an equine massage therapist, you'll use massage techniques to help horses relax, recover from injuries, and maintain peak condition. This role requires understanding a horse's anatomy and applying therapeutic practices accordingly.
You'll spend your days:
- Identifying tension spots
- Improving circulation
- Working closely with vets and trainers.
4. Farrier
Average annual salary: $70,000
Farriers specialise in hoof care, trimming and shoeing horses to ensure their hooves stay healthy and well-balanced. It's a physical job, but crucial for the well-being of the horse.
Daily tasks include:
- Trimming hooves
- Selecting the right horseshoes
- Treating any hoof issues.
Read more: How to Become a Farrier
5. Riding Instructor
Average annual salary: $60,000
If you enjoy teaching, becoming a riding instructor is a fantastic way to share your passion while helping riders improve their skills and confidence. As an instructor, you'll work with students of all ages and skill levels, teaching them everything from basic riding techniques to advanced manoeuvres.
Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Giving lessons
- Assessing rider progress
- Providing constructive feedback
Read more: How to Become a Riding Instructor
6. Equine-Assisted Therapist
Average annual salary: $80,000
Equine-assisted therapists blend therapy skills with their love for horses to guide clients through emotional challenges. Their work is hands-on and meaningful, often involving clients with diverse needs like anxiety, PTSD, or developmental disorders.
Duties include:
- Planning therapeutic sessions
- Guiding clients through activities like grooming or leading horses
- Maintaining detailed progress notes to track improvements
Read more: How to Become an Equine Therapist
7. Barn Manager/Stable Hand
Average annual salary: $60,000
Barn managers ensure that all stable operations run smoothly, overseeing the daily care of horses and managing the entire facility. Each day, barn managers handle feeding schedules, organise staff shifts, and make sure the horses receive the proper care.
Day-to-day duties may include:
- Manage the barn's budget, ordering feed and supplies
- Coordinating repairs and improvements to the barn
- Work closely with owners, trainers, and veterinarians to maintain the horses' health
Read more: How to Become a Stable Hand
8. Equine Nutritionist
Average annual salary: $70,000
Equine nutritionists are experts in horse diets and advise owners on what their animals need for optimal health and performance. They analyse the nutritional needs of individual horses, taking into account their age, breed, activity level, and health conditions.
Equine nutritionists spend their days:
- Assessing horses & developing tailored meal plans
- Consulting with owners and trainers to adjust diets
- Working with veterinarians to ensure each horse's diet complements any medical treatment
9. Equine Photographer
Average annual salary: $55,000
An equine photographer captures the beauty and grace of horses through their lens, creating stunning images for clients, competitions, or publications. Equine photographers need strong networking skills to find clients and market their work.
The job involves:
- Setting up photo shoots at stables, racetracks, or events
- Working closely with clients to capture their specific needs
- Editing photos to highlight the horses' best features
10. Horse Breeder
Average annual salary: $70,000+
With the correct licence, horse breeders are responsible for producing top-quality horses for racing, shows, or work, carefully managing breeding programs to meet industry standards.
Their daily tasks include:
- Monitoring the health of breeding stock
- Planning matings
- Managing pregnancies.
Once foals are born, they ensure they receive proper care and training. Breeders must stay updated on the latest breeding techniques, pedigrees, and market trends to produce horses that meet the demands of their specific market.
Kickstart Your Horse Care Career with Online Courses Australia
Ready to turn your passion for horses into a rewarding career? Online Courses Australia can help you get started. Learn foundational skills in equine psychology, horse care, and therapy at your own pace with expert guidance and practical insights. Our courses are designed to help you build the knowledge and connections you need for a successful career in the equine industry.
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