Horse jobs are some of the most exciting in the world, offering everything from travel to flexible schedules. Of course, some are easier to find than most, and it might take time to find great careers working with horses. These are some of the best.
Horse Job #1: Horse Trainer
Many of the best horse jobs are those that offer direct contact with the animals. A horse trainer is responsible for solving problems, teaching new techniques, breaking bad habits and preparing horses for show.
This one of the best careers for working with horses because a horse trainer can set his or her own prices with minimal overhead, assuming he or she works on someone else's property. Most horse trainers make between $300 and $700 per month, per horse, depending on his or her skill. It is also acceptable to charge by the day, the week or the hour.
Horse Job #2: Riding Instructor
For equestrians with plenty of knowledge and the will to pass it on, riding instruction is one of the best horse jobs. A riding instructor teaches children and adults how to ride, from the baby basics to the top levels of showmanship. He or she can teach just about anywhere, from boarding and lesson barns to summer camps.
Riding instruction is not one of the most lucrative careers for working with horses, but there is potential for many add-on services. Lessons might cost anywhere between $20 and $75 per hour, per student, plus instructors might take students to horse shows or offer grooming services.
Horse Job #3: Stable Manager
A stable manager is responsible for the business aspects of an equestrian facility. He or she makes sure horses are fed, watered, turned out, vetted and generally cared for. Other duties include billing customers, ordering supplies, managing other staff members and planning events.
In most cases, stable managers are paid on an hourly or salary basis, perhaps with bonuses thrown in for exemplary work. This is one of the best careers for working with horses if the professional is organized, courteous, motivated and self-reliant.
Horse Job #4: Horse Show Judge
From reining to dressage, there is no better career working with horses than to continually watch other riders show off their talents. A horse show judge travels from one end of the country to the other in order to watch some of the most talented equestrian athletes in the world. He or she can specialize in a particular event or move between events for variety.
The problem with judging careers is that they are not the most consistent. A professional might have three jobs in one week, then nothing for several months. In most cases, they must be willing to travel during different seasons of the year to find consistent work. Pay range from between $50 and $500 per day, depending on the event.
Horse Job #5: Farrier
This might be one of the most back-breaking careers working with horses, but it serves a valuable purpose. Farriers are responsible for horses' hooves: rasping, shoeing, healing. He or she spends most of the day bent over a hot forge or a horse's hoof, trying to make the world a better place for riders and horses alike.
The good news is that farriers can enjoy a substantial salary if they are good at what they do. Many farriers charge upward of $50 per visit to clients, and can see several dozen clients per day.
There are plenty of other great horse jobs in the world, some of which do not provide any contact with the animals at all. However, it is possible to make a decent living in horse jobs, so consider starting your exploration today.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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