Careers Working with Horses

Horses are magnificent and beautiful animals. Caring for horses takes training and dedication. Working with horses can be physically demanding and may also be dangerous. If you are an individual with a love of horses, there are many career opportunities available in this specialty field.

Horse Trainer

A horse trainer can find a job caring for horses in stables. The work involves saddling horses, grooming them, giving the horses rubdowns after riding, feeding and exercising the horses. Training a horse for riding involves getting the horse accustomed to human contact and teaching them to respond to commands. Some horse training jobs have a minimum weight requirement. Many horse trainers are self-employed and work in areas where horse racing is prevalent. Horse trainers can potentially earn anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 annually depending upon experience.

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who loves horses may be able to get a job working exclusively with horses. According the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately six percent of private practice veterinarians work exclusively with horses. Many ranchers and farmers relying on the services of these veterinarians to care for their horses. This job involves testing for and vaccinating against diseases, treating wounds, performing surgeries, and advising owners about proper care of their horses. A job as a veterinarian requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Veterinarians can earn between $50,000 and $150,000 yearly depending upon experience and location.

Volunteers for the Wild Horse and Burro Program

A job volunteering for the Wild Horse and Burro Program will not pay you financially but may provide important experience necessary finding other jobs working with horses. The Bureau of Land Management's California Wild Horse and Burro Program uses volunteers to assist in finding adoptive homes for these animals. Adoption events are held where volunteers provide educational information to individuals interested in adopting a wild horse or burro. Delivery services are offered to people who adopt the animals. A volunteer may be involved in screening potential adopters and helping them complete their paperwork. Volunteers with horse training experience often halter train the animals to increase their adoptability.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Animal Care and Service Workers

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Veterinarians

Bureau of Land Management: Volunteers for the Wild Horse and Burro Program