Industry Sectors

Horse Care

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Industry Summary

For those who are devoted to the care of horses and have the motivation to work no matter the time or weather, the horse care industry can be highly rewarding. The industry covers a wide array of areas, including riding schools, competitions, clubs, professional grooming and instructing. The work can be quite physical, so be prepared to get stuck in, but by working your way up, you may soon even take charge of a yard or become head groom.

You may even become involved in the professional equine industry, working alongside the police force, racing companies or even take horses to international shows and ensure they are well looked after. Roles are available all the way from Intermediate apprenticeships and even at higher education levels – there really is something out there for everyone!

 

What options can I take for a career in horse care?

 

Work Experience

Work experience is widely available in the horse care industry, though at the more lucrative employers this may be quite competitive. For some careers in this industry, work experience may be a necessary requirement, especially in those that may also require a degree (for instance, veterinary roles). In your placement, you will gain a real taste of the environment, and work alongside staff and equine professionals who may be able to offer guidance on what role you may be interested in.

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

 

Apprenticeships

An excellent way to get started in the horse care industry is by undergoing an apprenticeship. Not only will you earn a salary whilst you work towards a qualification, but you will also gain the necessary work experience and practical skills that can help you get ahead in the sector. There are horse care apprenticeships widely available across the UK, it’s your chance to get a job, get qualified and get paid!

  • Level 2 – Equine Groom
  • Level 3 – Senior Equine Groom

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

 

University

By studying an equine course at university, you could become part of a huge industry that cares for around 900,000 horses in the UK. You will be able to gain the theoretical knowledge behind the sector, that you’ll then be able to apply to your job once you graduate. There are two tracks common in horse care studies at university – a science-focused track which will prepare students for equine veterinary medicine, and a management track for those who prefer the business side of the industry. As well as vocational and practical skills related for a horse care role, you will also develop transferable skills as part of your course such as team work, presentation skills and problem solving.

  • Equine Performance and Business Management BSc (Hons)
  • Equine Business Management BA (Hons)
  • Business Management for the Equine Industry BSc (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

 

Graduate Jobs

Most graduates with a degree in a horse care related subject will go straight into work in the industry after university, however, some careers may require further specialisation, either through a graduate scheme or a further qualification. Some roles in equine veterinary science or management can be pursued at a postgraduate level. This will enable you to refine your skills to ensure that you are perfect for the career most suited to you.

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

 

Other routes

There are other routes into the industry that do not require you to have a horse care qualification, with opportunities available allowing you to work your way up in the sector. However, most employers will still expect to see an obvious passion for horses due to the intense physicality of the work – whether this means any work experience, or this is one of your hobbies.

Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Work Description

Veterinarians diagnose and treat animal injuries, diseases and disorders, and advise on preventative action. They may work in practices, specialising according to their location in either a rural or urban area, or in the public sector or associated industries such as pharmaceuticals, food production or drug regulation.

Qualification

Entrants will require a university degree in veterinary science and registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Pre-entry experience in a veterinary practice may be required for entry to a university veterinary school.

Job Tasks

examines animals, diagnoses condition and prescribes and administers appropriate drugs, dressings, etc., and arranges or undertakes any necessary x-ray or other tests; inoculates animals against communicable diseases; administers local or general anaesthetics and performs surgery; investigates outbreaks of animal diseases and advises owners on feeding, breeding and general care; euthanases old, sick, terminally ill and unwanted animals; performs tasks relating to food safety policy, regulation of veterinary drugs, quality control of veterinary products; performs ante-mortem inspection of animals destined for the food chain, and animal post-mortem examinations; carries out expert witness work and undertakes teaching of veterinary students; maintains records, raises and forwards reports and certificates in compliance with current legislation.

Related Jobs

Consultant, veterinary Inspector, veterinary MRCVS Officer, field, veterinary Officer, investigating, veterinary Officer, investigation, veterinary Officer, research, veterinary Officer, veterinary Practitioner, veterinary Scientist, veterinary Surgeon, veterinary Vet Veterinarian 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Veterinary nurses provide assistance to veterinarians in the treatment and care of sick or injured animals.

Qualification

Entrants require GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent qualification. Entrants must obtain employment at an approved veterinary practice to gain practical experience and tuition with an employer for a minimum duration of two years. Candidates must also pass professional examinations before qualifying as a veterinary nurse.

Job Tasks

assists the veterinary surgeon during surgical and medical treatments of animals; prepares operating theatre, sterilises equipment and assists in theatre as required; dispenses and administers medication and applies dressings to animals under direction from the veterinarian; handles animals during treatment; collects and analyses blood, urine and other samples; cares for animals in hospital accommodation and keeps accurate records; maintains the biosecurity of the veterinary premises; advises clients on preventative medicine to maintain appropriate animal health and welfare.

Related Jobs

Nurse, animal Nurse, canine Nurse, veterinary 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Workers in this unit group care for animals held in kennels, stables, zoos and similar establishments, provide specialised training, grooming, clipping and trimming services for animals, and searches for and captures stray or nuisance dogs in public areas and perform a variety of animal care tasks not elsewhere classified in MINOR GROUP 613: Animal Care and Control Services.

Qualification

Entry is possible without formal academic qualifications, although some employers may ask for GCSEs/S grades. There is a variety of vocational qualifications available, including NVQs/SVQs in Animal Care at Levels 1 and 2, in Dog Grooming at Levels 2 and 3, and BTEC qualifications and apprenticeships relating to Horse Care.

Job Tasks

feeds, washes, grooms, trims and exercises animals; cleans animals’ quarters and renews bedding as necessary; houses, feeds, exercises, trains, grooms horses, dogs and other animals in preparation for entry to shows, races and other events; checks animals for illness, treats minor ailments or calls for vet if further treatment is required; meets prospective owners and advises on animal selection and animal care; patrols public areas to search for and capture stray or nuisance dogs, and transports captured animals to kennels.

Related Jobs

Aquarist Assistant, care, animal Assistant, cattery Assistant, clinic, animal Assistant, kennel Assistant, livestock Assistant, nursing, veterinary Assistant, surgeon's, veterinary Assistant, technical, veterinarian's Assistant, technical Assistant, trek Assistant, veterinary Assistant, welfare, animal Attendant, animal Attendant, health, animal Attendant, kennel Attendant Auxiliary, nursing, animal Beautician, canine Boy, stable Breaker, horse Breeder Breeder Breeder Breeder Carer, animal Carer, canine Carer, cat Carer, pet Careworker, animal Clipper, dog Clipper, horse Foreman, stable Foreman Girl, stable Groom Groom-gardener Groomer, dog Groomsman Hand, kennel Hand, stable Hand, stud Handler, animal Handler, dog Headman Helper, stable Horseman Hostler Hunter Huntsman Keeper, animal Keeper, head Keeper, horse, head Keeper, horse Keeper, kennel Keeper, menagerie Keeper, stable, livery Keeper, stable Keeper, zoo Keeper Lad, head Lad, stable Leader, trek Maid, kennel Man, yard Manager, stable Minder, animal Officer, collection, animal Officer, welfare, animal Ostler Servant, hunt Stableman Stripper, dog Studhand Technician, animal Technician, laboratory, care, animal Technician Trainer, animal Trainer, dog Trainer, greyhound Trainer, horse Trainer, pony Trimmer, barefoot, equine Walker, dog Warden, dog Whip Whipper-in Worker, care, animal Worker, kennel Yardman Yardsman 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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