Do you love horses? Want to spend every day with them? You’re in good company! After all, horses have been our companions for centuries. So, why not turn your passion for these incredible animals into a fulfilling career? There are lots of different ways of working with horses, from science and animal care, to training and even roles in creative fields. So saddle up and ride out to explore these seven equine career paths. They might just spur you on to make horses the focus of your professional life.

1. Equine nutritionist

What you’ll do: Make sure horses get the perfect diet to stay healthy, perform their best and bounce back from injuries. You’ll create custom meal plans based on a horse’s age, activity level and health. You could even create new feeds and supplements to enhance horse health and performance.

Top skills: You need a solid grasp of science (taking biology and chemistry when you choose your Year 11 subjects is a good idea). If you have an eye for data analysis, that’s good too, as you’ll use it to figure out what each horse needs. And, strong communication skills are important so you can accurately share your advice with horse owners and trainers.

2. Horse trainer

What you’ll do: Teach horses skills for riding, racing or shows. You’ll create training programs based on each horse’s personality and needs, whether you’re working with young horses, learning the ropes or refining the skills of seasoned steeds. This hands-on job requires a deep understanding of horse behaviour and psychology. You could start gaining some experience by working as a stable hand or assistant.

Top skills: Patience is your best friend – training takes time! Communication skills are also a must, so you can connect with both horses and their owners. Moreover, training can be tough on your body, so keep up your physical fitness.

3. Equine physical therapist

What you’ll do: Help horses bounce back from injuries, surgeries and illnesses. You’ll use therapies like massages, stretches and exercises to get them back on their hooves. Working alongside vets, you’ll craft rehab programs that boost their strength and mobility.

Top skills: You’ll need a solid grasp of horse anatomy to know how different therapies impact their bodies. Gentle handling is key, especially since you’ll be working with horses who might be in pain. Passion for animal welfare is a must – your goal is to enhance their quality of life. Internships or apprenticeships are a great way to build your practical skills.

4. Equine behaviourist

What you’ll do: Explore how the minds of horses affect their actions. You’ll tackle issues like anxiety and aggression, working closely with both horses and their owners (not for their aggression!). You’ll also help train horses to become accustomed to new environments. If you’re into figuring out what makes horses tick, this could be your dream job!

Top skills: You’ll need to be sharp-eyed to catch those subtle behaviour cues. Patience and empathy are important soft skills, especially with stressed horses. Plus, you’ll need to communicate clearly to share your insights and strategies with horse owners.

5. Stable manager

What you’ll do: Keep the place running like a well-oiled machine. That means taking care of horses, leading your team, ordering supplies and keeping everything in tip-top shape. It’s all about taking the lead and getting things done.

Top skills: You’ll need to be super organised to juggle all your tasks. Strong leadership will help you get the best out of your team (and don’t bridle at your instructions!). Plus, you’ll be multitasking and solving problems on the fly to keep everything trotting along smoothly.

6. Equine journalist or photographer

What you’ll do: As an equine journalist, you’ll write about everything horse-related – think profiles of famous horses and riders, plus in-depth articles on equine health and training. If you’re into photography, you can capture compelling images of horses in action or stylish shots for socials, magazines, events and owners. It’s the perfect gig if you’re creative and want to show off your passion for horses.

Top skills: To stand out in this field, you’ll need creativity and a sharp eye for detail. A passion for horses and understanding the horse industry is also a must. Build your portfolio with internships, freelance work or your own social channels to showcase your talent.

7. Equine event manager

What you’ll do: Be the mastermind behind horse shows, competitions and fairs. You’ll handle everything from planning and logistics, to marketing and on-the-day action. It’s the perfect mix of love for horses and event planning!

Top skills: You’ll need killer project management skills to juggle all the event details. Being detail-oriented will help keep everything on track. Moreover, strong communication and networking skills will mean you connect with clients, vendors and participants. Start by volunteering at equine events or scoring entry-level gigs to get a taste of the action and also make valuable industry connections.

The first step to working with horses…?

There are so many awesome careers out there for people who love horses. Whether you’re interested in science, training, therapy or creativity, there’s a job for you. And guess what? At Charles Sturt University we offer a Bachelor of Equine Science,¹ one of only two dedicated equine science degrees in Australia. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your career working with horses, giving you all the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to succeed. Check it out and start your journey to an amazing job in the equine world.

Here's a top tip to help you make hay: You can apply for the Bachelor of Equine Science via the Charles Sturt Advantage – and get an offer before you sit your Year 12 exams.

¹CRICOS: 012005G