Equestrian – jobswithanimals.co.uk

Why should I consider a career in equestrianism?

For anyone who loves horses, the UK equestrian industry offers more routes in than you may realise. It is one of the country's most distinctive animal sectors, with deep roots in rural life, sport, and culture.

Whether you want to spend your days on the yard caring for horses, teach others to ride, shoe horses as a skilled tradesperson, or work in equine veterinary care, there is a career pathway here that matches your interests and ambitions.

The sector is also growing: federation memberships rose by 11.7% between 2023 and 2024, and many riding centres are struggling to keep up with enquiries, highlighting strong demand for skilled equestrian workers.

What kinds of equestrian jobs are available?

The equestrian sector spans a huge range of roles. On the yard, you will find positions like groom, stable hand, head groom, and yard manager, responsible for the daily care, feeding, exercise, and welfare of horses.

Riding instructors and coaches teach clients of all ages and abilities, from nervous beginners to competitive riders, and can work towards BHS or BHSI qualifications to progress their careers.

Farriers are skilled tradespeople who shoe and care for horses' hooves, completing a four-year apprenticeship that leads to a well-respected and in-demand qualification.

In equine health, equine veterinary nurses and equine vets provide specialist medical care, while physiotherapists, dentists, and chiropractors work in the growing field of equine therapy.

The wider sector also includes roles in livery yard management, equestrian retail, competition management, and equine journalism.

Do I need qualifications to work in equestrianism?

For many entry-level yard roles, a passion for horses and practical experience is more important than formal qualifications. As you progress, qualifications become increasingly important.

The British Horse Society (BHS) offers a widely respected career pathway through their Progressive Ride and Care Awards, leading to the BHS Stages, BHSAI, BHSI, and ultimately FBHS for those who want to teach and coach at the highest level.

For farriery, the Worshipful Company of Farriers oversees a four-year apprenticeship leading to the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DWCF), which is a legal requirement to practise.

Equine veterinary nursing follows the same RCVS-regulated pathway as small animal nursing. Lantra also offers a range of land-based equine qualifications for those looking for a more flexible route.

Apprenticeships are available across several equestrian roles and are an excellent way to earn while you learn.

Job security & demand: is equestrianism a stable career?

The data tells a clear story: the equestrian sector needs more people.

A survey of riding establishments found that 44% of centres do not have sufficient paid staff, and with 57% of riding schools saying they want to grow but are struggling to do so, the opportunity for skilled workers is significant.

The British Horse Society has highlighted that 15% of the UK's riding schools have closed since 2018, not due to lack of demand but largely due to staffing shortages and rising costs, meaning the venues that remain are busier than ever.

For anyone with the right skills and attitude, the equestrian job market is genuinely candidate-friendly.

230,000+

People employed across the UK equestrian industry

44%

Of UK riding centres say they do not have sufficient paid staff to meet demand

11.7%

Growth in equestrian federation memberships 2023-24, reflecting rising participation and demand

Source: British Equestrian, 2023

Source: British Equestrian Health of Riding Establishments Survey

Source: British Equestrian State of the Nation, 2024

230,000+

People employed across the UK equestrian industry

Source: British Equestrian, 2023

44%

Of UK riding centres say they do not have sufficient paid staff to meet demand

Source: British Equestrian Health of Riding Establishments Survey

11.7%

Growth in equestrian federation memberships 2023-24, reflecting rising participation and demand

Source: British Equestrian State of the Nation, 2024

The good bits

You work with horses every day. For anyone who loves these animals, that alone makes the career worthwhile, and the bond that develops between a groom or rider and the horses in their care is genuinely special
A predominantly female industry. The equestrian workforce is one of the most female-dominated in the animal sector, which means strong role models, peer support, and a culture that tends to be welcoming to women at all levels
Huge variety of roles. From farriery to competition management, equine physiotherapy to racing, the range of career paths within equestrianism is broader than almost any other animal sector
Outdoors and active. Yard and riding work is physical and outdoors, which suits people who would struggle in an office environment
Clear progression routes. The BHS qualification pathway in particular offers a well-structured career ladder from entry level through to senior coaching and instruction
Accommodation is often included, particularly on larger yards, which can be a significant financial benefit for those starting out

The not-so-good bits

Pay at entry level is a known issue. The British Grooms Association has highlighted low wages, contract non-compliance, and long hours as ongoing concerns in the sector, and it is important to go in with clear expectations
The hours are long and the work is physical. Horses need care seven days a week, 365 days a year, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
Rural locations can be isolating. Many equestrian jobs are based in the countryside, which can make social life and transport more challenging, particularly for those without their own vehicle
Weather dependency. Outdoor yard work in a UK winter is genuinely tough, and it takes a certain kind of person to find it rewarding rather than miserable
Emotional challenges. Horses can be injured, become ill, or need to be put to sleep, and caring for a horse through serious health problems is emotionally demanding
The industry is working to improve. Employment practices and conditions vary significantly between yards, so researching employers carefully before accepting a role is particularly important in this sector

Watch & Listen

Horse & Country TV - a dedicated equestrian channel with documentaries, live events and training programmes, some free and some by subscription
British Horse Society YouTube channel - career pathways, training and industry insight
Talk Horse (podcast, Apple Podcasts/Spotify) - hosted by Olympic eventer Pippa Funnell, covering careers, disciplines and the equestrian world through interviews with top riders and professionals

Read

The Eighty Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts - the remarkable true story of a horse bought for $80 who went on to become a show jumping legend, a brilliant read for anyone passionate about horses and their potential
Gallop to Freedom by Frédéric Pignon and Magali Delgado - a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between humans and horses that is widely read by equestrian professionals
Horse & Hound - the industry's most established publication, with news, jobs, and in-depth features across all disciplines

Explore

British Horse Society (BHS) - career pathways, qualifications, and the BHS stage system
British Grooms Association (BGA) - advice, support, and resources for grooms and yard workers
Lantra - equine qualifications and training for land-based industries
The Worshipful Company of Farriers - information on the farriery apprenticeship and qualification pathway

Where can I find equestrian jobs?

You're already in the right place! Browse our Equestrian jobs to see the latest roles from across the UK.

If horses are your passion and you are prepared to work hard in a physically demanding, outdoors environment, the equestrian sector offers a career that few others can match for variety, character, and connection to these extraordinary animals. The sector needs skilled, committed people and the opportunities are real.

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Many yard and riding school roles are also advertised on local Facebook groups and noticeboards, so it is worth connecting with your local equestrian community directly.