Equine Industry

Careers in Equine Science

The equine world is a $25.3 billion in industry that employs 7.1 million people. This class explores the career opportunities that are available in the horse industry. Students need to prepare just as thoughtfully for a career in the horse industry as in any other business. Students in this class will prepare themselves for the job market and will gain a broader understanding of the prerequisites and career responsibilities in specialized fields. This class is designed to teach students about the technical knowledge and practical experience that is needed for where they want to be in that industry. Classes in this course will open the doors to a variety of careers working with and around horses. This class is intended to give students the opportunity to see if the profession they want is right for them with "hands on" job shadowing opportunities and field trips in some career fields. Students will have a greater appreciation of career fields and a deeper understanding of how each field impacts the horse industry as a whole. With the included field trips, students will be able to ask questions and get a better feel for the occupation.

General: A survey of business opportunities either directly or indirectly involved with horses will be presented. Students will explore the various industry segments involved in equine enterprise and the management techniques applied and utilized in each field. Field trips and guest lecturers will be utilized to illustrate the various equine industry

1. Write their resume
2. List the educational, background and experience requirements as well as current job market outlook in the following career fields of equine:

Animal Health Care Professionals
Horse Breeding
Training and Judging
Boarding Stables and Riding Instruction
Horse Vacationing Services
Working as a Farrier
Horse Racing and Polo
Rodeo Profession
Horse Sales and Auctioneering
Breed Registries and Associations
Publishing Industry
Professionals Servicing the Horse Industry
Manufacturing, Distribution and Retail Sales
Government and Law Enforcement Opportunities

3. Gain Employment

Major Topics/Units:

1. Experience, Education and Writing a Resume
Students will begin the resume writing process. Experience, background, education and resources will be the primary focus. Also, financing the student's education while building their resume will be explored through scholarships and internships.

Starting a Business or Changing Careers: This class will also show the start up costs and concerns with starting a business. Utilizing the students non-horse experience, education and gifts to help them explore the job or career choice that best suits them.

2. Animal Health Care Professionals; Veterinary Medicine Group
Students will explore the career fields available in veterinary medicine; Equine Veterinarian, Chiropractics, Veterinary Technician, Alternative Care and Dental Technician. Not only will education and background requirements be explored, but the lifestyle and personal requirements needed will also be subjected.
Field Trips and Guest Speakers Included*
*Students will have the opportunity to ride and work with an equine veterinarian.
*Students will also have the opportunity to visit an Equine Dentist and Equine Chiropractor

3. Horse Breeding
This class explores the horse breeding business both as an owner and employee. Topics included are: Part-Time Breeding Business, Working a Large Breeding Farm, Breeding and the Racehorse Industry. Education, lifestyles, job outlook and resources will also be explored.
Field Trip:
*Breeding Farm

4. Training and Judging
This specialized field requires years of experience with gifts of the trade. For those interested in establishing a Horse Training or Judging career, this class shows the student the requirements, specialized training required, job markets and income potential.

5. Boarding Stable and Riding Instruction
One of the largest areas of employment is the boarding stables and riding lesson field. Students learn the ins and outs of the boarding business as well as the requirements of becoming a riding teacher. Therapeutic riding instruction and facilities will also be covered.

6. Horse Vacationing Services
Seasonal services such as Dude Ranches and Guest Ranches, Wagon Trains, Guide and Outfitting, Horse Camp for Youth and Trail Rides.

7. Working as a Farrier
This class looks at the farrier as a profession; the business aspects, marketing and job outlook. Special education and specialized "farrier-related" professions.

8. Horse Racing and Polo
Horse Racing: various positions seen on the back side of the race track, state and federal requirements, testing and job market. Students also learn about owning racehorses and related professions.

9. Rodeo Profession
Organizational structure of rodeos; stock contractors, promoters, laborers and contestants.

10. Horse Sales and Auctioneering
Horse dealers, livestock sale barns and auctioneer requirements. State and Federal laws governing the industry.

11. Breed Registries and Associations
Working for a breed registry, exploring the different breed registries, rules and laws that govern each.

12. Publishing Industry
Getting started as a writer, equine photography and communications.

13. Professionals Servicing the Horse Industry
Attorneys, Bookkeepers, Accountants, CPA, Real Estate, Insurance and Consultants.

14. Manufacturing, Distribution and Retail Sales
Horse products; manufacturing and distribution, horse feed; research and manufacturing, wholesale and retail businesses

15. Government and Law Enforcement Opportunities
Local Law Enforcement, Mounted Police, US Forest Service, US Dept. of Agriculture, US Dept of the Interior.

Equine Industry
Secrets to Successful Equine Employment
Muscatine Community College