Working with horses

Thinking about a career in horse racing?

Thinking about a career in horse racing, click here to see an A to Z of different careers in horse racing, they don't all involve riding! Watch the video to hear what some Australian racing folk have to say about their horse racing careers.

Equine Podiatry - Becoming an Equine Podiatrist

What is  Equine Podiatry?

Equine podiatry is the study and management of the equine foot based on its anatomy and function. ^Wiki

The job title "Equine Podiatrist" is used by people with a wide range of backgrounds. Some are veterinarians who have chosen to specialize in the equine hoof, while some are remedial farriers. There is also a new group of specialists known as "Applied Equine Podiatrists", with neither a veterinary nor farriery background, who work with horse owners to improve the health of the equine hoof without the use of shoeing and by taking a more holistic approach. ^Wiki

The equine podiatrist profession can extend to include other equines  , such as donkeys and mules.

An equine podiatrist is a highly trained specialists in shoeless hoof care. A fully qualified Equine Podiatrist will have studied the anatomy and science of the equine foot and will understands how it works and how to influence its development by use of  trim and environment.

You can find an article describing what an EP does and what to expect from a typical visit here.

How to become an Equine Podiatrist

The Equine Podiatry Association is a professional body professional body for Equine Podiatrists practicing in the UK it  offers EP training,  a Diploma in Equine Podiatry, provided by a separate company, Equine Podiatry Training Ltd.

The Diploma in Equine Podiatry is a two year, part time course which consists of 13 modules.  Most modules require attendance on a short course, followed by guided self study and homework. The training covers:

Basic Business Skills

Introduction to Equine Podiatry

Anatomy and Physiology 1

Nutrition and Environment

Stage 1 Exam

Basic Trimming 1

Horse Behaviour and Handling

Trimming 2

Stage 2 Exam

Laminitis

Pathology

Farriery

Anatomy & Physiology 2

First Aid

Case Studies

Shadowing

Final exam

There are only 10 places a year and students should be 18 or over with some experience of working with / handling horses and due to the academic level of the coursework, students are expected to be educated to A Level standard or equivalent.

Full details can be found at Equine Podiatry Training Ltd

Cost of becoming an Equine Podiatrist

At the time of writing The Diploma in Equine Podiatry coats £4,800 + Mentoring fees of £1000, and Shadowing fees of £200. In addition students will have to pay travel to and from courses plus accommodation and meals.Books, tools, equipment and suitable (safety) clothing will also be required.

 Image: Belinda Hankins Miller via Wikipedia

A - Z of Careers in Horse Racing

Advanced Flag Operator

Betting Investigator / analyst

Bloodstock Agent

Bookmaker

Catering Staff

Clerk of the Course

Clerk of the Scales

Event Manager

Farrier

Finance Assistant

Finance Controller

Goundstaff

Handicapper

Head Staff

Horse Transporter

Inspector of Courses

Investigating Officer

Jockey

Jockeys Agent

Journalist

Judge

Nominations Executive

Operations Manager

Pedigree Researcher

Personal Assistant

Racecourse Safety Officer

Raceday Official

Racehorse Trainer

Racing Administrator

Racing Secretary

Sponsorship / VAT Helpdesk

Stable Guard

Stable Staff

Stallion Handler

Starter

Stependiary Steward

Stud Groom

Stud Hand

Stud Manager

Stud Secretary

Trainer

Travelling Staff

Veterinary Techncian

Weighing Room Security Officer

Work Rider

For more information on any of the above careers in horse racing visit the British Horse Racing Authority 's website Careers in Racing.

You can have a career with horses without the advantage of a wealthy background - here's the proof

"While equestrianism has traditionally been thought of as a sport only for the wealthy, many of our Olympic riders this year are turning these perceptions of the sport on its head. 

Charlotte Dujardin, the 26-year-old who broke two Olympic records to take dressage individual and team gold, has been featured heavily in mainstream press noting her comprehensive education and background as a stable girl after leaving school at 16. 

Neither was Charlotte’s mentor, three-time Olympian Carl Hester, born with the proverbial equestrian silver spoon in his mouth. Carl’s first ride was bareback on a donkey at the age of nine on the Channel Isle of Sark before moving to England at 16 to train for his BHS qualifications. "

Meanwhile, eventer Mary King had been growing up in another non-horsy family without the money for her own pony. After leaving grammar school at 16, Mary took on a string of less-than-glamorous jobs to fund training for her dream of becoming an eventer, which she realised countless times, including four previous Olympic Games before her success at London 2012 at the age of 51."

Source: British Horse Society Press Release

Myth and Reality of Working With Horses

Jan Hoodley an American freelance writer who has  a lifetimes experience of working professionally with horses published an article in 2007 on Yahoo Voices called So You Want to Work with Horses: The Myth and Reality

Many people dream of working with horses - usually in the capacity of trainer or showing horses. The reality of work in the horse industry is much different than most picture.

My first paid job with horses was in the late 1970s at a Standardbred off track facility. Over 30 years later and a lifetime of experience things aren't quite what I pictured sitting on that pony in the hay field after watching Secretariat win the Kentucky Derby! It's better - and worse. So many want a fast track to the sweet jobs and the truth is - without money, luck and marketing there's little future and littler money in the horse industry. If that doesn't discourage you - read on!

The reality is you'll start as hundreds of thousands of others - picking stalls, grooming, feeding. You can insert here you will be the one out in the freezing snow and stifling heat catching the horse who don't want to be caught; you will be the one dealing with nasty tempered horses because those above you insist they can't be disciplined as it will "break" them. And when you work for others you do things their way - or quit. Continue reading ... and do read the comments too.

A day in the life of a stud hand

 

A stud hand works at an equine stud and is responsible for looking after the mares, foals, teasers and youngstock. This involves everything from feeding, grooming and mucking out to assisting with veterinary procedures and holding for the farrier.

Stud hands are also expected to assist with the teasing and covering of mares,  the monitoring of pregnant mares and assisting with foaling. 

Most studs prepare bloodstock for the sales as a stud hand you will be involved with the preparation, including exercising, grooming, presentation to clients and general handling.

Accommodation is often provided onsite.

British Dressage Apprenticeship Scheme.

If you are interested in working in a dressage yard, British Dressage run a succesful Apprenticeship Scheme.

British Dressage has formed a new partnership with Haddon Training which will make it possible to offer formal work-based Apprenticeships in the dressage industry.

The new scheme aims to support employers in building a tailored workforce with the appropriate skills and knowledge. It is also designed to help young people acquire a nationally recognised qualification whilst gaining the practical experience necessary to succeed in dressage today.

Haddon Training, in partnership with BD, will offer formal, government funded Apprenticeships at Level 2 and Advanced Apprenticeships at Level 3 for 16-24 year olds. In addition, there is the opportunity to improve skills for life including essential numeracy and literacy, if required.

“We feel that these vocational qualifications are a very valuable option for young dressage riders and grooms who want to focus on building their practical skills while they work for some of the outstanding riders and trainers within the dressage industry. We are also very keen to support employers as they develop the skills they need within their workforce for the success of their own businesses,” said David Hunt, Director of Training at BD.

“Haddon Training has a very strong record within the training and vocational qualification sector and we are looking forward to working with them to support the next generation of dressage professionals.”

Haddon Training is a leading training provider specialising in the equine industry and they already work with many prestigious establishments in the dressage community as well as in other disciplines. The company has been helping young people with Apprenticeships and training for many years and in 2011 they achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted on the basis of quality provision, great support and success rates.

Chris Hewlett, Managing Director of Haddon Training commented; ‘Being born out of the equine industry means we fully understand the specific need to deliver a portfolio of relevant qualifications in the work place. We are excited to be working alongside British Dressage and will be keen to work closely with employers in our mission to support the next generation and offer British Dressage members the opportunity to develop recognised skills. We are a friendly, professional team, passionate about quality and outstanding expertise to develop learners to be the best they can be.’