How to Become a Horse Trainer
Seeking a career that allows you to deepen your connection with horses while spending time in the great outdoors? Have you ever wondered how to become a horse trainer? Not only do horse trainers get to care for horses and help them reach their full potential, but they also have the opportunity to spend plenty of time in the saddle themselves.
No matter your current level of equine knowledge, your path to becoming a horse trainer can start today when you pursue further learning opportunities. By discovering what a career as a horse trainer entails, as well as the requirements to become one, you can decide whether this could be the right path for you to ride.
What Is Horse Training?
Horse trainers are equine professionals responsible for preparing horses for various purposes, such as riding, racing, showing, or even policing. Typically, horse trainers have a responsibility to provide general care and first aid to horses, too, although their specific duties can vary based on the exact role.
What Does a Horse Trainer Do?
No two days look exactly the same for a horse trainer, which is often part of the appeal of the job for those who enjoy working with horses. Still, there are some basic responsibilities that many horse trainers will perform on any given day, including:
- Teaching horses different maneuvers and exercises.
- Helping horses become accustomed to wearing saddles, bridles, and other equipment.
- Assessing and correcting behavioral problems in horses (such as kicking).
- Providing general care — including grooming, waste management, and diet monitoring.
Along with training horses directly, some professionals in this field offer trail riding services or their own riding lessons — so they may work with horses about just as often as they work with riders. In certain scenarios, horse trainers may also be responsible for helping horses prepare for competitions, traveling to and from events, and working alongside veterinarians to ensure that horses are receiving proper care and nutrition.
Where Do Horse Trainers Work?
A horse trainer may work in a wide range of settings. Many will be employed at private stables or ranches, especially larger ranches with many horses to look after and train. Some racetracks may also employ their own teams of horse trainers. Regardless, most horse trainers will spend the majority of their workdays outside working directly with horses.
If you’re interested in running your own business, this is also a possibility with a career in horse training. Some horse trainers are self-employed and may own their own stables, horses, and training businesses. This can be a great option for those who prefer to work more independently, choose their own clients, and set their own schedules.
The job of a horse trainer is frequently full time, with some trainers working long hours during peak seasons. During times when horses have competitions and other special events, it is not uncommon for horse trainers to attend — which can require a fair amount of travel.
Important Skills and Qualities for Horse Trainers
With the demands and responsibilities of horse training in mind, there are certain essential skills to possess that can maximize your chances of success in this line of work.
For starters, horse training is a physically demanding job, with lots of hours spent on your feet. With this in mind, horse trainers should be in excellent physical condition and willing to spend a great deal of time outdoors and working with their hands. Because horses are strong, powerful animals (and some will have behavioral problems that need to be corrected), horse trainers should have plenty of physical strength and stamina.
Meanwhile, horse trainers need to have an extensive knowledge of equine nutrition, physiology, and training methods. Horses perform their best when they’re properly fed and cared for; thus, horse trainers have an important responsibility to ensure that the horses in their care are fed a proper diet and seen regularly by an experienced equine vet.
In addition to handling and training horses, these professionals must know the ins and outs of handling horses safely. This includes following safe mounting positions and sometimes teaching other riders to do the same. At the end of the day, the safety and well-being of all horses and riders is a top priority.
When it comes to soft skills, horse trainers should be exceptional communicators. While much of their time may be spent directly with horses, the fact remains that horse trainers must also be in constant communication with horse riders, veterinarians, and other equine professionals. This, along with strong time management and organizational skills, can go a long way in succeeding as a horse trainer.
How to Become a Horse Trainer: Step by Step
With a better understanding of what it takes to be an excellent horse trainer and what the day-to-day job looks like, you may be wondering where to begin. If you are serious about pursuing a career as a horse trainer, you’ll want to begin with the right education and training. From there, you can explore apprenticeships and other options for gaining additional experience — followed by continuing education and training to advance your career even further.
Education Requirements for Horse Trainers
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the typical education for an entry-level animal care/service worker is a high school diploma. However, if you strive to build the foundational knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an equine career, you’ll likely want to pursue a degree in animal science or a related field instead.
In a formal degree program, you’ll cover in depth how to care for and train horses while also working toward a diploma that could help you stand out in the job market.
Work Experience and Apprenticeship Opportunities
Aside from pursuing a formal education in animal science or a similar field, having some prior hands-on experience is key when it comes to landing a job as a horse trainer. There are numerous ways to go about gaining experience working with horses, but an apprenticeship can be ideal.
Specifically, an apprenticeship in horse training enables you to work directly alongside a mentor while carrying out the daily duties and responsibilities of a horse trainer under direct supervision. Apprenticeships are frequently offered to students through local horse stables and other training facilities — and if you’re already enrolled in a related degree program, this hands-on training might already be integrated into your curriculum.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Even once you have a degree and plenty of practical experience under your belt, you should never be truly done learning and growing as a horse trainer. Techniques and methods used in the field are constantly changing and evolving as experts learn more about equine science — so horse trainers need to be prepared to continue their education and professional development throughout their careers.
This may entail enrolling in workshops and other specialized training classes as well as attending special events and workshops. As new technology and advancements emerge, horse trainers who want to remain relevant in their work must familiarize themselves with these innovations and how to adapt them to their own training methods. Committed to a lifetime of learning and growth, horse trainers can enjoy a more successful career.
Interested in Taking the Next Step?
Working as a horse trainer can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career, especially for those who are passionate about horses and want to help them reach their full training potential. As with any career path, working as a horse trainer can also come with inherent challenges that include high physical demands and (in some cases) an intense schedule.
For those who feel that horse training is their calling, this path can be an ideal way to build a stronger connection with horses while earning a living. The key, of course, is to set yourself up for a successful career through quality education and training.
At Unity Environmental University, our Bachelor of Science in Animal Science program helps equip students with specialized knowledge in sustainable animal practices, including how to become a horse trainer and care for these animals. Plus, with tracks available in Equine Science and Management, Companion Animal Care and Training, and Sustainable Livestock Management, you can explore other paths suited to your interests. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll enjoy Unity’s robust and supportive online learning program that’s flexible enough to accommodate your life and busy schedule. Chat with Una to learn more about Unity Environmental University’s BS in Animal Science program. You may also begin filling out your online application for admission today!
