Wide range of equestrian career paths available

With almost 30,000 people currently employed throughout the equestrian industry in Ireland across a range of different jobs, there is a vast array of career options.

Equestrian careers are demanding and often require working unsocial hours.

However, they can be some of the most rewarding careers and be a licence to travel around the world.

Riding professionally is the ideal career choice for some people.

Professional riders are usually those striving to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Professional riders exist in all disciplines and often cross over between disciplines (showjumping, race-riding and eventing).

Large yards often have multiple riders, not all of whom will compete, but this is often used as a stepping stone for riders working their way up the system.

Grooms are another vital element, and the work grooms do is increasingly recognised within the industry

For some riders, working as part of a bigger yard is ideal and becomes a permanent career.

For instance, they may be very talented at and enjoy producing young horses, making them valuable to any team.

Grooms are another vital element, and the work grooms do is increasingly recognised within the industry.

Other hands-on, outdoor-based equestrian careers include training, coaching, yard work and much more

Groom duties can vary between jobs, but usually include general care and management of horses and show preparation and presentation. Some grooms will be expected to carry out some yard duties and riding, but this can change from job to job.

Other hands-on, outdoor-based equestrian careers include training, coaching, yard work and much more.

Office-based equestrian careers

There has been a boom in recent years in the number of office-based equestrian careers.

Almost all bigger yards in the sport horse and the thoroughbred industry now have a range of office positions available including administration, marketing and social media.

These jobs balance being immersed in the equestrian industry without having an outdoor based day-to-day routine.

Even professional riders are required to have an understanding of business

Another advantage of such jobs is that they are almost all based in more rural areas, which make them a lot more accessible to future employees.

Another growing area within equestrian employment is governance. National bodies, such as Horse Racing Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland, are employers in this area.

Qualifications

In the past, third-level qualifications were generally not required for equestrian careers.

However, this has changed more recently and gaining a third-level qualification will further your chances of employment.

Even professional riders are required to have an understanding of business and more and more riders are obtaining the necessary qualifications to further their own business.

There are a number of equestrian-based courses run around Ireland which will help kickstart your career.

Most of these courses include practical work experience and graduates are well regarded within the industry.

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