Horse training is a unique and fulfilling profession where trainers enhance horses' physical capabilities, ensure their health, and prepare them for various tasks, from racing to shows and work duties. Trainers invest significant time working with horses, focusing on their nutrition, exercise, and behaviour. For those interested in this career, understanding a horse trainer's role and pathway can help determine if it's a suitable choice.
The Role of a Horse Trainer
A horse trainer's job is to teach horses how to interact with humans, follow commands, and address behavioural challenges, all while ensuring the horse’s overall well-being. They might work on accustoming horses to saddles, bridles, and various riding equipment. Trainers also guide horses through exercises necessary for their specific sport or discipline. Additionally, they collaborate with veterinarians, riders, and stable managers to promote the horse’s optimal health and behaviour, preparing safe, well-trained animals for riders.
Steps to Become a Horse Trainer
1. Education and Initial Exposure
A high school diploma is often the basic requirement, as it provides fundamental skills in communication and science, helpful in understanding horse anatomy and behaviour. Many schools offer agricultural programs, introducing students to animal care basics, which can be advantageous. However, formal education is not mandatory; experience often outweighs academics in this field.
2. Gaining Practical Experience
Early hands-on experience is essential. Aspiring trainers should work with various horse breeds, ages, and sizes to understand their unique needs and behaviours. Volunteering at stables or taking part-time jobs grooming, feeding, and cleaning up can introduce you to the demands of horse care. Competing in local events or joining equestrian clubs can also boost your skills and network with industry professionals.
3. Apprenticeship and Advanced Training
Most trainers gain further expertise through apprenticeships, where they work under established trainers, performing stable maintenance and managing the horses’ daily routines. Some stables offer “working student” positions, allowing trainees to learn by assisting in exchange for riding time or lessons. Completing a structured program in equine studies or animal science can also help broaden a trainer's skill set, covering topics like horsemanship, horse anatomy, and equine behaviour.
4. Licensing and Further Specialisation
A formal licence is typically required to work independently as a trainer. Depending on your plans, you might pursue a general trainer’s licence, an owner-trainer permit, or a partnership licence if working with others. Certification programs and short courses in equine management or racing can provide valuable knowledge and credentials, giving you a competitive edge. Some trainers opt to specialise in areas like thoroughbred racing, dressage, show jumping, or equine therapy.
5. Securing Employment
Building a strong resume highlighting your training, past apprenticeships, and successful experience with horses will aid in job applications. Horse trainers often work at private stables, public riding centres, breeding farms, and ranches, where they manage the horses’ daily care and training routines.
Realities of the Horse Trainer’s Life
Horse training is a rigorous profession that requires dedication beyond regular work hours. Trainers often start their day before dawn and stay available for any issues that arise. Handling both animal and human challenges, from stubborn horses to client interactions, is a daily reality. Hard work, consistency, and an eagerness to learn from experienced trainers are keys to long-term success in the industry. As trainer Mark Newnham suggests, aspiring trainers should seek hands-on experience and observe seasoned professionals closely, absorbing as much knowledge as possible.
Opportunities for Growth and Earnings
Horse trainers’ salaries vary based on experience, location, and employment type. In addition to base pay, many trainers earn commissions from horse sales or competition winnings. Trainers who operate their own facilities may achieve higher earnings through boarding, training fees, and lessons.
Training horses professionally can be challenging but immensely rewarding. As Newnham reflects, transforming a young horse into a successful racehorse brings a unique satisfaction that makes the effort worthwhile.