We look at what it takes to become an equine nutritionist.

Horse owners and trainers increasingly rely on equine nutritionists to create balanced, tailored diets that help horses stay healthy, perform well, and recover from health issues. If you’re passionate about horses and interested in combining that passion with science, becoming an equine nutritionist might be your ideal career path. What does it take to break into this field, what qualifications do you need, and what is a typical day like?

What Does an Equine Nutritionist Do?

An equine nutritionist is vital in managing and optimising horses' diets to ensure their health, performance, and longevity. The job involves evaluating the dietary needs of horses across different life stages, activity levels, and health statuses. Equine nutritionists work directly with horse owners, trainers, and feed companies to provide expert advice on what horses should eat, considering everything from forage quality to specialised supplements.

Skills and Knowledge Required for Equine Nutrition

To be effective in this role, an equine nutritionist must be equipped with a blend of scientific knowledge, and equine knowledge.

Here’s what you’ll need to develop:

Strong Foundation in Animal Science

Equine nutritionists must have a good understanding of:

• Animal Biology and Physiology: Horses are unique animals with a digestive system suited to continuous grazing. Knowing how their digestive processes work—particularly their hindgut fermentation system—is essential.
• Nutrition Science: Horses require specific nutrients to thrive, including fibre, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Knowledge of these nutrients, and how horses metabolise them, forms the basis of any equine nutritionist’s role.
• Health Conditions Impacting Diet: Familiarity with conditions such as colic, laminitis, and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) allows nutritionists to create specialised diets for horses facing particular health challenges.

Practical Experience with Horses

Understanding horse behaviour and their reactions to diet is invaluable. Working directly with horses provides insights into subtle cues that may indicate dietary issues or discomfort. Many nutritionists gain this experience through internships, apprenticeships, or by working on yards or equestrian centres.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Horses have varied needs depending on their age, weight, workload, and health. A good equine nutritionist must assess each horse individually and tailor diets accordingly. For instance, a high-performance event horse will have different dietary requirements than a turned-out retired pony. Analytical skills allow you to interpret forage analyses and assess feed composition, while problem-solving skills help you make adjustments based on changing conditions or health needs.

Educational Pathways for Aspiring Equine Nutritionists

While there’s no one-size-fits-all route, the following steps can give you a solid foundation:

Relevant University Degrees

Most equine nutritionists start with a degree in a relevant field such as:

• Animal Science or Biology: These degrees provide broad foundations in animal physiology, nutrition, and biology.
• Equine Science: Specialised equine science courses are available at universities like Hartpury University and Writtle University College, both offering BSc programmes specifically tailored to careers in the equine sector.

Advanced Training and Specialisation

Some equine nutritionists pursue master’s degrees in animal or equine nutrition, which allows for deeper specialisation. Programmes like the MSc in Equine Science at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies provide focused training in equine health and nutrition.

Certification and Memberships

Although not always required, earning certification can help establish your credibility in the field. The British Society of Equine Science offers resources and professional recognition for equine nutritionists.

Gaining Experience: Internships, Volunteering, and Work Opportunities

Hands-on experience is key in equine nutrition. Look for internship opportunities with equine research facilities, feed companies, or veterinary practices. Many aspiring nutritionists also gain experience working as stable hands, grooms, or trainers, giving them practical insight into daily horse care and management.

Networking is also vital. Attending equestrian events, horse shows, and conferences can connect you with industry professionals. Many nutritionists find mentors through these connections, which can be incredibly valuable as you’re starting out.

Building Your Career as an Equine Nutritionist

Equine nutritionists work in various roles, including consulting, working for feed companies, or conducting research in academic or private settings.

Here’s what some of those roles look like:

• Consultant Nutritionist: Working independently or for a consultancy, helping individual horse owners and trainers create tailored diet plans.
• Feed Company Specialist: Many feed companies employ equine nutritionists to develop and test new products, provide customer support, and educate clients about their products.
• Academic or Research Positions: For those with advanced degrees, research in equine nutrition is an option. Researchers study the effects of diet on health, performance, and recovery, often influencing broader industry practices.

The Rewards and Challenges of Being an Equine Nutritionist

Being an equine nutritionist is rewarding but can also be challenging. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your work directly impacts the health and well-being of horses. Additionally, you’ll often get to work closely with clients who are as passionate about horses as you are.

However, the role does come with its challenges. Creating diet plans can be complex, especially if a horse has underlying health issues. It’s also an industry where client expectations are high, as horse owners invest significant time, emotion, and money into their animals’ welfare.

In Summary:

1. Obtain a relevant degree in animal or equine science.
2. Pursue further training or certifications to boost your expertise and credibility.
3. Gain hands-on experience with horses through internships or work placements.
4. Network within the equine industry to make connections and find job opportunities.
5. Stay updated on new research and trends, as equine nutrition is an evolving field.

Equine nutrition is a unique career that combines science with a deep care for horses. Whether you’re formulating a diet for a racehorse or creating a recovery plan for a horse with health issues, equine nutritionists play an essential role in helping horses thrive. If you’re ready to invest the time in education and hands-on experience, this career path can be incredibly rewarding—both for you and the horses you’ll help.

Add your CV and let TallyHo Talent match you with an employer.

ADD CV

Jobs

‍

‍