If you're passionate about horses and want to pursue a career in the equine industry, an apprenticeship can be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, build industry connections, and develop the skills you need for a fulfilling career. Whether you’re interested in riding, grooming, horse care, or any number of other areas, an apprenticeship allows you to learn directly from professionals while earning a wage.
Here's everything you need to know about getting an apprenticeship in the equine industry.
1. Finding an Equine Apprenticeship
Finding an apprenticeship in the equine industry is much like any other sector: you'll need to look in the right places, apply to relevant opportunities, and be ready to demonstrate your enthusiasm and potential.
Here are some resources to help you find equine apprenticeships:
The government apprenticeship website: This is a good place to start your search for apprenticeships in the UK. You can filter by location, industry, and role to find the right fit.
Equine Industry Websites: Websites like Tallyhotalent.com specialise in equine job listings and often post apprenticeship opportunities. Other industry-specific job boards may also have postings.
Horse Racing & Equestrian Bodies: Websites and organisations like the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and British Equestrian regularly post apprenticeship openings in the racing, training, and leisure sectors.
Local Stables and Centres: Many equine businesses and riding schools will offer apprenticeships directly. It’s often a good idea to visit stables or equestrian centres in your area or contact them via email to enquire about opportunities.
2. What Do You Need to Get Onto an Equine Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are designed to help you learn on the job, so while they don’t always require years of experience, there are a few things you'll need to stand out:
- Passion for Horses: Whether or not you have riding experience, a genuine love for horses is essential. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them, so enthusiasm is key.
- Basic Knowledge: While you don't necessarily need to have experience working with horses, having some understanding of basic horse care (like grooming, feeding, and mucking out) can help. If you're starting from scratch, many apprenticeships provide training, so don’t be discouraged if you’re new to horses.
- Physical Fitness: Working in the equine industry can be physically demanding. You'll often need to be on your feet for long hours and be comfortable lifting or handling large animals. If you're physically prepared and can demonstrate a strong work ethic, it will give you an advantage.
- Willingness to Learn: Apprenticeships are about learning new skills on the job, so being open to learning and adapting quickly is important. Having a proactive attitude and showing that you're ready to take on challenges will go a long way.
3. Do You Need Experience with Horses?
While having experience working with horses can be beneficial, it’s not always a requirement. Apprenticeships are designed to teach you on the job, so you don’t need to have been riding or working with horses for years. That said, if you've had exposure to horses in some way—whether through riding lessons, volunteering, or even just being around horses—you’ll have a head start.
If you like horses but have never had the chance to ride, don't worry! Many equine apprenticeships don’t require riding experience. There are plenty of roles in the industry that don’t involve riding, such as stable management, horse care, grooming, and administration. As long as you have a passion for the animals and a willingness to learn, you can still pursue an apprenticeship.
4. Types of Equine Apprenticeships Available
The equine industry is diverse, and so are the apprenticeship opportunities. Some of the most common types of apprenticeships include:
- Horse Racing: A career in horse racing often starts with an apprenticeship. These apprenticeships can be at racing yards, stables, or for trainers. They may involve grooming, exercising horses, and general care.
- Equine Management: This apprenticeship focuses on the broader aspects of managing an equine establishment, such as overseeing stables, managing horse health, administration, and coordinating care staff.
- Equine Dentist: Apprenticeships in equine dentistry involve learning how to care for a horse’s teeth, which is essential for their health and performance. Equine dentists work closely with veterinarians and owners to ensure horses have proper dental care.
- Saddle Fitting: If you have an interest in tack and its impact on horse performance, a saddle-fitting apprenticeship could be ideal. It involves learning to assess horses for the right saddle, as well as understanding horse biomechanics.
- Equine Grooming: Grooming apprenticeships focus on maintaining the appearance and health of horses. Tasks include brushing, clipping, hoof picking and general horse care.
- Equine Veterinary Nursing: If you’re interested in a career in equine health but don’t want to become a vet, there are opportunities in veterinary nursing, where you will assist vets in caring for horses.
- Horse Welfare: Apprenticeships in horse welfare may focus on rehabilitation, rescue, or rehoming. These are often offered by organisations dedicated to the well-being of horses.
5. Can You Be Any Age to Get an Apprenticeship?
In the UK, there is no upper age limit for apprenticeships, so you can pursue an apprenticeship at any stage of your life. However, there are some age-related criteria depending on the type of apprenticeship and funding available.
- Under 19: If you’re under 19, apprenticeships are usually fully funded by the government, making them an accessible route for younger people.
- 19 and Older: If you're over 19, you can still apply for apprenticeships, though there may be some costs involved. The government may offer partial funding, depending on your age and prior qualifications.
6. When Are Equine Businesses Looking for Apprentices?
The equine industry is quite busy year-round, but certain times of the year are more common for apprenticeships to be available:
- Spring and Summer: These seasons see a lot of activity in the equine world, with horse racing, equine events, and training in full swing. Many businesses will be looking for apprentices during this time.
- Autumn: There is still plenty of activity in the equine world but it does tend to slow down. This time of year is when businesses start planning for the upcoming year, so apprenticeship opportunities may become available as they look to expand their teams.
- Late Autumn and Winter: While these seasons may be slower for some areas of the industry, apprenticeships may still be available, especially for roles that require year-round support like stable management.
If you want to make a career in the equine industry, an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to get started. Experience is valuable, but not always essential—what matters most is your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and commitment to the care and welfare of horses.
So, start your search, and take that first step towards an exciting career in the equine industry!
Jobs
Add your CV and let TallyHo Talent match you with an employer.
ADD CV
