What Equine Jobs Can I Do Without Riding?

How Your Other Skills Can Help You Work with Horses

Your skills are transferable so if you don't want to ride or can't ride horses you can still thrive in the equine industry. Whether you're coming from a background in office administration, marketing, hospitality, or even education, your skills can be applied to a variety of roles. Here are some examples of transferable skills and how they can be used in non-riding equine jobs:

  • Communication: If you've worked in customer service or have experience interacting with people, you have the communication skills necessary to thrive in any role that involves interacting with clients, horse owners, or the public. Whether it's working in an equine retail shop, running an equestrian event, or managing a marketing campaign for a new equine product, communication is key.
  • Marketing and Social Media: Every business needs a strong online presence, and the equine industry is no different. If you have experience in digital marketing, social media management, or content creation, you can use those skills to promote equine businesses.
  • Financial Management: Running a business requires budgeting, invoicing, and managing finances. Accounting, bookkeeping, or financial planning skills can be beneficial in roles for any horse-related service business.
  • Animal Care Knowledge: If you have knowledge of animal care or biology, you could support horses in various capacities, such as assisting with animal rehabilitation or administrative roles within veterinary clinics.

Non-Riding Jobs with Horses

Grooming and Equine Care

Grooming is a crucial part of horse care. Grooms take care of the horses' and ensure that horses are looking good, are healthy and comfortable. The work involves attention to detail, time management, and knowledge of horses, but it doesn't require you to ride.

Equine Therapy

Equine therapy involves working with horses to help people with physical, emotional, or psychological challenges. This field may not require you to ride, especially if you're involved in leading horses or working with them in therapeutic settings. A background in psychology, social work, or education would be beneficial for a job role like this.

Veterinary Support Roles

If you have an interest in animal health but don’t want to be a vet, there are other roles you could pursue, such as becoming an equine technician or a veterinary assistant. These roles involve supporting veterinarians with treatments, diagnostics, and other medical procedures but don’t necessarily require riding.

Equine Photography or Videography

If you’re skilled with a camera, equine photography is a growing field. Many horse owners, breeders, and equine businesses need high-quality images and videos for promotional materials or competitions. This role allows you to work with horses without getting involved in the physical act of riding.

Equine Event Planning

Horse shows, races, gymkhanas and other equine events require careful planning and execution. If you have experience in event management or logistics, you could support the planning and coordination of these events, handling everything from scheduling to managing participants and vendors.

Equine Equipment and Product Sales

Selling horse equipment, tack, and supplies can be a rewarding career, especially if you have a sales background. This can involve visiting equine businesses and selling equipment for horses or managing online sales for equine products. Knowledge of horses and their needs is usually  essential.

There are plenty of career options in the equine industry that don’t require riding from management and care to marketing and therapy, the skills you bring to the table can open doors to a fulfilling and diverse career.

The most important thing is to identify what excites you about working with horses and where your skills lie. Once you’ve understood your own preferences and strengths, you can explore career opportunities that align with your passion without the need to ride horses.