A few years ago I undertook a series of articles for EQUESTRIAN TRADE NEWS investigating what universities and colleges had to offer in the way of equine-related courses, what students thought they got out of courses in relation to job prospects and career opportunities - and what employers thought about job applications. Some of the results gave cause for concern!

One of the problems that became apparent very quickly related to how frequently students made bad choices in relation to courses - and how ill informed many of them were about the industry sector they wished to enter. At that time - about four years ago - one of the most popular career options related to equine nutrition. A lot of those interviewed had opted for one of the many general degree courses in equine studies and were then surprised to find they weren't qualified as a nutritionist! Some obviously went on to obtain specialist qualifications and managed to get a foot on the equine nutritionist ladder. Others obtained jobs as representatives and advisers for feed companies. But think about it - how many equine feed processing companies are there in this country and what are their requirements in terms of employee numbers? Is there a possible imbalance somewhere - too many applicants for a small number of jobs?

Anyway, this article isn't designed to be deflating and off-putting - but it is intended to instil a little common sense into the scenario.

Research the Career Area

According to Derek Payne, head of the Equine Department at Hadlow College, the most important consideration lies in researching which particular career areas appeal most. ‘It is fundamental to ensuring that the course selected - and the qualifications available - equate to the requirement of the particular industry sector.'

Often the one and only reason for opting for an equine-related course concerns the love of horses! That really is not enough and sometimes it would be better to opt for another career entirely - and keep horses for the main recreational activity. For those who remain intent on an equine-related career, Derek Payne adds further advice ‘Give consideration to strengths and weaknesses. What are your favourite academic subjects? Do you enjoy the practical aspects more than the academic? Would you like to work directly with horses or prefer an industry sector with a strong association? Do you enjoy meeting new people or do you prefer to work with a small group you can get to know well?  Do you have the tenacity and dedication needed to become a lecturer? Would you be happy in a job where you had to plan your own working structure in order to fulfil specific sales or other targets? Is opportunity to ride and compete of paramount importance because, if so, the types of job options will be limited by need for regular hours - something that just isn't possible in a lot of work positions.

Career-wise, it is important to think outside the box. Perhaps you would like to make a success of equestrian-related journalism or PR? If so, although a degree, BHS or other qualification that is directly equine-related will be very helpful, employers might also expect a degree in English, Media Studies or something similar.

Sonia Wilkes, whose job at Hadlow is an interesting combination of lecturing and event organising, suggests students should look out for unusual situations. ‘One of the things that I consider very important relates to taking advantage of everything the university or college has to offer. Here, for example, our students get a chance to compete in a broad range of disciplines and they can also get involved in our breeding programme. We put on a lot of demonstrations by well-known trainers and riders and also run regular competitions - and students are encouraged to get involved in helping to run them. A fair percentage of our students take on extra study in order to obtain qualifications additional to their courses. Any - and all - of this is invaluable and can make a big difference on a job application or CV when employers are choosing between applicants with similar qualifications.'

Derek Payne says it is important to consider career progression right from the start. ‘We, like many colleges, offer several Further Education courses that can be a route in to a degree programme. On the other hand, a student successfully completing a National Diploma in Horse Management at level 3 or BHS Stage 3 will be equipped to go out and get a job in a yard, for example, as an assistant manager. Some of our students leave after completing a Further Education programme, build up their experience and come back later to convert to a degree.'

Which Course?

Derek Payne advises ‘It's important to recognise that degree programmes vary enormously in content. Here we offer two programmes, one is a science route and the other an equine management route. The former will best suit academically minded students who intend making a career in, for example, nutrition-related fields, equine veterinary nursing, research programmes, pharmaceuticals, lecturing and teaching and so on. The management programme is more intended for those who want a broader base that will equip them to apply for jobs in yard management, retail management, equine-related insurance and similar fields. Both programmes are good routes for students interested in working for breed associations, the BHS, Pony Club and other official bodies, equestrian-related journalism and PR, work in a magazine's advertising department and so forth. Ex-students have obtained work with estate agencies specialising in equestrian properties and mail order companies.  There is sometimes opportunity to get involved in national or local radio or TV work. Equestrian-related book publishers can be another source of employment'.

Sonia believes that self-motivation is an absolutely essential prerequisite to success in the equestrian industry - especially when it is combined with the ability to recognise and target niche areas. ‘One ex-student set up her own horse transport business, another runs her own yard providing special services for animals recuperating after an operation or injury. Yet another has set up a clinic offering a range of alternative therapies.' 

In some cases - nutrition, equine dentistry and some veterinary nursing jobs for example - a BSc (Hons) degree in Equine Studies is really the first rung on the ladder and periods of further study are likely to be involved. Derek comments ‘I think it is important to research career progression opportunities before and during college. At the same time, a well respected college will often have enquiries from potential employers seeking personnel with particular abilities and this can open up quite a few job opportunities, sometimes in really interesting and unusual areas of the industry.'   

The equestrian industry is sometimes perceived as huge - it is not! Indeed, in terms of ‘big business', it probably doesn't even warrant a mention on the chart! It is large, however, in relation to the numbers of horses we have in this country and this means that ‘exports', in various forms, are a significant factor. In general, equine-related qualifications obtained in the UK are well received in most parts of the world - and some countries even have a preference for British applicants. Proficiency in a foreign language can be a valuable asset - but there are also a lot of opportunities in English-speaking countries.

Saddlery Qualifications

There is one area of specialisation about which I know a lot - that is saddlery. Being press officer for the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) affords opportunity to meet members from all over the UK. A very considerable percentage of new entrants hold an equine-related degree and/or a BHS or other qualification. The training available in this country is considered the best in the world and people from around the globe come to take advantage of the courses on offer here. It takes a minimum of four years to become an SMS Qualified Saddler and/or Harness-maker and at least another three years before being invited to apply the term ‘Master'. Some gifted, dedicated saddlers obtain highly profiled jobs in this country (such as Master Harness-maker at the Royal Mews) and abroad (undertaking advisory work for World Horse Welfare, making and looking after harness at the Swedish Royal Mews, teaching on SMS courses in the States, et cetera). Once training is complete, a lot of saddlers and harness-makers opt to specialise in providing bespoke, made-to-measure services while many of those who obtain the SMS saddle fitting qualification specialise in this area. Interestingly, the skills employed in saddlery and harness-making remain almost entirely craft-based and a lot of talented SMS members divert into designing and making almost anything which involves ‘leather'. This includes floors for architects, furniture for interior designers, battle enactment equipment, film and TV props and stunt equipment. One of the SMS's favourite boast is ‘if the medium is leather, we can make it' - and it's true!

Summing up... 

The equestrian industry is very competitive, consequently the best jobs go to those with relevant qualifications on which they are prepared to build in order to develop their careers. Thinking, researching, planning - and working hard - are all vitally important factors. Evidence of interest, involvement and knowledge in a variety of equestrian-related areas is beneficial.

Information about the courses on offer at Hadlow can be obtained on the college's website www.hadlow.ac.uk or by telephoning 0500 551434.  Information about training as a saddler and/or harness-maker can be obtained from the Society of Master Saddlers' website - www.mastersaddlers.co.uk - emailing enquiries@mastersaddlers.co.uk or telephoning 01449 711642 - OR from the Saddlery Training Centre's website www.saddlerytraining.com  - email info@saddlerytraining.com or telephone 01722 341144.