Horse Trainer
OFO No:
What is a Horse Trainer?
Horse Trainers are also known as equine trainers.
They train horses for: riding, harness, security, performance, obedience and assist persons with disabilities to ride. They get horses used to the human voice, touch and to listen to commands.
HorseTrainers may prepare horses for racing, trail work, competitions or horse shows. Horse Trainers also work with horses to correct bad behaviour or issues from abuse or trauma. Some trainers may prepare horses to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.
Trainers talk with owners, farm managers, stable staff, jockeys and drivers.
What does a Horse Trainer do?
- builds relationships with horses
- introduces saddles, bridles etc to the horse
- trains apprentice jockeys
- manages stable staff
- cleans stables
- grooms horses
- designis and plans training and rest programs
- plans race calender
- studying and managing diet programs
- checks health of the horses
- talks to veterinarians on injuries and ailments
- talks to horse owners and farm managers
- goes to races and other horse-related events
- keeps accurate records
- manages budgets and accounts
Are you … ?
- a person who loves horses?
- patient and caring?
- a person who loves the outdoors?
- good at communication?
- organised?
- observant?
- dedicated?
- will to do physical work?
- willing to work long hours?
How do I become a Horse Trainer?
Working from the bottom up in stables is one way many Horse Trainers start their careers. They usually start as a horse groomer. They learn and perform stable chores, exercise horses, feed and groom horses and many other duties.
Good riding skills and a lot of knowledge about horses is often compulsory. Some horse training jobs have weight requirements. Some horse trainers work as horse trainer apprentices.
Completing an equine (horse) studies program offered at university of technology or some colleges, is another way to learn required skills.
Courses may include subjects, like: horsemanship, equine biology and physiology, farm management, equine behaviour, animal ethics and welfare, equine nutrition and equine diseases.
For courses that might assist you, there are special equine colleges or colleges with equine-related diplomas:
- TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
National Diploma in Equine Studies
Minimum entry requirements:
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma entry
PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS
- BEAULIEU COLLEGE
Offers Equine Studies to pupils in Grade 8 to 12. This forms part of the pupil’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) qualification.
- THE EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY
Offers some courses too. There are other institutions that offer equestrian subjects.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
Subjects for school: You can finish high school at the above colleges. They will have equine (horse) subjects as part of their certificates. A love of horses is necessary.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Farrier … or … Veterinary Nurse
Is becoming a Horse Trainer the right career choice for me?
