New initiative showcases horse industry career pathways
Those considering a career in the horse industry might be surprised to know there are nearly 80 different roles that are available.
The newly launched Equine Careers Showcase, an initiative of Equine Guelph in Canada, showcases 78 roles in categories including racing, health care, and breeding, from entry-level to right up the qualification spectrum. The “other” category has unique roles such as photographers, artisans, mounted police officers and education specialists. The health care category covers a wide array of roles from massage therapists, veterinarians, vet techs, farriers and nutrition and feed specialists.
Equine Guelph has released videos with horse professionals, sharing their journey and career pathways. They include former jockey and Queen’s Plate winner, Robert Landry and Olympic dressage rider Jacquie Brooks. Those taking part have been candid in sharing their thoughts on their roles including the challenges and providing tips for those looking to enter the horse industry. They also discuss the traits required to persevere and what makes them get up every morning to do it all over again.
The initiative has been made possible through funding from the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP). In November 2021 with funding from the Ontario Government, Equine Guelph joined with the Ontario Harness Horse Association and employment services provider VPI, Inc. and more than 300 students have been accepted into the program to begin their careers in the equine industry.
Students received training in job preparedness and job interview skills from VPI for two weeks, six weeks of online learning from Equine Guelph and a placement program, matching potential employers with new students.
Equine Guelph director Gayle Ecker said the Equine Careers Showcase was created to help newcomers to the horse world learn about the many career opportunities available in the industry.
“As visitors to the showcase see the many possible pathways into the horse industry, they can be supported in their endeavors to develop lifetime careers.”
Ecker said the programme was grateful to the equine professionals who donated their time and “provided excellent information” for those considering career pathways in the horse industry. “A special thank you to Woodbine Entertainment and the racetracks and breeding operations who answered the call for interviewees to talk about the abundance of roles in the horse racing industry.”
Careers in the horse world are shown on Equine JobTrack, from Equine Guelph, which is part of the University of Guelph.
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