What jobs are there in the equestrian world? And what do they pay?

Passion alone isn't enough to work with horses, but it helps: the sector is hiring. In 2024, 2,493 job adverts were posted on the IFCE's Équi-ressources platform, 57% of them permanent contracts, and 72% required no specific qualification; for several roles there are more vacancies than candidates. Équi-ressources, labour market indicators 2024. Pay depends on the collective agreement, experience and region: the ranges below are indicative, and the Équi-ressources job profiles give the up-to-date scales.

Working with the horses

Hands-on horse jobs are the best known in the industry. They are the frontline roles that put you in direct contact with the horse and allow you to give it close attention. The one that fits this best is the lad-jockey. It's a specialism that calls for knowledge of stable management, care and training. With experience, the professional can become head lad. In some yards this is known as travelling head lad. Starting pay is around the minimum wage, with bonuses and experience making the difference.

This job is different again from that of stable hand. This specialist works exclusively in breeding. It is therefore a role that involves being around horses constantly until they are old enough or ready to leave the stud for the next stage, whether competition, a training yard or a riding school. The stable hand must be available to watch over the horses at all times and give them constant attention. Above all, the physical demands are very high.

Jobs within the centre

The stud manager is based at the centre and is generally responsible for monitoring, supervision and the daily care of the animals on site. The role involves coordinating the work of the centre's teams and looking after the welfare of both horses and riders. With those responsibilities, pay is well above that of hands-on positions, depending on the size of the business. It all starts with the employment contract agreed with the staff in place.

The stallion handler and the horse breeder normally work under the stud manager. Even so, they are professionals in their own right with autonomy in how they manage the horses. The breeder is paid according to their expertise and the results of the breeding programme; the stallion handler receives a basic salary plus bonuses linked to the covering season and the performance of the progeny.

Competition jobs

The freelance racecourse official is a professional with wide experience and knowledge at every level of the industry. They have a complete overview of everything that goes on during race meetings. These are often the people appointed to sit on panels at competitions. They make sure events run smoothly. They are paid per meeting, and the rate rises with the responsibilities given.

The jockey is the one who puts on the show. They may also be a breaker, a trainer's assistant, a polo player or a trainer. Their main role is to compete successfully and, in time, build a personal reputation. Their pay is not fixed, since it can rise or fall depending on the winnings they bring in for their backers.