Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Developing Objectives and Strategies Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
•   Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working Life

Riding instructors teach children and adults, both on an individual basis and in class groups. Teaching may include jumping techniques and hack rides, as well as flat riding; this depends on the place of employment. For each lesson the instructor devises and follows a lesson plan in order to keep track of what has been learned and practised.  
 
Most instructors have other duties in addition to teaching. These include exercising horses and ponies (in all weather) and training the young animals. Some time is spent in caring for the horses and ponies and in cleaning stables and tack. Paperwork, in the form of ordering supplies, handling accounts, and writing progress reports on clients may also be the riding instructor's responsibility.  
 
Some instructors work with people who have physical or mental impairments.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.
• Maintain equipment used in a particular sport.
• Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.
• Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.
• Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.
• Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
• Receive instructions from coaches or other sports staff prior to events and discuss performance afterwards.
• Represent teams or professional sports clubs, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events.
• Lead teams by serving as captain.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

There are different routes to qualification as an Equestrian Instructor. One is to take the examinations of the British Horse Society (BHS). The Irish Certificate in Equitation Science (ICES) is recognised by the British Horse Society as the equivalent of the BHSAI (British Horse Society Assistant Instructor).  The Equestrian International Instructor-Level 1 (BHS AI) Traineeship provided through SOLAS, the learner is awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Equestrian Instruction.

Teaching Council registration route way for FET Tutor registration.

Horse racing education & training

Horse Racing Ireland Equuip careers 

HRI career map in horse racing

Teagasc offers courses of relevance to careers in the Equine industry.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: animal care, groupwork and facilitation, youth work, equestrian international instructor, BHSAI.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: equestrian studies, equine, horsemanship, sports horse riding, horsemanship and equine business, therapeutic riding coach.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sales, Stud farm Assistant Manager apprenticeship.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: equine science, teaching, education, training.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business, management, equine sports medicine.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Apprenticeship Pay Scale

The employer pays the apprentice while s/he is being trained on-the-job. A training allowance is paid by the local ETB while the apprentice is attending the off-the-job training, and an Apprentice Rate of pay during the on-the-job phases of their apprenticeship. Generally, the rates of pay are based on a percentage of the fully qualified rate for the occupation:

• 1st Years – 33.3%
• 2nd Years – 50%
• 3rd Years – 75%
• 4th Years – 90%

Training Allowances

A training allowance is paid by the local ETB to apprentices while attending off-the-job training. In some cases, a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs may be paid if deemed eligible. The sector the apprentice's employer is engaged in will determine the allowance payable. These allowances are calculated on the gross wages paid by industry in each sector. The amount the apprentice gets will generally be less than that, as it is based on the net take-home pay of the relevant sector. The weekly gross wage norms for different industries can be found here 

Student Contribution

The Annual Student Contribution is charged to students attending Higher Education Institutions including Institutes of Technology (IoT). Apprentices now pay the same contribution as full time students, but their contribution is based on the time they spend in the Institute or College.

The Student Contribution is payable to the IoT /College on the date of registration for the training phase. You should consult the relevant IoT/College for details of payment options.

Note: Apprentices are required to pay an examination fee to the IoT or College for repeat exams. For further information, click here.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €43k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Indeed / Solas- ETBI/ ISSA/ Payscale/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: March, 2024

Horse Racing Ireland: Social & Economic impacts report 2023

The Irish Breeding and Racing industry supports 30,350 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in total. This includes 9,400 jobs directly related to the industry. Over 40% of these (c.3,950 FTEs) work in breeding operations, closely followed by c.3,000 FTE stable-staff, trainers and point-topoint handlers (c.800), caterers (c.350), jockeys, agents and valets (c.300) and racecourse staff (c.300). A further c.7,000 jobs are attributable to directly related employment. This includes individuals in equine-related roles like veterinarians and farriers, as well as those working in related agricultural, and leisure roles. Total non-betting employment was 24,800 in 2022, up c.8% when compared to the 22,900 supported by the industry in 2016.

Secondary employment is estimated to total c.8,400 and includes roles that are supported by further spending in the Irish economy (the ‘ripple effect’). This supports jobs in the likes of the travel and accommodation sectors and the bar and restaurant trade. Furthermore, the betting sector in Ireland is intrinsically linked to Irish racing, and many fewer individuals would be employed should racing cease to exist.

The sector is estimated to employ c.5,550 FTEs, across individuals working in LBOs and the Head Offices of betting operators.Given that Ireland has a large proportion of its population residing in rural communities, agriculture holds a high level of significance, with the Breeding and Racing industry being a significant  contributor to agricultural employment. It also supports jobs in farriery, horse transport and veterinary/equine health.

Directly related employment relates to those jobs that whilst being heavily reliant on the Breeding and Racing industry, also serve other industry sectors and sub-sectors. These can include equine-related roles such as veterinarians and farriers, as well as roles in agriculture, leisure, and hospitality. This is estimated to total c.7,000 in 2022.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Vocational; industrial trainers and instructors; Careers advisers; vocational guidance specialists; Driving instructors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was below average over the five-year period, with little growth since 2020. It should be noted that career guidance professionals working in the second level system are most likely captured in the secondary teaching occupations. Employment permits issued in 2022 were all intra-company transfers and related to roles outside of the education sector.

• Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE)

  • Beech House, Millennium Park, Naas, Co. Kildare.
  • (0)45 854518
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• British Horse Society (BHS)

  • Stoneleigh Deer Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2XZ
  • +44 (0)2476 840500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE)

  • Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare
  • +353 (0)45 522 468
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority

  • Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow
  • (059) 917 0200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• SOLAS

  • Castleforbes House, Castleforbes Road, Dublin, 1
  • (01) 533 2500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here