There are many potential job opportunities for those hoping to pursue a career working with horses in the Animals & Veterinary Science sector.

Equine Sport has two distinct branches Horse Racing and Sport Horse, and Ireland enjoys an international reputation as an expert leader in both.

Horse breeding and equine care and welfare are important aspects of the sector, employing many in the selection, breeding and training of horses for sale, leisure or sport. The care of thoroughbred horses requires the work of many dedicated specialists, ranging from Farriers, who care for horses hoofs to Stallion Handlers, who are responsible for the care of stallions on stud farms.

Irish equine companies also supply products and services across the spectrum from nutrition, biotech and engineering to equipment, apparel and medicines.

Breeding - Racehorses

Ireland is the largest producer of thoroughbreds in Europe. Irish breeders have a well-earned reputation for producing tough, durable and sound horses that go on to perform at the highest level all over the world. Irish bred horses consistently celebrate international success and as a result, bloodstock exports continue to thrive each year.

There are over 6,500 registered breeders in Ireland with some of the most successful breeders in the world choosing to base their operations here, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HH The Aga Khan NSPrince Khalid Abdulla who all invest significant resources in building up large stud farms and broodmare bands throughout the country.

Breeding – Sport Horse

Ireland has a world-famous reputation for the production of exceptional sporting and leisure horses and ponies.

Breeding is the largest sector in Ireland’s Sport Horse industry and there are currently over 15,000 active breeders. The current Sport Horse population in Ireland is estimated at over 135,700 animals.

The Irish Horse Register Online is Horse Sport Ireland’s online database of horses including pedigree, progeny and performance data of over 400,000 animals in the Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draughts Studbooks.

Equine Welfare

Equine welfare is a strategic priority for both Horse Racing and the Sport Horse Sector.

The Irish Equine Centre carries out an important role in the protection against potentially devastating equine diseases and Irish Horse Welfare Trust help the plight of neglected horses and has become a specialist rehabilitation centre for thoroughbred type horses.

Irish Equine Centre

The Irish Equine Centre (IEC) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to protect the wellbeing of Ireland’s horse population. It serves the overall interest of the Irish equine industry by its unceasing vigilance in seeking to maintain Ireland's "low disease status" thereby ensuring that the Irish horse is seen as valuable asset by the international community. The IEC has a clientele of over 600 veterinary practices throughout Ireland and overseas. It also works closely with the Irish Department of Food, Agriculture & the Marine and undertakes a surveillance and investigation function for emerging disease threats.

The Irish Horse Welfare Trust

The Irish Horse Welfare Trust, is a charity established in 1999 and formally set up in 2001 to help the plight of neglected horses in Ireland and was Ireland’s largest dedicated equine charity. It was established to provide a dedicated centre that is equipped for dealing with the rehabilitation and re-homing equines.

What types of jobs are there?

Equine Sport supports jobs across a range of skillsets and interests, including administration, animal care, marketing, and sport.

• Horse Breeders, both Racehorses and Sport Horses, require Stud Managers, Bloodstock Agents, Bloodstock Nominations Executives, Yard Managers, Stallion Handlers, Stud Hands, Stud Secretaries to run their operations.
• Equine Welfare Specialists are required to ensure the good health of horses throughout their lives including Equine Veterinarians, Equine Veterinarian Nurses, Farriers, Equine Dentists, Equine Physiotherapists and Equine Laboratory Technicians.

In addition, there are many jobs available in the training, stabling of horses and training & education sector, including Racehorse Trainers, Racing Secretaries, Horse Box Drivers, Riding Instructors, Equine Teachers and Lecturers

Some examples of key job titles include:

• Farrier - A Farrier is a skilled craftsperson who combines blacksmithing skills with equine studies and specialises in making and fitting shoes for all types of horses.
• Stallion Handler - Works at a stud farm and is responsible for the day-to-day care of elite stallions, handling stallions around the yard and during the breeding process.
• Equine Veterinary Nurse – An equine nurse plays a role in all aspects of equine veterinary care, including medicine, surgery, intensive care, breeding and anaesthesia. Equine nurses are often involved the delivery of foals and hence many vet nurses are employed as “Night Watch” working during the foaling season on a stud farm.

Did you know?

There are over twenty educational institutes offering students the opportunity to study everything from Equine Care and Management right through to Veterinary Science.

Graduates of these courses have gone on to hold positions at the top of their profession all over the world. Many have progressed to the highest level as Jockeys, Trainers, Stud Managers, Vets, Bloodstock Agents, Auctioneers, Media personalities and Insurance brokers.

Every year we welcome International students wishing to enhance their knowledge and experience.

While some of the courses offered are based on obtaining a University Degree, not all courses are completely classroom based, with scholarships and apprenticeships also available.