Whether you grew up on a farm or recently discovered a new appreciation for horses, it's never too late to explore the possibilities of turning your passion into a career. Like with all industries, one could thrive in a wide array of jobs. It all depends on what you want out of your career!
Generally speaking, undergraduate courses relating to horses will fall under the umbrella of Equine Studies, where students specialize in different "concentrations."
Equine Management Concentration
For those interested in the equine industry's business side, an Equine Studies degree with a concentration in Equine Management may be a perfect fit! This degree is designed to develop strong farm operation and facilities management skills. Occupations with this degree include owners and managers of equine farms. In the heart of the horse capital of the world (Kentucky), the median income for equine business management jobs is $70,000, while top earners could exceed $100,000.
Equine Rehabilitation Concentration
For some equine lovers, it's helping horses heal and recover from injuries that fuels their lives. If that sounds like you, you can take two different paths to achieve that goal!
An Equine Studies concentrating on Equine Rehabilitation focuses on the horse's well-being and restoring mobility post-injury. The equine rehabilitation concentration helps students develop skills in exercise physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, Eastern medicine, and, as the name suggests, rehabilitation. Careers in this field range from equine physical therapists to equine nutritionists to Equine veterinary technicians. Students with these degrees earn an income of around $61,000.
Science Concentration
If becoming an equine veterinarian or pursuing other graduate studies aligns more with your career goals, Equine Studies with a concentration in science is the degree for you! There are many paths to becoming a veterinarian, but most often, students will also earn a degree in biology to gain a spot in veterinary school. Some students will choose to pursue a major in biology and a minor in equine studies to be more flexible with the variety of animals they wish to care for - along with a specialty in equine health. The average salary for an equine veterinarian is $95,000.
Equine MBA
The passion for working with or caring for horses can strike at different points in a person's life. Some people find themselves years after graduating college wanting to continue their education, but now with a focus on horses. That is where a Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Equine Management may be their best option to enter the equine industry. An Equine MBA combines business education with an equine studies program.
Equine Business & Sales
Online degrees are an amazing option as students can learn about the equine industry where they are. Midway's B.S. Equine Business and Sales degree was developed for those who may already be working in the equine industry and wish to expand their education and knowledge base and develop skills to advance to other positions. Additionally, the program is ideal for students who are interested in joining the equine industry but may not be interested in horse handling. This degree could provide a means of entry into the profession.
No matter where your interests lie within the equine world, there's a degree path that can help turn your passion into a fulfilling career. Whether you dream of managing an equine facility, rehabilitating injured horses, or becoming a veterinarian, education can open doors to countless opportunities. The equine industry is vast and ever-growing, making it an exciting field to participate in. So, if horses are at the heart of your ambitions, consider exploring one of these degree programs at a university with a horse farm on campus and take the reins on your future!
Learn more about these exciting career paths below!