Many professional horse people combine their vocation with their avocation, and many other horse people would like to do just that. According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, an avocation can be defined in the following manner: ‘An activity taken in addition to one’s regular work or profession usually for enjoyment; a hobby.’ Yet within that word that connotes pleasure and relaxation lies the word that brings to mind the eight-to-five work week that most people view as drudgery–that which we must do in order to enjoy the things we want to do. The average work week is 40 hours, fifty weeks a year, until retirement. This block of time amounts to a large percentage of a person’s adult life, enough that one’s goal should be to choose a career in which there is a sense of satisfaction and of joy.

For those who love horses, a wide range of opportunities exists to combine a vocation and an avocation. Careful scrutiny of the many programs that are available will allow anyone interested in equine employment to select the program that best suits his or her career goals. Or, if you already are an equine professional, perhaps you are interested in expanding your basis of knowledge. The following information offers an overview of the types of educational opportunities that are available to professional horse people, and those who want to become professionals.

Bachelor and Associate Degree Programs

So, you’ve decided to go for the gusto and you’re willing to spend the next two to four years working to complete a certification or degree in Equine Sciences to insure your future in the equine industry. Whether you aspire to work in equine management, become a trainer, equitation teacher, veterinarian, farrier, or an Olympic rider, you will need to complete a rigorous equine program tailored to your specific needs