Careers in the Equestrian Industry: It's Not Just About Riding
- Kick On Recruitment
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
When you think of working in the equestrian industry, what’s the first image that comes to mind? Mucking out stables? Schooling horses? Long days in the arena or at competitions?
While those are certainly important parts of the industry, they are just one piece of a much bigger picture.
There’s a whole world of opportunity behind the scenes - roles in sales, marketing, administration, customer service and insurance, as examples, that keep equestrian businesses running smoothly. These roles are essential for the industry to grow, innovate and connect with its customers.
If you’re passionate about horses but don’t necessarily want to work on a yard or you’re looking for a new way to blend your equine background with your professional skills, this blog is for you.
Why Business Roles Matter in the Equestrian Industry
From boutique riding wear brands to international feed companies, online retailers, events companies and service providers, every equestrian business needs people to:
Communicate with customers
Sell products and services
Promote the brand
Keep operations organised
These aren’t just "office jobs", they are critical roles that shape the customer experience, drive growth and build lasting reputations.
The Roles We Recruit for: Where Could You Fit?
At our equestrian recruitment agency, we specialise in connecting passionate individuals with exciting roles in the following areas:
Sales
Whether it’s working with high-end tack, supplements, nutrition or even services, sales roles require a deep understanding of what horse owners need and how to communicate value with confidence.
Great for people who:
Are natural networkers
Enjoy working towards targets
Have solid equestrian knowledge and commercial awareness
Want to travel and represent brands at shows or with clients
Marketing
From managing social media to planning campaigns and writing product information, marketing roles are all about building awareness and driving engagement.
Great for people who:
Are creative and love storytelling
Know how to use platforms like Instagram, Facebook or email marketing etc
Understand equestrian trends and the target audience
Want to blend digital skills with industry knowledge
Administration
Behind every great business is someone keeping everything in order. Admin roles support bookings, orders, logistics, inventory and more.
Great for people who:
Are highly organised and detail-focused
Thrive on structure and systems
Want to play a vital (but often unsung!) role behind the scenes
Enjoy helping businesses operate smoothly day-to-day
Customer Service
Equestrian customers are loyal but as with any sector may have questions, need support, refunds etc. Excellent customer service is what turns a one-time buyer into a repeat client.
Great for people who:
Are patient, friendly and good at problem-solving
Enjoy helping people find the right solutions
Can stay calm and professional when things go wrong
Understand horse owners' expectations and needs
Insurance
Whether it’s providing cover for competition horses, yard liabilities or vet fees, insurance roles demand a strong grasp of risk management and a genuine understanding of the equestrian lifestyle. It’s about offering peace of mind to horse owners by tailoring policies to their needs and explaining coverage clearly and professionally.
Great for people who:
Are detail-oriented and dependable
Have excellent communication and customer service skills
Understand the specific risks involved in equestrian life
Want to build long-term client relationships and trust
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team,"
Phil Jackson
Do You Need to Ride? Not Necessarily.
Having a genuine interest in the industry and a good understanding of equestrian life gives you a huge advantage over candidates coming in from outside. Whether you're a former groom looking for a change, a rider who wants more stable hours or someone from a corporate background wanting to work in a more passionate and purposeful niche, there’s a place for you.
What are the Perks?
Switching into one of these roles often comes with benefits that many yard-based jobs don’t offer:
Regular working hours
More career development opportunities
Remote or hybrid working in some cases
Less physical strain
A clear path for progression and better long-term stability
And of course, you still get to be part of an industry you're passionate about, with less mud and more flexibility!
A Growing Demand
We have seen a rise in equestrian businesses actively looking for talent in these support and growth-focused roles. As the sector continues to modernise especially in the wake of increased online shopping, digital marketing and global competition, the need for skilled people in these areas is only growing.
Ready to Explore New Opportunities?
If you’re feeling stuck in your current role, or you’re just curious about what else is out there in the horse world, now is the time to explore.
We’re here to help you:
Identify your transferable skills
Match your experience with the right opportunities
Understand the needs of modern equestrian businesses
Take the next step with confidence
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