Horse Jobs – Veterinarian

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Perhaps one of the most essential horse careers, and one that requires the most training to become. A horse veterinarian is an important job which carries the (sometimes) heavy burden of responsibility and unexpected hours.

This is a position which benefits from attention to detail, strength of character (and stature) and a love of the outdoors. Horse doctors have their fair share of sad, scary, disgusting, painful and rewarding moments in the course of their daily work.

Required schooling & certification, A superb relationship with the equine animal, and the ability to remain calm and organized under pressure are essentials for anyone persuing a career in equine veterinary medicine.

Job Description

Responsible for the overall health of each animal in their charge, including routine medical exams and procedures. A horse doctor works closely with trainers, barn managers, foreman & handlers to ensure the horse is being properly fed, exercised and cared for.

Responsibilities

• Establishing worming & vaccination schedules for each animal
• Educating horse owners about horse care & feeding practices
• Responding to emergency calls
• A variety of first aid duties including stitches, lancing abscesses, cleaning wounds, etc.
• Troubleshooting illness symptoms & treating problems
• Troubleshooting & correcting leg soundness problems
• Troubleshooting & advising the farrier on foot soundness issues and disease
• Reproduction cycle from breeding all the way to foaling & routine mare checkups
• Advising correction for physical deformities
• Prescribing medication

Requirements

This is a horse position which does require formal eduction, undergrad work as well as a four year program at a veterinary medical school. To even enter the vet programs undergrad students must pass tests meeting admission requirements.

Grads from the program must then obtain local licensing (which will vary from country to country & state to state) prior to practicing horse medicine and experience is always a plus.

Resources

A few places to start if you are interested in a career as a horse doctor.

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• World Equine Veterinary Association
• Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians
• American Association of Equine Practitioners
• British Equine Veterinary Association
• Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations
• Equine Veterinarians Australia
• South African Equine Veterinary Association

The Right Job For You?

If this isn’t your dream job, there is a long list of different careers that involve horses. Each one requiring a different skill set, schooling requirement and amount of contact with the animals.