Who doesn’t love the sight of newborn foals frolicking in the pasture or stretched out across a patch of green grass, soaking in the warmth of the sun?  If you love everything related to foaling season – from genetic mapping, to breeding, to birth – then a job in equine reproduction and breeding farm management might be right for you.

As far as horse jobs go, it doesn’t get more rewarding than bringing new life into the world; but it’s not a walk in the park either.  A breeding farm manager is one of the many horse jobs that require brains as well as brawn. 

Your Job

As a breeding farm manager, knowledge of equine genetics and fertility is paramount, as is knowledge of basic veterinary care and equine nutrition.  You must be strong and confident enough to handle the hormone-driven antics of stallions, and gentle and patient enough to coax a young foal to trust its human caretakers. You will likely have to do some office work as well, which may include accounting, preparing and shipping semen or lab work.   On a large commercial farm, good business sense is also a must, and your interpersonal skills and ability to effectively deal with clients will be essential.

Your Path

A specialized degree isn’t necessarily required for many horse jobs, including this one.  While some colleges and universities offer degrees in equine reproduction and farm business management, most of the knowledge required to excel as a breeding farm manager can be obtained from combining a bachelor’s in equine science or animal science with experience in the field.

If becoming a successful breeding farm manager or equine reproduction specialist is your dream, you will want to obtain a broad range of skills and experiences, which may involve taking courses in equine nutrition, reproduction, veterinary skills, communications and business management. 

What you absolutely can’t skimp on is experience. Start now and learn everything you can. Visit equine reproduction facilities and ask questions to get an idea of where your skills might fit best.  Find a horse breeding farm where you can do an internship and get hands on experience in equine reproduction and breeding farm management.  Confidence and experience, more than anything else, will prepare you for the job of your dreams.

Your Opportunities

Do you want to start your own breeding business or work on an established breeding farm?  Do you have interest in a specific breed or discipline—or do you simply love anything equine? These are the questions you should ask yourself when considering a career in equine reproduction.  Larger, commercial farms may have multiple staff with specialized roles, and often require candidates to have a higher level of training or certification.  These horse jobs also tend to pay better. 

On the other hand, a horse job at a small “mom and pop” operation may require you to be a jack of all trades and afford you greater autonomy over your breeding program.   Career advancement in this field involves gaining knowledge and experience to help you move on to larger and more wealthy breeding operations. 

Ready to get started?  Start your search for horse jobs at www.horsejobs.ca