Horse Breeders and Trainers Education and Training

How to obtain the training needed for horse breeders to enter the industry

By Lesley Graybeal
Horse breeders and trainers can enter the equine field in a variety of ways, including obtaining a degree or credential in a horse-related or agricultural field, completing an internship or other training program or gaining informal knowledge and experience. Most horse breeders and trainers education and training includes a significant amount of personal networking with others in the equine business.

To begin training as a horse breeder, it is important to investigate formal education and training options, as well as the more informal avenues for receiving information and advice on working with horses. When looking for information on horse breeding, always look for veterinarian-approved sources.

Look for horse breeders and trainers education and training from the following sources:
  1. Get information for horse trainers and breeders from magazines and databases.
  2. Use internship and extension programs for horse trainers and breeders.
  3. Enroll in formal education to obtain a credential for horse-related industries.

 

Learn from other horse breeders and trainers online

The most useful educational resource for a horse trainer is often a veterinarian-approved magazine or online database where others in horse-related industries publish information about breeding and training. Topics covered may include pregnancy and foaling, racing horse breeders in Kentucky, horse health and training.
Try: Horses and Horse Information is an online site with articles on breeding, training and other equine topics. The Horse magazine also provides veterinarian-approved information on many topics, with the online version of the magazine offering searchable archives.

Take advantage of internship and extension opportunities for horse breeders and trainers

Many universities with agricultural extension offices offer free information to the public, for use by any small farm or horse breeding company. An internship in horse-related careers can also help horse breeders enter the industry without prior experience or training.
Try: Taylor Made offers private internships in horse-related fields to interested individuals with any background and experience level. The University of Missouri Extension, like many agricultural extension offices, offers scientific breeding information to the public to assist horse breeders in more predictable and productive husbandry.

Obtain a formal degree for advanced horse breeders and trainers education and training

While a degree is not necessary in the horse training business, it can help to achieve a healthier, more productive process in breeding animals. Formal degrees can also help horse breeders and trainers obtain jobs in other horse-related fields in addition to breeding and training.
Try: University of Louisville College of Business offers a unique equine industry degree for Kentucky horse breeders and out-of-state individuals. While many training programs are available for horse breeders in Kentucky, Global Equine Academy offers an online associates degree for work in horse-related fields to students located anywhere.

 

  • Horse breeders should keep in mind that they may not receive a favorable return on their investment in education and training. While training and boarding horses may be profitable, breeding requires an extensive commitment to medical expenses and care.