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Equine managers and Horse Stud Managers are accountable for maintaining the overall health and happiness of horses in numerous areas of equine businesses such as agriculture, events and shows, stables, tack shops, breeding and sales. An aspiring equine manager must love horses and have experience with horses. Equine managers are responsible for ensuring the overall wellbeing of horses in a variety of situations, such as boarding, training, transport and breeding. Early in a career, equine managers may clean stalls and pens, turn horses out to exercise and check bedding materials for pests. They continually observe horse behaviour, since the behaviour of the horse may indicate health problems.

Horse stud managers are responsible for the housing, breeding, health, training and selling of horses within a horse stable and stud system. They need to be able to use their knowledge to deal with and solve problems in a scientific manner.

Equestrian managers also make certain that the horses' health, nutrition and medical treatments are up to date. Additionally, managers are commonly responsible for the business side of the occupation. For example, equine managers may train employees and help in the preparation of horse auctions, shows or events. As they advance in the profession or they might also manage facilities, schedules and personnel and take care of marketing and budgets.

Horse farm managers are responsible for all aspects of farm operation including supervising other staff members and ensuring that all horses on the property are receiving proper care. They also make decisions regarding what service providers (veterinarians, farriers, transportation services) the farm will do business with. The horse farm manager provides direction to ensure that the farm runs smoothly.

ANZSCO ID: 121316

Alternative names: Equine Manager, Horse Stud Manager, Horse Farm Manager,

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Horse managers study records of bloodlines and the physical appearance and performance characteristics of horses to determine breeding combinations before selecting horses suitable for mating. They maintain breeding records, dietary and other statistical information. They select and arrange purchase of bloodstock, mate mares with selected stallions and assist with foaling.

They need to ensure that horses are exercised and supervise the training of horses for competitions. They inspect horses for disease, illness and injuries and secure the services of a veterinarian when necessary.

They also supervise and manage equipment, facilities, pastures and staff, as well as carry out administrative tasks such as marketing, budgeting, planning and management of physical and financial resources.

The horse-stud manager should:

• love animals, especially horses;

• have a placid temperament and calm way of working with horses;

• have the ability to get along well with other people in many different work situations;

• ability to organize and manage;

• be punctual and accurate;

• enjoy working outdoors;

• physically fit and strong.  
  

Duties and Tasks

• Manage equine biosecurity and infection control

• Manage legal aspects of horse enterprises

• Monitor and review business performance

• Manage people performance

• Ensure a safe workplace

• Plan and implement an enterprise horse breeding strategy

• Manage horse breeding operations

• Build client relationships and business networks

• Manage reproductive outcomes of stallions and mares

• Develop and implement a marketing plan for stud stock

 

Working conditions

Satisfying Aspects
- working with horses and people
- working both indoors and outdoors
- being in a rural setting

Demanding aspects
- working long hours and after hours in all kinds of weather
- keeping up with and adapting to new scientific and technological developments
- having to start at the lowest position of the equine industry and work your way to the top  

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

Horse managers may specialize in the study and practice of riding and horsemanship (equitation), horse handling, instructional skills and managing riding schools for people at different levels of capability. Others are involved in the management of breeding programmes.  

There are multiple ways of fulfilling the educational and skill elements required for managing horses. Certificates and associate's and bachelor's degrees are all possible in the equine management or closely related fields. Aspiring equine managers should choose a degree level based on the type of employment and level of responsibility they plan to seek after graduation. It is also possible to complete an education in phases by choosing a certificate that provides college credit toward an associate's degree, or an associate's degree that is designed to transfer into a 4-year degree.

Some management positions may only require completion of a certificate program. Courses within a certificate track will focus only on horse-related subjects and relevant business topics, including equine anatomy, veterinary methods, general horse nutrition, introduction to business, equine law and equine taxation. Specializations on farms and stables, show horses or equine marketing and sales may be possible in a certificate program, and internships may be required. Certificates of this type are typically significantly shorter than their associate and bachelor's degree counterparts, and are sometimes available in an online format.

Associate and Bachelor Degrees

Associate and bachelor degrees in an area of animal science - such as equine business management, agricultural science or agribusiness - help prepare graduates for equine management careers.

A Bachelor of Science in Equine Business Management, for instance, includes courses in horse anatomy and health, ethical horse management and veterinary education as well as accounting and spreadsheets, business law and marketing.

Work-related experience is a major aspect of becoming an equine manager. Employers frequently require applicants to have some years of hands-on experience working with horses. 

 

 

Assistant Stud Manager

The role of an Assistant Stud Manager can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the stud. They are responsible for assisting the Stud Manager in overseeing all the stud operations and can therefore spend a large amount of time in the office and liaising clients, as well as supervising and managing with staff.

 

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Good knowledge/experience of stud practices

• People management

• Organisation

• Communication skills

• Administration skills

• Computer literate
  

Careers in Thoroughbred Breeding- Assistant Stud Manager
https://youtu.be/iVZJ4q0QZ7Y

 

 

 

 

 

Broodmare managers are involved with all aspects of broodmare and foal care on the breeding farm. The broodmare manager position is an important one in the equine breeding industry. Significant experience is usually a prerequisite for this position.

Broodmare manager is a position usually found in larger breeding establishments and they work closely with the breeding manager who oversees large breeding operations.

A Foaling Manager's role is to oversee the care of mares both before and after foaling. Their day to day routine includes checking mares for signs of foaling, foaling mares and care of mares and new-born foals. It is an extremely rewarding job, however during the foaling season the hours may be long as mares will often choose to foal at very anti-social hours!

ANZSCO ID: 1213

Alternative names: Foaling Manager,

Knowledge, skills & attributes

Managing mares is a very hands on position and requires a person with strength of body and mind. The ability to be firm but with a gentle touch, a deep understanding of equine nutrition and a strong love for the animal are traits of a well-placed broodmare manager. Those interested in this position should have some experience with mares in season and in foal. This is a position which benefits from a teamwork attitude, strong attention to detail and a thorough knowledge of the life and cyclical changes of the female horse.

Broodmare managers oversee the care and management of pregnant mares, young foals, and weanlings. They must have an excellent knowledge of reproductive physiology, foaling, and neonatal foal care. They routinely handle teaser stallions to evaluate which mares are coming into heat and keep careful notes on each mare’s reproductive cycle to ensure that the mare is bred at the optimal time to ensure conception. They are required to be “on call” during the foaling season to attend foalings and assist with any difficult births. Broodmare managers also work closely with many other breeding industry professionals such as veterinarians, foaling attendants, and grooms.

• Articulate administrator driven to succeed

• Extensive experience in the Thoroughbred Industry.

• Comfortable with all aspects of farm management

• Excellent communication and people skills

• Good broodmare knowledge/experience

• Problem solver

• Able to work under pressure

• Attention to detail

• Willingness to work unsociable hours

(Source: Hygrain)

Duties

Broodmare managers are equine professionals with experience in managing the needs of mares and foals. They work the majority of their day on the go, traveling from the farm office to the various barns on the property.

The typical routine for a broodmare manager includes teasing mares, assisting with veterinary exams, attending foalings and being on call for emergencies, maintaining herd health records, and managing staff members.

It is important to note that while the Thoroughbred industry only allows live cover breeding, broodmare managers working with other breeds may need to develop proficiency with techniques such as artificial insemination, semen collection, and embryo transfer.

• Day-to-day operations, handling mares and foals and organising staff

•  Record keeping – daily diary entries, maintaining breeding records and following a seasonal plan

•  Involvement with Health and Safety operations and meetings

•  Foaling season operations

•  Liaising with the general manager regarding horse health and husbandry matters

• General care of broodmares & broodmare herd

• Scheduling of routine vet checks and farrier visits

• Developing and maintaining feed, vitamin and supplement schedules

• Administration of medication

• Coordination & scheduling of live breeding schedules

• Handling stallions mares for live breeding

• Artificial insemination of mares

• Foaling process & postpartum care

• Communication with different parts of the facility

 

Working Conditions

They usually participate in foaling duties or are on-call during foaling season to assist the night watchmen when  a mare appears ready to foal.

 

Education

A degree is not a requirement for securing a broodmare manager position, though a degree does lend strength to the applicant’s resume. Useful education would include a bachelor's or masters degree in fields such as Equine Reproduction, Animal Science, or Equine Science.

Some places may be looking for someone with certification in equine nutrition while others may only hire applicants with a bachelors in animal or veterinary science. Although often in the horse world experience is held in higher regard than formal education.

 

Careers in Thoroughbred Breeding- Foaling Manager
https://youtu.be/lSdl684ljH4

 

 

 

Stallion managers supervise the care, handling, and breeding shed activities of breeding farm stallions.

Generally only needed in large breeding facilities, the stallion manager has a very dedicated job. Although the duties with reference to the animals may vary, the position could encompass general care or be more specific to the breeding process.

They are responsible for live cover breeding or collection, managing stallion grooms, and overseeing the stallion office staff. They also oversee the arrival and preparation of mares that have come to be bred.

They are busiest during the breeding season and may have to come back after hours to supervise evening breeding sessions, as some stallions at busy farms breed up to four times per day.

 

ANZSCO ID: 1213

 

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

The ability to make quick decisions, handle great physical demands and a sheer love of the animal are traits of a successful stallion manager.

• Proven horse management skills

• A working knowledge of, and experience within a thoroughbred stud farm

• Ensure all horses receive the highest quality of care during the covering process

• General routine breeding procedures and daily routines required in the stallion barn

• Coordinate the breeding shed and covering processes and procedures

• Assist with feeding and exercise regimes on a daily basis

• Perform day to day husbandry of the stallions

• General stable and farm duties

• Compliance with all organisational policies, procedures and processes and legislative standards and requirements

Staff Stories Series | Stallion Manager Veronica Reed
https://youtu.be/E9V_SxM4v9o

 

Duties & Tasks

• General care of breeding stallions

• Coordination & scheduling of live breeding schedules

• Handling stallions for live breeding

• Semen collection for artificial insemination

• Working with owners to streamline processes

• Communication with different parts of the facility

Working conditions

Generally only needed in large breeding facilities, the stallion manager has a very dedicated job. Although the duties with reference to the animals may vary, the position could encompass general care or be more specific to the breeding process. Managing stallions is a very hands-on and physically demanding position, requiring a person who is strong in both body and mind. Anyone interested in this position should have experience handling studs. This is a position which benefits from a firm understanding of teamwork, the ability to think/ act quickly and a thorough knowledge of the equine animal.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Although invariably in this case experience is the best teacher, the more specific the job generally the more education may be required. Some employers may require certification from vocational schools, others may need to see a bachelors degree. While still others will rely heavily on past experience to screen candidates.

Did You Know? Ways to manage breeding stallions    There are three ways followed by stallion handlers to manage the breeding. Those are natural, confinement/isolation management, or artificial insemination collection. In the case of natural way, this permits a stallion to run in a field with a crowd of mares, in a natural herd setting, the mares then become pregnant. The main disadvantages to the natural process are that the stallion or mares can get injured or hurt during the process. Another drawback is that the stallions may fight with each other and break the fences or maybe they mate with the wrong mare. In the case of isolation management, most of these problems are solved. This process is done in a little yard or corral with a solid fence. The mare is held in the yard and the stallion is brought and led to mount and bred with her. This however can cause some psychological changes with stallions. They develop some aggressive behaviours and an unstable mindset. For optimal health, you need to give them balanced nutrition and sufficient exercise. Many times the managers allow these stallions for a daily turnout time in the field or many stallions are also ridden and competed with. Being out and about allows the stallion to smell, hear and see other animals. All these activities are done for their mental stability. The third way of Artificial Insemination collection is the process of introducing semen (fresh, chilled, or frozen) into the Mare’s reproductive tract without natural mating. Artificial insemination offers loads of benefits that are not available via live cover, however, this is more expensive can cause isolation so just like isolation management there needs to be a big balance in nutrition and exercise for the stallion for their mental care. (Source: Equine Staff Australia) Stallion Semen Collection https://youtu.be/JdhKsA-T8Lc

 

 

Stallion Handler first studies the stallions carefully. They must understand the actions and reactions of each stallion in every situation.

Instead of allowing the stallion to do what they want, the stallion handler first guides and teaches them how to walk calmly on the lead, be friendly when being groomed and fed and not rush and hurt the mares or handler during mating. They are also responsible for ensuring the stallion is healthy and fit.

The top stallion handler always tries to gain the horse’s faith, attention and trust. They do not believe in physically dominating the stallion as this is a very cruel way to manage your beloved horse.

ANZSCO ID: 3611

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Stallion handling requires a few exceptional abilities that incorporate good skills in studying stallion’s psychology, behaviors, and confidence to handle stallions.

Stallion handlers are the people who have professional knowledge in handling horses.

(Source: Horse Network)

Duties and Tasks

A stallion handler is responsible for the day to day care of the elite stallions around the world. You have the opportunity to work with some of the most valuable horses in the world. Working with the stallions is a highly respected job and allows you to see and work with some of the best horses that have ever graced the race track.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a stallion handler you will have worked on a stud farm for a significant period of time and earn the trust of that farm. Handling stallions can be quite challenging so the more horse handling you can get the better. the stallion crew find their jobs quite rewarding as they can be dealing with challenging horses on a daily basis, however, the eliteness of the horse they can be working with is next level.

 

 

The role of a Stud Secretary can vary depending on the size and scope of the stud. Generally, the Stud Secretary will be responsible for the maintenance of stud records and to carry out administrative duties on behalf of the Stud and the Stud Manager. These include booking mares in for covering, completion of covering certificates and nomination invoicing. A large amount of time will also be spent in communication with clients regarding coverings, foalings and mares, as well as communications with stud staff and suppliers.

Stud secretaries can also communicate with clients about breeding dates, veterinary procedures, foalings and stallion bookings. In addition, they prepare the correct paperwork for foal registration, breeding records and insurance.

 

ANZSCO ID: 5212
  
Alternative names: Stallion Booking Secretary,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A background knowledge and understanding of horses particularly breeding racehorses is important. Also having experience in an office environment using various systems. Working outside on a stud first can help too as it provides good experience of what is involved in running a stud farm. Then there may be the opportunity to progress into the office. Three things important in the role are: Team work; flexibility – tasks vary from day to day; and good communication as you speak to everyone from stud staff, vets, farriers, suppliers.

• Communication skills

• Administration skills

• Computer literate

• Understanding of stud procedure and documentation

Careers in Thoroughbred Breeding- Stud Secretary
https://youtu.be/luOF0wJ7hSo

 

Duties and Tasks

Stallion booking secretaries are responsible for scheduling breeding appointments for multiple stallions at the farm. They must coordinate with the stallion manager to ensure that stallions are available and healthy so that they can fulfill breeding appointments. Stallion booking secretaries must have excellent organizational and computer skills.

Working conditions

Since this is an office based position, there is minimal (if any) direct contact with the horses.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Experience outside on a stud is essential as it provides good knowledge of what is involved in running a stud farm. Good organisational skills are required.

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Jobs involving Horses

 

 

 

Materials sourced from
 Equinest [Stallion Manager; Broodmare Manager; ]
Racing Association South Africa,
Study.com
Liveabout [Equine Breeding Farm Careers; ]
Juddmonte [Stud Secretary; ]
Australian Apprenticeships Pathways [Horse Stud Manager; ]
Racing Jobs [Assistant Stallion Manager; ]
The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association UK [Foaling Manager; Stud Manager - Assistant; Stud Secretary; ]
TDN Aus NZ [Broodmare Manager; ]
TB Industry Careers A-Z [Stud Secretary; Stallion Handler; ]
Equine Staff [Stallion Handler; ]
Live Career [Broodmare Manager; ]

Photocredit 1, 2, 3

 

 

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