Ever considered a career in the horse industry? Seventy-eight roles are represented in the newly launched Equine Careers Showcase, which can be found on Equine Guelph’s website, EquineJobTrack.ca.
If you receive Equine Guelph’s free monthly E-news, then you have already seen the early release of videos with horse professionals, sharing their journey and career pathways. The common denominator is a passion for working in the equine industry. This initiative was made possible due to funding from the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP).
The OEEEP program has been helping answer the need for staff in the Ontario equine industry since it’s inception. In November 2021, with funding from the Ontario Government, Equine Guelph joined with the Ontario Harness Horse Association and VPI, Inc., and together over 300 students have been accepted into the program to begin their careers in the equine industry.
Students received training in job preparedness and job interview skills from VPI for two weeks, six weeks of online learning from Equine Guelph and a placement program, matching potential employers with new students. With a such a solid start, watch for graduates of the OEEEP program starring in future Equine Careers Showcase features.
"The Equine Careers Showcase has been created to help newcomers to the horse world learn about the many career opportunities available in the industry," said Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph director. "As visitors to the showcase see the many possible pathways into the horse industry, they can be supported in their endeavours to develop lifetime careers."
Video footage has been released in Equine Guelph’s monthly email communications, featuring interviews with equine professionals like former jockey and Queen’s Plate winner Robert Landry and Olympic dressage rider Jacquie Brooks. They are quite candid sharing their thoughts on their roles including the challenges and providing tips for those looking to enter the horse industry. They also discuss the traits required to persevere and what makes them get up every morning to do it all over again. Over 40 video interviews are available to view with more coming.
“I would like to sincerely thank all the equine professionals that donated their time and provided excellent information for those considering career pathways in the horse industry,” said Ecker. “A special thank you to Woodbine Entertainment and the racetracks and breeding operations who answered the call for interviewees to talk about the abundance of roles in the horse racing industry.”
Visitors to the Equine Careers Showcase will find six categories to peruse: Racing, Multi-discipline, Healthcare, Horse Breeding, Marketing, Sales and Communications and finally “Other” with unique roles such as equine photographers, artisans, mounted police officers and education extension specialists represented. The healthcare category covers a wide array of roles from massage therapists, veterinarians, vet techs, farriers and nutrition and feed specialists.
The Equine Careers Showcase features everything from entry level jobs as horse grooms all the way up to trainers, stable owners, researchers, high-profile riders and more. Your future in the horse industry awaits. Visit the Equine Careers Showcase at EquineJobTrack.ca.
(Equine Guelph)