Master's in Equine Studies careers are excellent for anyone who loves horses. This degree opens up a number of career options in this niche but fascinating field. This is a very specific degree but it can be very helpful for students who want to spend their career working with horses. Below are some of the career options anyone who completes a master's in equine studies have available to them.
Horse Breeder
Master's in Equine Studies careers include horse breeders. Horse breeders navigate the world of breeding stock and attempt to produce the best, healthiest horses they can. The best horse breeders care deeply about the breed or breeds they specialize in. They are committed to ensuring they breed the best traits into their horses while keeping the lines healthy. An advanced degree can open up opportunities as a geneticist and pedigree analyst, who evaluate the animals' genetics and genealogy to aid breeders. The expected salary for a horse breeder varies widely – if you produce championship horses, you can earn quite a lot of money.
Horse Trainer
You can put a Master's in Equestrian Studies to work by becoming a horse trainer. Horse trainers work with horses destined for many different purposes, from racehorses to show jumpers to trail horses. Horse trainers must have a good eye for the right type of horse. They must be able to notice which horses have the right personalities and abilities for each role and which ones do not. Horse trainers must be extraordinarily patient. Like breeders, the salary range for this profession varies and can be extremely lucrative for skilled trainers of champion horses. This occupation requires hands-on work with horses as well as their owners and handlers, so you must sharpen your people skills as well.
Horse Feed Development Specialist
Because this career requires an advanced degree, it is a good match for someone pursuing Master's in Equine Studies careers. Individuals in this profession formulate feed for horses with all sorts of different needs. For example, young animals will need a diet that aids in healthy growth, equestrian athletes will need sufficient nutrition to keep up with their active lifestyle, and so on. You will need to take animal nutrition classes to complement your equine studies degree for this profession. This career is largely spent working in a lab and does not involve much contact with horses.
Veterinarian
One of the Master's in Equine Studies careers is a veterinarian specializing in horses and other large animals. For this career, students will also have to pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Horse veterinarians are an in-demand veterinary specialty and can earn over $100,000 annually depending on experience and location, according to the Houston Chronicle. Veterinarians see to the health needs of horses, perform surgeries, give advice to owners about care and more. If becoming a full veterinarian is not to your taste, there is the alternate option of becoming a veterinary technician. Vets need specialized vet techs to aid in equine care. Equine vet techs are responsible for weighing the horses, taking samples, keeping patient records and running tests.
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The equestrian world needs competent, caring people to look after the animals that sustain the industry. Students wishing to work with horses can pursue a number of options with Master's in Equine Studies careers.