Equine Farm Manager

    Animal Sciences & Husbandry

    CIP Name: Equine Manager|CIP Code: 01.0307
    SOC Codes: 25-1041, 25-9021, 11-9013, 45-1011, 45-2021

    Manage the selection, breeding, care, and maintenance of work, athletic, and show horses; and to manage horse farms, stables, tracks and related equipment and operations.

    $59K
    Median Salary
    +2.4%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    1.2K
    Jobs/Year

    What Equine Farm Managers Do

    Manage the selection, breeding, care, and maintenance of work, athletic, and show horses; and to manage horse farms, stables, tracks and related equipment and operations.

    Common Tasks

    Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
    • 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
    • 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
    • 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
    • 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

    What You'll Learn

    applicable principles of animal sciencecarehealthstable and track managementdesign and operation of facilities and equipmentrelated issues such as regulationsbusiness managementlogistics

    Types of Equine Farm Managers

    Agriculture InstructorAgriculture ProfessorAgronomy ProfessorAnimal Science ProfessorAssociate ProfessorHorticulture InstructorHorticulture ProfessorInstructorPlant Science ProfessorProfessor4-H Youth Development Educator4-H Youth Development Specialist4-H Youth EducatorAgricultural Extension EducatorCommunity EducatorExtension AgentExtension EducatorExtension SpecialistFamily Development Extension SpecialistFamily and Consumer Sciences Extension AgentAquaculture DirectorFarm ManagerFarm Operations Technical DirectorFish Hatchery ManagerGreenhouse ManagerHarvesting ManagerHatchery ManagerHatchery SupervisorNursery ManagerRanch ManagerAnimal Research Facility SupervisorCattle ManagerFarm SupervisorHarvesting SupervisorLogging Crew ForemanLogging SupervisorPest Management SupervisorWildlife ManagerAnimal TechnicianArtificial Insemination Technician (AI Technician)Artificial InseminatorBreederDog BreederLarge Herd Specialist

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Horse farms and breeding operations
    • • Training barns and riding stables
    • • Racetracks and equine event venues
    • • Agricultural extension offices and field sites
    • • Colleges and teaching farms

    Schedule

    Schedules often include early mornings, weekends, and seasonal peaks, with hours shifting based on weather, foaling/breeding cycles, and event calendars.

    Physical Demands

    Work mixes office tasks with hands-on barn and facility oversight, including standing, walking, lifting, and frequent handling of animals and equipment. You may need to bend, twist, and work outdoors in heat, cold, dust, and mud.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $59,330
    $39,603$90,854+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $39,603
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $47,652
    Median
    50th percentile
    $59,330
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $76,627
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $90,854+

    National Employment: 932,500 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can rise as horse farms, training barns, and equine facilities professionalize operations and focus more on animal welfare, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance. Growth in equine recreation and sport in some regions can also increase need for skilled managers and supervisors.

    Skills You'll Need

    Horse handling and safety practicesAnimal health observation and basic care coordinationBreeding and foaling management fundamentalsFacility, pasture, and equipment managementRecordkeeping and data tracking (health, breeding, inventory, costs)Staff supervision and trainingProblem-solving under time pressureCustomer service and communication

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Work closely with horses and equine operations
    • Leadership and business responsibility opportunities
    • Varied daily work (animals, facilities, people, logistics)
    • Transferable skills across agriculture and animal industries
    • Potential for strong earnings in higher-responsibility roles

    Cons

    • Long or irregular hours, including weekends and holidays
    • Risk of injury around large animals and equipment
    • Work can be physically demanding and outdoors in all weather
    • Income and job stability can depend on farm finances and seasonality
    • High responsibility for animal health, compliance, and staff performance
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Equine Farm Manager Trade

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