Why should you study Horse Science at MTSU? What careers are available? Most people consider the obvious ones first: horse trainer, riding teacher, groom, barn manager, breeding/foaling manager, veterinarian, farrier—careers that require hands-on work directly with horses. Many people do not consider the depth and scope of the U.S. horse industry. According to a 2018 survey by the American Horse Council, there are 7.2 million horses in the United States today. The horse industry contributes $122 billion to the gross domestic product and pays over $2 million in taxes annually. Over 1.3 million people own horses; 38 million people are horse enthusiasts who participate in horse activities but do not own a horse, and tens of millions of spectators enjoy horse events annually. The U.S. horse industry supports approximately 454,000 full-time-equivalent jobs directly involved with horses, and 988,000 full-time indirect horse industry jobs that do not include hands-on work with horses but instead provide support to the industry.

As is true of most multi-billion-dollar industries, there are plenty of career opportunities that involve hands-on interaction with horses; however, there are even more careers that do not—that function more in a support role. Career examples include:

Journalist for any of the major horse publications (breed or discipline-specific magazines); editor of horse publications; photographer; ad or website designer for horse publications or organizations; realtor specializing in horse properties; equine sales and marketing
Sales and marketing of support supplies: trucks, trailers, fencing, stables, tack and equipment, health supplies, riding attire, feed, hay, etc.; pharmaceutical representative selling products to equine veterinarians and horse owners
Licensed horse show officials including inspectors, judges, show managers, show stewards, show announcers, regional representatives and other designated qualified persons
Course designer for horse events (jumping, trail, eventing, combined driving, etc.); trailer designer; architect or engineer specializing in equine facilities, coliseums, riding arenas and stables; agricultural engineer; racing regulator, racing steward, timing official, handicapper, tattoo inspector, racing secretary
Lawyer specializing in equine law, liability, equine contracts, environmental law, equine syndication
Public relations for a breed or discipline-specific association; breed registry official; blood typing specialist
Equine scientist; equine geneticist; equine exercise physiologist; immunologist; formulation and testing of equine vaccines; equine behaviorist; equine reproductive physiologist; specialist in artificial insemination and embryo transfer
Equine nutritionist, equine feed specialist or nutrition laboratory technician; feed development specialist, pasture management specialist
Therapist specializing in therapeutic riding and equine assisted therapies
Financial planner specializing in equine businesses; credit agent for horse properties; equine insurance agent
Horse extension specialist or extension agent (people who teach best management practices regarding horses to new owners); rangeland management specialist, Bureau of Land Management official; mounted police officer
University professor specializing in horses, technical school teacher, high school FFA teacher, 4-H program coordinator
Equine or large animal veterinarian or board-certified veterinarian specializing in surgery, ophthalmology, radiology, pathology, pharmacology, clinical nutrition, gastroenterology, osteopathy, theriogenology, and others; equine sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist; veterinary technician, radiography technician, laboratory technician