Equine Business Manager – Masterminding Thriving Horse Businesses
Behind every smoothly run, successful equine enterprise, there is often a highly competent and skilled professional called an equine business manager! They are the administrative masterminds of the horse industry. Indeed, they shoulder responsibility for most of the day-to-day activities needed to carry on a profitable horse business.
In this guide, we explore what it takes to become a successful equine business manager – including key skills, responsibilities, and duties, as well as training and certifications, career paths, and job prospects.
What Is An Equine Business Manager?
An equine business manager oversees the behind-the-scenes operations of equine establishments and facilities. Thus they wear many hats, being responsible for everything from budgeting and financial planning to staff management, marketing, and also even horse care.
Therefore, it is an excellent career choice for someone with a sharp business mind; exceptional administrative, organisational, and leadership skills; and a love and understanding of all things horse-related.
Equine Business Manager Key Skills, Responsibilities, And Duties
To be a good equine business manager, you’ll need a strong foundation in both business and horsemanship skills. So, here’s an overview of the key skills, responsibilities, and duties you can expect to encounter in this role:
Key Skills
As an equine business manager, you’ll need a working knowledge of, or skills and abilities in, many of the following key areas. However, whether or not you’ll need them on the job will depend on the type of establishment. For example, a riding school probably won’t be involved in horse breeding!
Business Proficiency
Understanding of fiscal management processes and business operations.
Horsemanship Skills
Familiarity with horse breeds, breeding practices, training methods, industry regulations, welfare practices, and also general horse care.
Leadership Abilities
Capacity to motivate and manage teams, effectively delegate tasks, and also resolve conflicts.
Communication
Good written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, employees, and other stakeholders.
Problem-Solving
A knack for analysing situations, identifying solutions, and making sound decisions under pressure.
Operational Skills
Knowledge of logistics, inventory control, personnel management, and risk assessment.
Tech-Savvy
Proficiency in equine-specific software for record keeping, financial analysis, and communication.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
An equine business manager is responsible for a wide range of activities, encompassing business management, financial oversight, human resources, marketing, horse care, client relations, compliance, and also risk management.
Consequently, you could be responsible for:
Business Management
Overseeing day-to-day operations, including planning schedules, managing staff, and maintaining facilities and equipment. Additionally, ensuring efficient workflow and compliance with regulations. Developing and implementing operational procedures as well as managing inventory and equipment.
Financial Management
Developing and managing budgets, while monitoring expenses, and overseeing accounts payable/receivable.
Handling payroll, preparing financial statements, analysing performance metrics, and also making strategic recommendations.
Ensuring the financial stability of the business and managing horse care budgets.
Human Resources
Hiring, training, and supervising staff, while managing employee relations, and creating a positive work environment.
Marketing and Sales
Developing marketing strategies and campaigns to attract new clients and increase revenue. Additionally, promoting services, attending industry events, trade shows, and networking within the equine industry.
Horse Care
Collaborating with trainers, veterinarians, and other professionals to maintain the health and well-being of the horses. Furthermore, overseeing breeding and training programs, while monitoring horse health and welfare.
Client Relations
Building and maintaining relationships with clients, understanding their needs, and providing guidance. Also liaising with clients on breeding programs, training plans, and financial matters.
Compliance and Regulations
Ensuring adherence to relevant animal welfare, tax, and licensing regulations. Additionally, managing compliance audits, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and staying up-to-date on industry trends and regulations.
Risk Management
Identifying and mitigating potential risks to the business, implementing safety protocols, conducting risk assessments, and managing insurance policies.
Equine Business Manager Certifications and Licenses
While formal certifications are not always mandatory for a job as an equine business manager, having one demonstrates your expertise. It increases your chances of getting the job you want and additionally improves your long-term career prospects.
Depending on the institution offering the degree or certification, most institutions require applicants to have finished Year 12 and completed their leavers. In some cases, you may also require at least 12 months of employment experience prior to applying, along with experience handling and riding horses.
There are a number of Equine Business Manager degree and certification options available via TAFE, Universities, and industry bodies. We’ve found a few and listed them below for you.
General Business and Management
Diploma of Business
Provides a broad foundation in business principles, including accounting, marketing, and human resources. Offered by various TAFE colleges and universities in Australia.
Bachelor of Business
A more advanced qualification offering deeper specialisation in areas like finance, marketing, or management. Offered by universities across Australia.
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
A postgraduate qualification designed to up skill existing professionals in key business areas. Offered by universities and as well as other higher education providers.
Equine-Specific
Bachelor of Business (Equine Management)
A university degree providing a deeper understanding of business principles and their application in the equine industry.
Bachelor of Agribusiness (Equine Management)
An agribusiness management and marketing degree offering technical training in equine science, health, nutrition, exercise physiology, and horse breeding. Designed to meet the need for management and marketing skills within the horse industry. Offered by various universities around Australia.
Bachelor of Equine Science
Available through two universities or online, this is a university degree offering foundation training for careers in a range of fields, including horse health, welfare, training, nutrition, performance, rehabilitation, business, etc.
Certificate III in Horse Breeding and Management
Covers breeding principles, stud management, and horse care practices. Offered by TAFE colleges and private training providers.
Diploma of Equine Business Management
Offered by various TAFE colleges and private providers, this qualification equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage equine businesses effectively.
Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management
A higher-level qualification focusing on business management principles within the equine industry. Offered by a limited number of private training providers in Australia.
Advanced Certificate in Applied Management (Horses)
An online equine management course focusing on horse care, horse psychology, pasture management, stable design, and more. Intent is to equip those who want to work in higher levels in the industry with the necessary management skills. Offered by a few online course providers.
Graduate Certificate in Equine Business Management
For those with existing qualifications, this postgraduate course allows you to specialise in equine business management.
There are a number of horse management certifications available online through overseas institutions such as O’Net online. Because the horse industry is global, most would be recognised by employers in Australia.
Additional Licenses and Permits that May be Required
You may also require additional permits or licenses, notably –
Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Equally important, and likely mandatory, for anyone working with children under 18, including instructors at riding schools. Requirements vary by state.
First Aid Certificate
Recommended for all equine professionals due to potential risks in working with horses.
Animal Welfare License
May be required depending on the specific activities of your equine business, such as operating a breeding farm or training facility. Requirements vary by state.
Liquor Licence / Food Safety Certifications
Also required if your business serves alcohol, or prepares and serves food.
Local Council Permits and Approvals
Depending on your specific business and location, you may additionally need permits for operating a business, animal welfare, and fire safety.
Career Paths and Opportunities for Equine Business Managers
There are many career options for trained equine business managers because the training you receive equips you with the skills and knowledge to run a range of equine enterprises – from small specialist businesses to entire farming operations.
Top training establishments invariably report that over 90% of their graduates find full-time employment within a few months of graduating. They also go on to develop careers in fields as diverse as breed society management, equine facility design and management, equine health and welfare, marketing, and advertising…
Specifically, many find roles working in:
- Racing administration and facilities administration (racetracks, etc.)
- Training centres (racing, showing, performance)
- Studs and breeding facilities
- Equine veterinary practices
- Riding schools
- Agistment centres
- Farms and agricultural enterprises
- Horse feed and equipment manufacturers (a qualification in Equine Nutrition is valuable here)
- Breed societies and industry bodies
- Advertising and media
In fact, wherever there are businesses specialising in the horse industry, there are opportunities for equine business managers. They may work as general office assistants and office managers or move up the ladder into management positions (General Manager, Director of Operations, Consultants, Owner/Operators).
Work Environment of the Equine Business Manager
One of the main attractions of a career as an equine business manager is its diversity and variety. You may find yourself out in the fresh air working with horses one day and then balancing budgets in an air-conditioned office the next.
You’ll probably also attend meetings, talk to clients, help with the horses, work with horse care professionals, trainers, breeders, and even non-horsey professionals, plus plenty more depending on your employer.
Salary Range for Equine Business Managers in Australia (2024)
According to Seek.com.au, the average salary for an Equine Business Manager in Australia (2024) falls between $75,000 and $120,000 per year. Furthermore, there is potential for higher earnings in senior or specialised positions. However, salary can vary depending on experience, qualifications, location, and the specific size and type of business.
Job Outlook for Equine Business Managers in Australia
The demand for skilled Equine Business Managers is expected to grow in Australia. Horse ownership is increasing in popularity and running an equine business is becoming increasingly more complex. For example, there is red tape, government supervision, insurance, animal welfare, ethical business practices, OH&S regulations, and so on.
Therefore, it’s an exciting field with a promising future and plenty of scope for specialisation for those with the right skills and passion.
Overview of a Career as an Equine Business Manager
The business manager is often the driving force behind the success of a business, equestrian or otherwise. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career that combines your love for horses with your business acumen, and have what it takes to mastermind a successful equine operation, then a career as an equine business manager could be exactly what you’re looking for!
This versatile role offers the opportunity to make a real impact on the success of equine businesses while enjoying daily interaction with horses and the satisfaction of seeing a business thrive under your leadership.
So, are you ready to saddle up for a career in the exciting world of equine business management?
