Riding Instructors and Coaches work with riders of all ages, levels of ability and experience ranging from complete beginners to more experienced competitors, depending on your own abilities. 

They will plan, deliver and review safe and competent lessons working with different levels of students as follows:

• Trainee Instructor/Level 1 Coach will support senior qualified coaches and instructors to teach students
• Assistant Instructor/Level 2 Coach will run coaching sessions for riders from beginners to Novice level, lunging of horse and rider to show improvement, and jumping to Stage 2 Level.
• Intermediate Instructor/level 3 Coach should be able to show genuine improvement of horse and rider, demonstrate sound practical business knowledge and be conversant with running a commercial yard.
• Instructor/Level 4 Coach is qualified to teach riders up to Advanced Medium Dressage, Intermediate Horse Trials and Foxhunter level show jumping.

Planning, conducting and reviewing coaching sessions is common at all levels of coaching.  The different levels of Instructor/Coach will be trained to coach in their specialist area and will prepare, deliver and review sessions in activities such as Dressage, Showjumping, Eventing, Horseball, Reining, Endurance, Driving, Riding for the Disabled, Vaulting, Polo cross and Western.

The role varies at different levels. 

Trainee Instructor/Level 1 Coach

• Assist other instructors/coaches with lessons
• Check the correct tack is being used
• Assist riders where necessary
• Lead novice riders. 

Assistant Instructor/Level 2 Coach

• Work with individuals or groups who want to ride for leisure, prepare for competitions or achieve equestrian qualifications
• Provide practical demonstrations to support others
• Teach classroom theory sessions to support others.

Intermediate Instructor/Level 3 Coach

• Work with individuals or groups who want to ride for leisure, prepare for competitions or achieve equestrian qualifications
• Provide practical demonstrations to support others
• Teach classroom theory sessions to support others
• Attend events and be a role model at county/regional level
• Prepare, deliver and evaluating annual programmes for rider development
• Supervise others, such as Trainee Instructors/Level 1 Coach and Assistant Instructors/Level 2 Coach
• Train horses, riding and schooling them from the ground. 

Instructor/Level 4 Coach

• Manage and assess staff/trainees
• Show that you are competent and confident in all aspects of horse care and management
• Undertake practical handling skills
• Offer sound theoretical knowledge to other coaches/instructors
• Manage the business aspects of an equestrian establishment
• Train a variety of horses using sound training principles both on the flat and over fences
• Work with horses on the ground
• Actively compete horses in affiliated competitions. 

Working Conditions

An Instructor/Coach will have vast knowledge and skills of handling and riding horses.  They will also have lots of experience in different aspects of equine theory and management.  The hours of work may vary but usually will include evenings and weekends. The work can also be seasonal depending on location.

A driving licence is often useful.  Due to location some instructors work away from home or live in at the riding school.

The work can take place outside on grass, all weather arenas or in indoor arenas. 

Next steps

A fully qualified Instructor/Coach could progress to become a Senior Instructor/Coach at a riding school, work freelance or elsewhere within their chosen discipline. There may also be opportunities to work abroad.

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud

Riding Centre Managers oversee the running of horse riding centres which offer riding and trekking activities and holidays.  Some managers also own the venues too.

They are responsible for the organisation, operation and marketing of the centre, and for supervising the care of the horses. The job varies depending on the employer but main tasks include:

• Balance the organisation of the riding centre and welfare and care of the animals with marketing and operation
• Liaise with local tour operators to enhance business opportunities
• Ordering of all supplies including horse food, supplements etc.
• Ensuring that the business meets health and safety requirements
• Planning and organising all business aspects of the centre, including marketing, administration and finances
• Overseeing the management of the horses and ensuring the treks are suitably planned
• Arranging daily routines for horse care and stable management
• Handling queries, problems and complaints
• Recruiting and managing staff, organising work rotas and arranging training.

Working Conditions

Riding Centre Managers usually work long hours, including evenings and weekends. Actual hours vary with the type and size of the centre. They will spend some time working indoors in an office but also work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Trekking centres are situated throughout the UK but are more common in rural parts of the country and in coastal areas.

Next steps

Riding Centre Managers may also have the opportunity to expand their skills and qualifications.  This would depend on the size and type of equestrian establishment they work in.

Other roles could include:

• Equine Tourism Examiner
• Instructor or Coach
• Yard Manager
• Horse Transporter
• Business Yard Manager. 

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud

Farriers work closely with horse owners and vets to prepare horses’ feet and fit shoes. They need practical skills to shoe both normal and defective feet and make shoes suitable for all types of work and working conditions. This involves:  
•    Checking the horse's leg, foot and hoof
•    Discussing and agreeing the horse’s shoeing requirements with the owner
•    Cutting away excess hoof growth and make sure the horse is balanced correctly
•    Choosing the most appropriate shoe for the horse relating to its size, foot condition, activity, work and working conditions
•    Fitting the shoe and complete any finishing off work
•    Adjusting the shape of the shoe if necessary using the relevant tools.

Horseshoes are made either by hand or machine and can be fitted hot or cold. Their shape can be adjusted by the Farrier, using a hammer and anvil. Farriers sometimes have to discuss foot treatments with owners and vets and devise corrective measures to compensate for any faulty limb actions.

There are around 2,500 registered Farriers in the UK. Most are self-employed, working for a variety of clients and there is an ongoing demand for their skills. Clients include farmers, racehorse owners, private horse owners, the owners and managers of riding schools and stables, animal attractions and the military police. There may also be the opportunity to train as a Farrier within the Army through the Army's own specific training route.

Qualified Farriers are registered with the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) which can provide a list of all registered Farriers. As most are self-employed, some time is spent organising appointments with customers and finding new customers when necessary as well as ordering stocks and tools used for the job and carrying out general book-keeping and administrative work.

Working Conditions

Farriery is a skilled profession and Registered Farriers are capable of shoeing all types of equine feet and making shoes to suit all types of work and working conditions. The majority of Farriers are self-employed so business skills and customer care are important. Farriery is a regulated profession by law.
 
Working hours vary from week to week, depending on the needs of their customers. They do most of their work during daylight hours, but may also provide emergency cover which can be at any time of the day or night.
 
They travel between different customers, visiting farms, riding stables, and livery yards, to carry out their work. A driving licence is necessary as is a vehicle suitable for carrying around a mobile workshop of stock and tools.

Farriery is hard, physical work. It involves bending, lifting and walking, and sometimes working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Next steps

The success of self-employed Farriers depends on them getting enough customers for full-time work. It is also important to build a reputation based on customer satisfaction and recommendation to other horse owners.

Permanent employment may be available in larger riding schools, stables, and horse breeders. There may be promotion opportunities to senior Farrier or to a management position. Overseas work may sometimes be available, especially within the horse breeding and racing field.

One option for career progression is to become an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and be able to employ and train apprentice Farriers.

To become an ATF you will need to have been qualified for a minimum of 2 years and undertake the ATF course.

Useful links

The British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association  

The Farriers Registration Council

My world of work

Worshipful Company of Farriers

A Jockey is a highly trained professional, contracted by a licensed trainer to ride their horses at public race meetings.  They may race either on the flat (on a race track without obstacles) or across jumps (known as National Hunt racing). Jockys usually specialises in either flat or jump racing, although some take part in both. 

You would enter the industry as an Apprentice Jockey then work with a Jockey, Trainer or Owner to become a Jockey yourself after registering and gaining experience. 

Work would include:

• Planning racing strategies with the owner and trainer
• Taking advice from the trainer on tactics to suit the horse and the track
• Riding every day to train and exercise the horses 
• Riding at flat or jump races at race tracks around the UK.

Working Conditions 

A Jockey would work around 40 to 45 hours a week depending on the number of races they take part in. There will be a significant amount of travelling involved as they attend races at courses throughout the UK. 

The work is physically demanding, often involving early starts and late finishes.

A driving licence may be useful.

Next steps

There are more than 550 racing stables around the country, mainly in rural areas. Employment prospects for trained stable hands are usually good but progression to apprentice Jockey is difficult and becoming a successful Professional Jockey even more so.

A Professional Jockey may work for one trainer or owner, or ride for different trainers and owners as a self-employed jockey. There are opportunities to work for stables overseas, especially in Dubai, Japan and the USA.

Jockeys usually retire from riding by age 45 (35 for jump jockeys). At the end of the racing career, Jockeys can get advice on retraining and employment from the Jockeys Employment and Training Scheme.

Useful links

Association of British Riding Schools

British Grooms Association

British Horse Society in Scotland

British Horseracing Authority

My world of work

The British Racing School

The National Stud

Approved Training Farriers work as Registered Farriers but also employ, train and supervise the work and professional behaviour of Apprentice Farriers.

The level of supervision is the responsibility of the ATF and can range between: 

• Direct Supervision - The apprentice is working in the same area as the ATF and is being observed
• General Supervision – the apprentice is working in the same premises as the AFT, who can be located quickly and easily
• Under Direction - the apprentice is working alone using his/her own initiative  but the ATF has discussed the shoeing plan prior to work being undertaken.

 An ATF will support their apprentices to achieve each stage of the Farriery Apprenticeship:

•  Mandatory college assessments 
• Level 3 Diploma in Farriery (work-based),Farriery Advanced Apprenticeship requirements including Level 2 Key Skills
• Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers Examination
• The period of training prescribed by the Farriers Registration Council (currently four years and two months).

ATFs work closely with College tutors, assessors and verifiers, Field Officers, Horse owners and Vets.

Working Conditions 

 Farriers working hours vary from week to week, depending on the needs of their customers and usually include weekends. They do most of their work during daylight hours; however, they may also provide emergency cover which can be at any time of the day or night.

They travel between different customers' workplaces, such as farms, riding stables, and livery yards, to carry out their work. A driving licence is necessary as is a vehicle suitable for carrying around a mobile workshop of stock and tools.

Farriery is hard, physical work. It involves bending, lifting and walking, and sometimes working outdoors in all weather conditions.

ATFs will often spend additional time with their apprentices in the forge to provide practical training in shoe and tool making.

Next steps

ATFs will be self-employed or may work for a large organisation. There may be opportunities to move into lecturing or providing a consultancy service.

Useful links

The British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association  

The Farriers Registration Council

My world of work

Worshipful Company of Farriers

Apprentice Farriers work on behalf of their Approved Training Farrier (ATF) who oversees and takes responsibility for their professional behaviour and quality of their work throughout their training. 

During their training Apprentice Farriers will work under the supervision of their Approved Training Farrier to: 

• Handle and restrain horses
• Check the horse's leg, foot and hoof
• Discuss and agree the horse’s shoeing requirements
• Cut away excess hoof growth and make sure the horse is balanced correctly
• Choose the most appropriate shoe for the horse relating to its size, foot condition, activity, work and working conditions
• Fit the shoe and complete any finishing off work
• Adjust the shape of the shoe if necessary using the relevant tools
• Make tools and horseshoes
• Maintain the forge and equipment.

There are around 2,500 Registered Farriers in the UK and around 300 Approved Training Farriers.

There may also be the opportunity to train as a Farrier within the Army through the Army's own specific training route.

Working Conditions

Farriery is a regulated profession by law and the Farriery Apprenticeship is the approved training route to become a Registered Farrier.

To become a Registered Farrier, you must complete a four-year and 2 month Advanced Apprenticeship with an Approved Training Farrier.

Apprentice Farriers will work alongside their ATF and their working hours vary from week to week, depending on the needs of their customers and often include weekends. They travel between different customers' workplaces, such as farms, riding stables, and livery yards, to carry out their work. A driving licence is necessary as is a vehicle suitable for carrying around a mobile workshop of stock and tools.

Farriery is hard, physical work. It involves bending, lifting and walking, and sometimes working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Next steps

The success of self-employed Farriers depends on them getting enough customers for full-time work.  It is also important to build a reputation based on customer satisfaction and recommendation to other horse owners.

Permanent employment may be available in larger riding schools, stables, and horse breeders. There may be promotion opportunities to Senior Farrier or to a management position. Overseas work may sometimes be available, especially within the horse breeding and racing field.

Useful links

The British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association  

The Farriers Registration Council

My World of Work

Worshipful Company of Farriers

Rangers manage areas of countryside such as woods, wetlands, common land and National Parks. The main focus is on environmental conservation, wildlife management, education, advice, access and maintenance.

They consider themselves part of a national service despite working for a range of employers in different environments. Environmental education is at the core of their work to support the conservation of local landscapes.

Rangers require a deep interest in the natural environment, an ability to work both alone and as part of team as well as the ability to work well with the general public.

Tasks include:

• Patrolling to assist visitors
• Taking part in a variety of environmental projects
• Providing information to visitors
• Delivering educational talks to groups as well as administration and management related to maintenance
• Health and safety
• Pest control
• Land-owner liaison. 

There is scope for specialisation as a career develops.

In the UK there are many employers, from both public and private sectors, who employ countryside rangers or officers. Rangers have been active since the 1950s throughout Scotland with the role now widespread throughout all landscapes and environments.

Working Conditions 

Rangers operate mainly outdoors in all weather conditions although a number of tasks take place in an office or visitor centre. These may be open seven days a week at all times of the year with the intensity and timing of work related to the visitor seasons.

In larger countryside organisations, rangers are likely to work on a rota system with other members of staff, including early mornings, evenings and weekends. Rangers should be fit and prepared to do a good deal of walking. There may be opportunities for both full-time and part-time work around the normal 37-hour week.

Rangers contribute to an essential part of land management and conservation, benefiting both lowland and upland landscape sites as well as other habitats.

The work itself is varied and demands flexibility, diligence and enthusiasm for education and conservation. Rangers combine excellent local knowledge and the skills of an experienced manager with a deep understanding of the countryside and a willingness to develop and communicate those skills. A full driving licence is usually essential.

Next steps

If you are conscientious, dedicated and demonstrate an affinity for the countryside there may be opportunities for promotion to a more senior position, especially if you work for one of the bigger organisations. 

If you are with a smaller organisation working as a Ranger, you may have to move to find a promoted position such as Head Ranger. This position involves managing all aspects of the countryside management programme including project planning, budget control and land owner liaison.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Rangers are responsible for activities that benefit both the natural environment and associated public access and recreation. Their role is to encourage visitors to the countryside, promote awareness of the natural environment and protect and preserve the countryside for future enjoyment.

The tasks can vary and can be broken down into practical and management

The practical element of this role includes:

• Patrolling sites to encourage responsible enjoyment, reduce crime and protect the public and wildlife
• Managing habitats to maintain favourable conditions for wildlife
• Managing exhibitions and visitor centres
• Ensuring footpaths, bridleways and other public access areas are safe 
• Making minor repairs to gates, fences, stiles, walls, footpaths and picnic tables
• Raising awareness of environmental conservation through education and interpretation
• Nature conservation, including the implementation of projects at a local level for the protection and creation of habitats
• Landscape conservation, including the creation of schemes to protect existing features or restore landscapes

Working Conditions 

Rangers typically work full-time. The hours vary depending on the season, with early starts common in the summer months. Weekend and Bank Holiday work, late evenings and overtime is often required. There are part-time, voluntary and flexible opportunities available.

The work can be physically demanding. Regardless of the season, work can be inside or outdoors in all weathers. Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites, for meetings and to co-ordinate education or community projects.

A driving licence is often an essential requirement for many positions.

Next steps

With experience and relevant qualifications it is possible to progress to management positions, such as Senior Ranger or Countryside or Property Manager. The career structure will vary depending on the size of the organisation.

There is also the possibility of specialising in key conservation areas, environmental policy or management.

Progression usually involves taking an increasingly office-based role, often moving from a 'hands-on' job to an advisory/managerial role. Senior posts are likely to mean greater involvement with planning, budgets, people management, and the administrative aspects of environmental management, while less time is spent in the field.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Property Managers balance the demands of access, conservation and financial management for large areas of natural and cultural heritage.

They have overall operational responsibility for a property and its contact with the general public. They ensure that the property is managed in a financially responsible way, and that high standards of conservation are achieved.

Working Conditions 

Property Managers normally work full-time. Early starts, weekend work, late evenings and working public holidays may be required.

Next steps

With experience and relevant qualifications, it is possible to progress to manage larger estates or one with greater environmental, cultural or historic importance. The career structure will vary depending on the size of the organisation. Any progression is likely to involve moving to another employer.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust

A Head of Conservation will be responsible for managing the staff who carry out environmental monitoring, provide comments on the environmental impact of proposed developments, and investigate and enforce environmental legislation for air and water quality, flood management, land management, contaminated land and noise from commercial and industrial premises. They may also have responsibility for waste management at a District or County level. 

The work of countryside or conservation staff, ecologists, archaeologists and public rights of way and access teams is also likely to fall within a Head of Conservation’s remit. 

They will provide strategic, policy and technical advice and logistical support for environmental management, and work with senior colleagues in other departments and authorities at a strategic level. They will be required to have up-to-date knowledge and understanding of environmental legislation and policies at national, regional and more local levels, with knowledge ranging from climate change, to commercial land management, to the environmental impact of industry, to the conservation management of habitats for biodiversity.

Typical work activities may include:

• Providing strategic, policy and technical advice as well as logistical support for the delivery of environmental management
• Planning and organising for staff to undertake environmental audits and impact assessments, for example in relation to significant development proposals
• Ensuring compliance with environmental legislation
• Promoting and raising awareness, at all levels of an organisation and between organisations, of the impact of emerging environmental issues, whether legislative or best practice, on corporate, ethical and social grounds
• Co-ordinating public hearings and consultations on environmental matters
• Participating in environmental education and research.

It is important for a Head of Conservation to have expertise in sustainable environmental management and to have a sound understanding of related issues and conflicts. Political awareness is often highly desirable. 

A Head of Conservation might typically be employed in a government, non-government or local authority structure. However, senior positions with large environmental Trusts and Societies, and with national and international environmental campaigning organisations, might also fit this career profile. In a smaller conservation organisation the equivalent level of responsibility might be at Chief Executive level.

Working Conditions

A Head of Conservation generally works full-time hours a week. However, as this type of work involves working with many different groups of people, evening and weekend work may occasionally be required. 

There is likely to be direct management responsibility for large budgets and a significant, multi-skilled staff team. 

Excellent communication, networking, presentation, influencing, staff management and budget management skills will be required. Sound political awareness and expertise in the development and implementation of environmental policies is also highly desirable.

Next steps

A Head of Conservation will continue to learn from experience and undertake training and continuous professional development. Career development often depends on the size and structure of the employing organisation and progression may require moving to a bigger or more specialist employer.

There may also be opportunities to specialise in environmental campaigning or global issues.

Useful links

Cairngorms National Park

Countryside Jobs Service

National Trust for Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

My world of work

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Wildlife Trust