Equine Instructor

An Equine Instructor is someone who has a great interest in and love for horses and uses that to educate others about horses. Equine Instructors can teach in high school agriculture classes, but are generally employed in Junior Colleges and Universities. Others can serve as State or County Agricultural Extension Agents. Extension Agents teach younger children through programs like 4-H and FFA, but they also are responsible for adult community education. Some of the subject areas in which an Equine Instructor must be able to teach include horse nutrition, behavior, genetics, breeding, anatomy, business, health care and welfare issues. The Equine Instructor must be

willing to dedicate a lot of time to the students, since much of the work can take place outside of the classroom in a barn atmosphere and at odd hours and on weekends.

The qualifications for an Equine Instructor will vary based on the hiring institution and job description. All Equine Instructors should to have at least a Bachelor of Science degree and preferably a Master of Science degree in the fields of Animal Science, Equine Science, Agriculture, or Education. Most four-year Universities require a Ph.D. for their positions. They must be well-organized, articulate, personable, and able to work with students and horses. Knowledge of computers and good writing skills is also very beneficial for this position. If the Equine Instructor will be teaching in a high school environment, (s)he will need licensing and certification in teaching through the state in which (s)he will be employed. Requirements for licensure vary from state-to-state.

The average income will vary based on geographical area of employment, level of education (B.S., M.S. or Ph.D), level of teaching, (i.e. high school, junior college, or university), and whether the Equine Instructor is a full-time or part-time position. Income can vary from $20,000 per year to over $70,000 per year. Full-time positions generally include a benefit plan.