The best equestrian resume leads with quantified accomplishments, uses industry-specific keywords, and formats cleanly for both human readers and applicant tracking systems. Most horse industry employers spend less than 30 seconds on an initial resume scan, so clarity and relevance matter more than length.
The equine industry supports 2.2 million jobs in the United States alone, according to the American Horse Council's 2023 Economic Impact Study. Yet competition for desirable positions remains fierce. Resume expert Margaret Rizzo McKelvy, who reviews resumes for equine clients, notes that only one in five applicants submit strong resumes.
This guide shows you exactly how to join that top 20%.
Why Equestrian Resumes Require a Different Approach
The horse industry operates differently than most employment sectors. Small barn operations often lack formal HR departments. Hiring managers are frequently trainers or barn owners who value hands-on competence over academic credentials.
This creates unique challenges for job seekers:
- Non-traditional experience counts. Working student positions, volunteer rescue work, and unpaid apprenticeships are legitimate qualifications—but only if you present them correctly.
- Technical skills need translation. Terms like "natural horsemanship" or "clicker training" signal expertise to horse people but may confuse general resume advice.
- References carry unusual weight. A recommendation from a respected trainer or veterinarian often matters more than a degree.
Understanding these differences is the first step toward creating a resume that resonates with equine employers.
Choosing the Right Resume Format
Your resume format should match your career stage and experience type. Three formats work for equestrian positions.
Chronological Format
List work experience from most recent to oldest. This format works best if you have steady employment history in equine roles with clear progression—for example, moving from groom to assistant trainer to head trainer.
Functional Format
Organize your resume around skill categories rather than job history. Choose this format if you're transitioning from amateur riding to professional work, changing careers from another industry, or have employment gaps you'd rather not highlight.
Hybrid Format
Combine a skills summary at the top with a condensed work history below. This format suits candidates with mixed backgrounds—perhaps formal employment at one barn plus working student experience at another, combined with volunteer rescue rehabilitation work.
For most equestrian job seekers, the hybrid format offers the best balance of showcasing relevant skills while providing the chronological context employers expect.
Essential Sections for Your Equestrian Resume
Every equestrian resume needs these components, tailored specifically for horse industry expectations.
Contact Information and Professional Title
Place your name, phone number, professional email, and city/state at the top. Include a professional title that matches your target position—"Dressage Trainer" or "Barn Manager" rather than generic terms like "Horse Professional."
Avoid cutesy email addresses. Create a simple professional email if your current one includes horse puns or nicknames.
Professional Summary
Write 3-5 sentences that capture your core qualifications. Lead with your years of experience and primary discipline.
Weak example:
"Passionate horse lover seeking opportunity to work with horses in a professional environment."
Strong example:
"Hunter/jumper trainer with 8 years of experience developing horses and riders from beginner through 3'6" divisions. Managed 15-horse program generating $180K annual lesson revenue. USHJA Trainer Certification and current First Aid/CPR."
The strong version includes specific numbers, discipline focus, and credentials—all elements that help employers quickly assess fit.
Skills Section
Divide skills into categories for easy scanning:
Technical Skills:
- Riding disciplines (dressage, jumping, western, eventing)
- Training methodologies (classical dressage, natural horsemanship, groundwork)
- Veterinary knowledge (administering medications, recognizing lameness, wound care)
- Equipment and tack fitting
Certifications:
- Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) levels
- ARIA (American Riding Instructors Association)
- Equine sports massage or bodywork
- First aid and CPR
According to Zippia's analysis of equestrian resumes, the most frequently listed skills include tack (34.4% of resumes), lesson programs, and CPR certification.
Work Experience
Include all horse-related experience—paid and unpaid. Working student positions, apprenticeships, and volunteer work at rescues demonstrate commitment and practical skills.
For each position, quantify your impact whenever possible.
Weak example:
"Responsible for training young horses."
Strong example:
"Started 12 young horses under saddle annually using progressive desensitization methods. Achieved 100% safety record with zero handler injuries over 3-year tenure."
Numbers give employers concrete evidence of your capabilities and scope of responsibility.
Education and Certifications
For most equestrian positions, practical experience outweighs formal education. However, relevant degrees (equine science, animal science, business) and certifications still deserve prominent placement.
List certifications with issuing organizations and dates. Include specialized training clinics with notable clinicians if space permits.
Making Your Resume ATS-Friendly
Many larger equine operations now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before human review. According to TopResume research, 75% of resumes never reach human eyes because they fail ATS screening.
Formatting for ATS Success
Keep formatting simple:
- Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, and graphics
- Use conventional section headers ("Work Experience" not "My Horse Journey")
- Save as PDF to preserve formatting
Keywords That Matter
ATS systems scan for keywords matching the job description. Mirror the exact language from postings. If a job lists "turnout" don't substitute "pasture time." If they want "feeding" experience, use that word rather than "nutrition management."
Common equine keywords to include naturally throughout your resume:
- Grooming, turnout, feeding, exercise
- Stall cleaning, barn maintenance
- Horse handling, ground manners
- Veterinary care coordination
- Client communication, lesson instruction
Common Mistakes That Get Equestrian Resumes Rejected
Avoid these frequent errors that undermine otherwise qualified candidates.
Being Too Vague About Experience
General statements like "experienced with horses" tell employers nothing. Specify breeds you've worked with, disciplines you've trained in, and types of facilities you've managed.
Overlooking Non-Paid Experience
Working student positions at competition barns often provide more valuable experience than paid positions at lesson facilities. Include this experience with the same detail you'd give paid work—just note the arrangement honestly.
Using Unprofessional Presentation
No selfies with your horse as a resume photo. No decorative fonts or colored paper. The equine industry may be casual in daily operations, but hiring decisions still favor professional presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I List Horse Experience Without Formal Employment?
Create a section titled "Equine Experience" rather than "Work History." List working student positions, volunteer work, and personal horse ownership with the same detail as paid employment. Focus on skills developed and responsibilities handled.
Should I Include My Riding Discipline on My Resume?
Yes. Your discipline expertise helps employers quickly assess fit. A dressage barn likely wants someone with dressage background. Include your highest level of competition or training if relevant.
How Long Should an Equestrian Resume Be?
One page for less than 10 years of experience. Two pages maximum for extensive careers. Hiring managers at busy barns won't read beyond the first page unless your qualifications clearly warrant it.
Land Your Next Equine Position
A strong equestrian resume translates your passion and experience into language that resonates with employers. Focus on quantified accomplishments, industry-specific keywords, and clean formatting that works for both human readers and automated systems.
Ready to put your resume to work? Browse current equine job openings and find your next opportunity in the horse industry.