If you’re unsure what to call someone who works with horses, you’ve come to the right place!
It can be tricky to find the correct word on the spot, especially when meeting someone new or discussing hobbies or professions tied to interest in working with horses.
When someone works with horses, they are involved in various activities and occupations related to the care, training, riding, breeding, and overall management of horses.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of great terms for someone who works with horses.
Words For Someone Who Works With Horses
- Equestrian
- Horse trainer
- Stablehand
- Farrier
- Jockey
- Horse breeder
- Equine veterinarian
- Horse groom
- Horse rider
- Horse caretaker
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KEY TAKEAWAY
- An equestrian is a person who is involved in horse riding, training, or horse-related sports and activities. This makes it a general and best term to use for someone who works with horses
- If the person’s job involves teaching horses various skills, behaviors, or disciplines, depending on the horse’s specific needs and owner, then “horse trainer” would be a more befitting term.
- Use “stablehand” if someone works in a stable or barn caring for horses.
- “Farrier” is a more specialized word. It’s for people responsible for trimming and shaping the hooves, as well as fitting and attaching horseshoes when necessary.
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Working with horses can be diverse, with many career paths. So, when talking about someone who works with hours, you first have to identify the person’s area of specialization. This will help you determine which words will work best for their description.
I have listed above ten different ideal words for someone who works with horses, but in the rest of this article, I will explain in great detail why the first five-word choice options will work better for this situation.
I will also add example sentences further to guide you on the usage of these words.
Equestrian
Many dictionaries define “Equestrian” as “of or about horseback riding or horseback riders.”
This gives you an idea that it’s an industry and general term that goes in line with people who are into horses.
The word “equestrian” is correct for someone who works with horses because it comes from the Latin word “eques,” which means “horseman” or “rider.”
In simple terms, “equestrian” is a special word that we use to describe people with a lot to do with horses, like riders, trainers, or anyone who works closely with these animals.
Think of it like this: Imagine you have a group of friends who all have different jobs. One of your friends loves horses and spends most of their time caring for them, riding them, and teaching others how to ride.
Instead of calling them a “horse person” or something long like that, you can use the word “equestrian” to describe them.
It’s like a shortcut word that tells people, “Hey, this person is all about horses!”
So, “equestrian” is a cool word that saves us from saying many extra words when we want to talk about someone who works with horses.
It’s like having a special word just for horse lovers and experts!
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- Bukky is an accomplished equestrian who has won numerous awards for her exceptional riding skills.
- The local equestrian club offers riding lessons for beginners who want to become skilled equestrians.
Horse trainer
The information on Wikipedia defines a horse trainer as someone who tends to horses and teaches them different disciplines.
“Trainer” means someone who teaches, guides, and helps others learn new skills or behaviors.
In this case, a horse trainer specializes in teaching horses how to follow commands, perform tasks, and behave well in different situations.
So, when we put these two words together, “Horse trainer” simply means someone skilled in teaching and guiding horses to behave properly, perform tasks, and follow commands.
They use their expertise and experience to work with horses and ensure they are well-behaved and capable of performing specific tasks, such as riding or pulling carts.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- The local equestrian center offers horse training classes where beginners can learn from experienced horse trainers how to care for and ride horses safely.
- The horse trainer used gentle and patient methods to help the nervous mare overcome her fear of water, allowing her to cross streams during trail rides confidently.
Stablehand
In the English language, a Stable is, according to the Longman Dictionary, a building where horses are kept.
The term “hand” in “Stablehand” refers to a worker or helper. It’s a common suffix that describes someone who assists with specific tasks or duties.
So, when you combine “Stable” and “Hand,” you get a word that perfectly describes the role of someone who works with horses.
A Stablehand is a person who helps maintain the stability and well-being of horses by taking care of their needs and ensuring a secure and orderly environment in the stable.
It is a suitable and understandable term because it conveys that the person is responsible for horse care and maintenance. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a stablehand works in a stable, especially one who cares for the horses.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- During the busy racing season, the Stablehand works tirelessly to prepare the racehorses for their competitions, from grooming and feeding to ensuring their stalls are in perfect order.
- The skilled Stablehand at the ranch tends to the horses’ needs. She ensures they have a clean and comfortable stable to return to after a long day of riding.
Farrier
A “farrier” is a correct word for someone who works with horses because they have a specialized skill in taking care of a horse’s hooves and horseshoes.
The word “farrier” comes from an old French word “ferrier,” which means “blacksmith.” In the past, blacksmiths were responsible for making and fitting horseshoes.
Horses needed shoes to protect their hooves from wear and tear for various tasks like riding, pulling carts, or working in fields.
Collins Dictionary defines Farrier as a person who shoes horses. But in a few other sources, it is described as an archaic name for a veterinary surgeon.
This is because, nowadays, Farriers not only make and attach horseshoes, but they also trim and shape a horse’s hooves, ensuring they are healthy and balanced.
The job of taking care of horses’ hooves has become more specialized.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- Our horse was due for a visit from the farrier to have its hooves trimmed and new horseshoes fitted.
- The local farrier is known for his skill in crafting custom horseshoes that perfectly suit each horse’s needs.
- The equestrian competition was temporarily delayed as the farrier made some last-minute adjustments to one of the horse’s shoes to ensure optimal performance
Jockey
The general meaning of Jockey is a person who rides horses professionally in races. According to Dictionary.com, Jockeys are not just ordinary riders; they have specialized skills and responsibilities that make them different.
Jockeys are trained to prioritize the safety and welfare of the horse.
They know how to handle horses in a way that minimizes the risk of injury to both the horse and themselves.
For you to call someone a Jockey, it means they are responsible for ensuring that the horse is in good health and condition before a race.
Jockeys work closely with trainers, owners, and other members of the horse racing team. So they are well-rounded.
Being a jockey isn’t just about riding fast; it’s also about making strategic decisions during a race.
Jockeys must assess the competition, plan their moves, and make split-second decisions to give their horse the best chance of winning.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- The talented jockey skillfully guided the thoroughbred horse to victory in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
- The young jockey’s determination to improve his riding skills earned him a spot on the top racing team in the country
- Before the race, the trainer and jockey huddled together to discuss their strategy for the upcoming horse race.
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I’ve even encountered cases where employers struggle with using the right job titles when posting job listings or conducting interviews for positions related to horse care, training, or riding.
So, with this list, you have useful words in your back pocket for someone who is into horses.
If you can’t remember all the words, bookmark this page and return whenever needed.
