How the Horse Industry Is Failing Its Laborers

Article by Katie Derer originally published in The Plaid Horse.

THIS CONVERSATION comes at a crucial time for our workforce, in the midst of a hazardous political climate. For this next installment of my series on the industry, let’s break down who makes up our labor force, and how common practices affect workers and freelancers.

It’s important that we understand the diversity of the equine industry in the United States, and also how it impacts the labor outlook. Equine workers propel a significant part of the economy, contributing substantially to both rural and urban communities.

There are also some troubling similarities among many industry professionals’ experiences. I’ve watched personally as peers were taunted for being “in their feelings” simply for asserting healthy boundaries. So, in their honor, let’s dispel some myths. These are a few unfortunate musings I’ve overheard in the industry:

I’ve never met a single person who deserved a raise.

This job isn’t a 9 to 5 kinda gig. There are so many freelancers who love horses and love their jobs, but as long as unfair business practices persist, a large part of the workforce is forced into dire straits. Desperate people develop desperate measures. Unregulated hours, benefits, pay, experience, and work ethic are only part of a larger picture and we need to dig deeper. If workers in the equine industry are essential workers, why are we not afforded the essentials for living wages?

Some people do this as a career, others as a hobby.

If roles in the industry are considered careers to attract career-oriented personnel, then career wages need to be part of the business plan. Wanting the experience but hoping to pay lower prices is exploitation. Expecting to pay lower wages breeds division and competition.

Growing up, I had been told that the horse industry is its own world. That we aren’t part of the “real world.” How many of us have been living under this false pretense, and for how long? We are not in some bubble universe, uninfluenced by the world around us. World economics, labor laws, illegal and legal workers, taxes, groceries prices—we are influenced by it all.

The repercussions that the industry feels now are due to its secluded nature. Detached from reality, it is easier to become biased and one-sided in thought and eventually stuck in antiquated standards and sentiments. As an advocate of my peers, it is time we had a hard conversation about the hypocritical ideals saturating the equine labor market.

LABOR IN THE U.S. EQUINE INDUSTRY

In the United States, there isn’t a singular, unified equine industry labor committee. Did you know these advocates existed? And would you be willing to use these organizations in hopes of renovating the horse industry in the future? Or perhaps starting another?

While there’s no single, all-encompassing “labor committee” specifically for the equine industry in the U.S., there are many labor-focused entities that work within specific sectors of the industry to advocate for workers’ rights, better wages, and improved working conditions.

1. National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA)

• Focus: Primarily focused on protecting the interests of horsemen (owners, trainers, grooms, etc.) in the racing industry.

• Labor Role: Advocates for fair wages, improved working conditions, and health benefits for workers in horse racing.

  
  

2. International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)

• Focus: While the Teamsters is a large labor union that represents many industries, it also includes workers in the equine sector, especially those involved in transportation, stabling, and grooming at horse racing tracks.

• Labor Role: The Teamsters represent various equine workers in labor disputes, working conditions, and wage negotiations.

  
  

3. Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (THA)

• Focus: Primarily advocates for the rights of horsemen involved in Thoroughbred racing.

• Labor Role: The THA often addresses issues related to training, racing conditions, and worker welfare, including grooms and exercise riders.

4. The Workers’ Rights Committee – National Trainers’ Association (NTA)

• Focus: Represents trainers in the horse racing industry.

• Labor Role: Advocates for fair wages, worker benefits, and improved working conditions for trainers and other industry employees, particularly those involved in training horses at racetracks.

  
  

5. Equine Workers’ Union (if applicable regionally)

• Focus: Although not as widespread, some states and regions may have informal worker unions or committees that represent grooms, riders, and other equine workers.

• Labor Role: These unions advocate for better pay, safety standards, and benefits for workers directly involved with horse care and training.

6. American Horse Council (AHC)

• Focus: Represents a wide variety of stakeholders in the equine industry, from horse owners to veterinarians to riders.

• Labor Role: While more focused on policy, the AHC does advocate for workers in the industry and addresses issues like employment standards, safety, and welfare.

7. United Farm Workers (UFW)

• Focus: Though typically associated with agricultural labor, some members of the UFW work in the equine industry, particularly in the care of horses and stable work.

• Labor Role: Advocates for migrant and seasonal workers, many of whom work in stables and on farms that raise horses.

  
  

WORKFORCE BREAKDOWN

Awareness is key when working in the equine industry. In recent decades, the labor pool has seen a growing percentage of BIPOC workers, especially among Latino and Black communities.

Latino Workers

Latino workers, particularly those of Mexican and Central American origin, make up a significant portion of the equine workforce in the U.S. This demographic is particularly prevalent in the western states, such as California, Texas, and Arizona, where workers are involved in ranching, breeding, and training horses for various purposes, including rodeo and racing. Latino laborers also work in grooming, exercise riding, and stable management. Some estimates suggest that Latino workers represent anywhere from 30% to 50% of the equine workforce in these regions, particularly in sectors like racehorse training and handling.

Black Workers

Black workers have historically been a critical part of the U.S. equine industry, especially in the context of Thoroughbred racing, training, and grooming. While their representation is not as high as Latino workers, Black jockeys, trainers, and stable hands have had a notable influence on the sport of horse racing. However, despite this rich history, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles, such as in ownership or higher management positions in equine businesses.

Immigrants and Other Groups

The equine industry also employs a growing number of workers including Asian Americans and immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Caribbean. Many of these workers are involved in more specialized roles, such as veterinary services, horse transport, and training. The immigrant workforce, including people from countries like the Philippines and Jamaica, has become an essential part of the equine service sector.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND WAGES

The equine industry is labor-intensive, often requiring long hours and physically demanding tasks. Wages vary widely depending on the role and the region, but workers in lower-skilled positions, such as stable hands or grooms, typically earn lower wages, with many workers depending on tips or other forms of supplementary income. A common discussion amongst industry professionals is what people are being paid or provided. In an unregulated environment, keeping professionals accountable is necessary. Many equine laborers face a lack of labor protections and benefits. Workers often go without health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave, making them vulnerable to economic instability. Laborers often find themselves in situations prevalent to exploitation, due to their specific circumstances. Laborers deserve fair compensation and benefits, not low pay because they are “stuck” without anywhere else to go.

ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF THE EQUINE INDUSTRY IN THE U.S.

The equine industry contributes significantly to the U.S. economy. According to the American Horse Council, the equine industry generates over $50 billion annually in direct economic output and supports more than 1 million jobs across the country. While the U.S. has one of the largest equine industries in the world, there are notable differences in labor dynamics across other countries, especially in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Europe

The U.K., France, and other European nations have a long history of horse racing, breeding, and equestrian sports. In countries like the U.K., the labor force is often more formalized, with workers enjoying greater access to labor protections such as health insurance and pensions.

Latin America

The industry is particularly strong in countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, where horse breeding, racing, and rodeo events are popular. Much like the U.S., labor conditions can be difficult, with a reliance on low-wage, immigrant, and minority workers, particularly in the breeding and training sectors.

Asia

In countries like Japan, China, and India, equine labor is often more formalized, with certain roles (such as jockeys or trainers) requiring special training or licenses. However, the number of workers in the equine sector is still small compared to the U.S. or Europe, and the industry tends to be less diversified in terms of minority groups. In Japan, horse racing and breeding are important industries, while India has a growing equestrian sports sector.

If any part of this article triggers a reactionary response, I hope readers can dive deeper into their personal ethics and business dealings. However, I welcome all professional thoughts on the matters at hand. May we all broaden our minds and community in order to ensure the healthy growth of sport, dedication, and horsemanship we all deserve.

THE EXPERT: KATIE DERER

In 2016, Derer formed Wilderer Equestrian as a young professional, committed to young horses, sales, and showing on the circuit. After 20+ years in the industry, she continues to document first-hand experiences and search for solution-based policies to bring into practice.