Broodmare Manager Career Profile

Broodmare Manager Career Profile Broodmare Manager Career Profile The broodmare manager position is an important one in the equine breeding industry. Significant experience is usually a prerequisite for this position, but there are numerous opportunities across the country for the serious job seeker. Duties Broodmare managers are equine professionals with experience in managing the needs of mares and foals. They work the majority of their day on the go, traveling from the farm office to the various barns on the property. The typical routine for a broodmare manager includes teasing mares, assisting with veterinary exams, attending foalings and being on call for emergencies, maintaining herd health records, and managing staff members. It is important to note that while the Thoroughbred industry only allows live cover breeding, broodmare managers working with other breeds may need to develop proficiency with techniques such as artificial insemination, semen collection, and embryo transfer. Career Options Broodmare managers can work with a number of breeds in many areas of the equine industry. Many broodmare managers work in the Thoroughbred industry, with the greatest concentration of breeding farms located in Lexington, Kentucky and Ocala, Florida. A large number of broodmare managers also work with show and performance horse breeds. Broodmare managers can transition from working with one breed to another with ease. They may also transition into other roles in the equine industry that are not necessarily connected with the breeding side of the industry  (such as veterinary pharmaceutical sales, equine product sales, feed sales, training, other management roles, etc.hands-on   equine). Education and Training A college degree is not a requirement for securing a broodmare manager position, though a degree  does lend strength to the applicant’s resume. Useful education would include a bachelors or masters degree in fields such as Equine Reproduction, Animal Science, or Equine Science. There are also some certificate programs available, as well as online or distance learning options from organizations such as the University of Guelph. The equine industry places significant emphasis on practical experience. An aspiring broodmare manager generally works their way up from a groom, foaling attendant, veterinary technician, or assistant broodmare manager position. Hands-On equine internship program would also demonstrate a candidates commitment and skill. Salary The salary for this position can vary widely based on previous experience of the manager, the size of the farm, the type of horses bred (racing, showing, or pleasure), and the prevalent ?rate in that particular geographic area. Salarylist.com quotes an average salary of $40,577 per year for a broodmare manager and $26,313 per year  for an assistant broodmare manager. Salaryquest.com indicates salary can vary widely from $35,000 per year  to $70,000 per year on Thoroughbred breeding farms. In addition to salary, there may be many  other job perks for broodmare managers. These perks may include a variety of items such as  free farm housing (or an allowance to defray the cost of housing), use of a farm vehicle, free board for the manager’s horse, bonuses, paid vacation, and health insurance. Career Outlook The equine industry has shown continued strength over the past several decades, with the number of horses kept for sport or recreation climbing steadily. The amount of money spent in the equine industry has also continued to show growth. Since the breeding industry is a relatively large aspect of the equine industry as a whole, there should be many available jobs for those candidates who are willing to gain the necessary experience and technical skill to advance to management positions.