^{Equine product design jobs are not talked about enough!}

Before you can start designing products for horses, you need to have an in-depth understanding of equine behaviour, anatomy, and biomechanics. Horses have specific needs that must be met to ensure their comfort, safety, and performance. A well-designed product considers how a horse moves, how it reacts to external stimuli, and what materials will work best to avoid discomfort or injury.

A fundamental knowledge of the following is essential:

Equine Anatomy & Biomechanics: Understanding how a horse’s muscles, joints, and skeleton function is crucial when designing saddles, bridles, or anything else a horse should require.
Horse Behavior & Psychology: Horses have sensitive responses to pressure, fit, and movement. Their comfort directly impacts their performance and well-being.
Climate & Environmental Factors: Weather plays a huge role in equine product design. For example, rugs need to be breathable and warm in winter, while fly masks must offer protection without overheating the horse in summer.

Education & Training for Equine Product Designers

A formal education in equine sciences, biomechanics, or product design can provide a strong foundation. While there is no single pathway into equine product design, the following fields of study can be useful:

Equine Science or Veterinary Studies – Covers horse anatomy, health, and movement.
Industrial or Fashion Design – Focuses on materials, ergonomics, and aesthetics.
Saddlery or Leatherworking Courses – Specialises in working with leather and tack-making.

Some institutions offer specialised courses in equine product design, but many professionals enter the field through experience gained in the equestrian industry combined with knowledge of design and manufacturing.

Gaining Experience in Equine Product Design

To become proficient, aspiring equine product designers should seek experience in:

Working with Horses: Hands-on experience with horses (riding, grooming, or stable work) helps understand how products interact with the horse’s body.
Apprenticeships with Saddlers or Tack Makers: Learning the craft of making and fitting tack can provide valuable insight into materials and comfort.
Internships with Equine Equipment Companies: Gaining industry experience by working with manufacturers of rugs, saddles, boots, or other products.
Studying Horse Movement: Attending biomechanics courses, watching slow-motion videos of horses in motion, and working with equine physiotherapists can improve understanding.

Designing for Comfort, Functionality, and Performance

When designing equine products, the focus should be on ensuring:

Optimal Fit & Comfort: Poorly fitting equipment can lead to sores, discomfort, and even long-term damage.
Use of Suitable Materials: Leather is traditional for tack, but synthetic materials like breathable mesh and technical fabrics are used for rugs, boots, and fly masks.
Adaptability to Different Weather Conditions: Horsewear must be designed for all seasons—waterproofing for winter, UV protection for summer, and breathability for year-round use.
Durability & Safety: Products must be strong yet flexible, avoiding any materials or features that could cause injury.

Businesses That Employ Equine Product Designers

Many companies and industries rely on skilled equine product designers, including:

Equestrian Product Manufacturers: Manufacturers of saddles, bridles, boots, rugs, and accessories (e.g., WeatherBeeta, Horseware , Ariat , LeMieux ).
Veterinary and Therapeutic Product Companies: Those developing supportive boots, therapy rugs, or rehabilitation products.
Racing & Performance Industries: Custom equipment for elite sport horses in dressage, showjumping, and racing.
Independent Saddlers & Designers: Crafting custom tack and leather goods.

How to Find Opportunities in Equine Product Design

For those looking to break into the industry, networking and research are key:

Follow Industry Leaders: Engage with brands and designers on social media.
Attend Trade Shows & Expos: Events like BETA International https://www.beta-int.com/ provide insights into new products and connections in the industry.
Join Equestrian and Design Forums: Online groups and discussions can help with career advice and job leads.
Build a Portfolio: Showcase sketches and prototypes to demonstrate skills.
Look for Internships & Apprenticeships: Many companies offer placements for those willing to learn.

Equine product design is a rewarding career that blends knowledge of horses with creativity and innovation. Whether designing high-performance tack or everyday horse care essentials, success in this field requires an understanding of biomechanics, materials, and industry needs. By gaining hands-on experience, studying relevant subjects, and networking with professionals, aspiring equine product designers can carve out a successful career in this specialised industry.

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