How to get into horse sitting

Updated 16 Aug 2024

Thinking about horse sitting? Well you’ll be pleased to know that here at TrustedHousesitters, it’s possible for animal-lovers to care for not only dogs, cats and rabbits, but horses, too.

Horses need specific care from somebody with experience in equine sitting. So, if your dream is to stay in rural homes and care for horses while pet parents are away, stick with us as we explore how to become an equine sitter.

How to become a horse sitter

Get clued-up on horse sitting basics

Many pet parents will ask their sitters to have some basic understanding of how to care for a horse. Horses require very specific care, and you’ll need to be confident around these very large, strong animals while horse sitting.

Knowing the horse basics, such as turnout, exercise, feeding, riding, and mucking out will really help you to secure a horse sit. Some equine sitters might also be required to know how to administer medications for horses. So, when securing a sit, be sure to be clear on what’s expected of you before you go equine sitting.

Have some equine experience under your belt

Try to see if you can scope out some experience at a stable before house sitting. Learning how to bridle, groom, feed, and exercise a horse can help to prepare you for the commitment of horse pet sitting. This will also keep you as safe as possible during the sit. Horses are large, powerful animals, so personal safety is paramount.

Enroll on a horse care course

There are equine training courses, and horse care courses that can be achieved. Not only will this help you to look after your new pony pal to the best of your abilities, but it will also keep you protected in case of any mishaps. It’ll also reassure your parents of how capable you are of caring for their horse.

Promote your experience on your profile and application

If you’ve gone to the lengths of learning horse care for beginners, you’re clued-up on equine basics and you’ve completed a course in equine skills, be sure to talk about it in your sitter profile and application message. That way, pet parents and horse owners will immediately know you’re up for the challenge of a horse sit.

It goes without saying, you should be completely honest about your level of experience - not doing so could be dangerous for you and the pets involved. This is something our member Laura - horse sitter and animal lover - stresses in her horse sitting tips.

Once you’ve secured your horse sit

Try to meet the horse before you start your sit

If you’re experienced with horses, you’ll know that it can take a while for them to warm up to new people. That’s why it’s always good to have a crossover period before pet parents leave, and you start horse sitting. 

Horses are emotional creatures and prefer to be slowly introduced into new situations, i.e. their humans going away and being cared for by a new person.

Similarly, it’s a great way for you to learn more about their personality, their quirks, and ask as many questions as possible whilst their humans are there. Try to ask if you can shadow part of their daily routine to see what queries pop up and understand how best to help out.

Plus, unlike traditional paid horse sitting and boarding, you get the privilege of staying in and caring for the pet parents’ home while they’re away. So as a house sitter, meeting beforehand is a great way to be shown around, and get familiar with the place. 

If that’s not possible though, have a video call with the horse owners before the sit starts to make sure all responsibilities are clear.

Stick to their routine

As you’ll come to learn with your experience horse sitting, horses are creatures of habit. In fact, detracting from it in any way can be distressing for them. This anxiety is not healthy for the horse and it can be dangerous for you as a carer and horse sitter. A distressed horse can be an unpredictable horse. 

Be sure to stick to their schedule, offering lots of comforting cuddles and treats throughout the day. And naturally, while equine sitting, contact their owner if you’re unable to complete a task in their routine, due to challenges like a sudden change in weather.

Make sure you have all their vet details

Many horses will have a dedicated vet who is often an equine expert. Should anything go wrong or you have any concerns (such as suspected founder), their vet will be able to visit to help in any horse-related emergency. You might be a horse sitter, but you don’t need to be a medical expert. 

So, get prepared before your equine sitting adventure starts, and ask for all the contact details for both the vet and their practice, as well as any other nearby neighbors or other contacts who can swing by the stables to help.

Horse sitting tips from our members

Want to hear some horse sitting tips, straight from the horse's mouth, or thereabouts? Great - take a look at what our member Laura has to say about her experience horse sitting with TrustedHousesitters.