- Salary statistics
- Horse trainer
Horse trainer
44 100 - 44 900 kr / month
Pedagogiskt arbete
Salary progression Horse trainer
What does a dressage rider do? – Tasks and work environment
A dressage rider works professionally to train and develop horses' skills for various purposes, such as competitions, shows, or work. Tasks range from basic handling and breaking-in to advanced dressage, jumping, or special assignments in film and events. The work requires a strong understanding of horse behavior and psychology, as well as the ability to adapt training methods to individual needs. The work environment is often diverse and can include stables, riding halls, competition grounds, and outdoor settings, where physical endurance and safety awareness are crucial.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for dressage riders has been clearly positive. In 2022, the average salary was 31,926 SEK per month, which increased to 41 300 SEK in 2023 – an increase of about 29%. In 2024, the average salary has reached 44 900 SEK, corresponding to an additional increase of approximately 8.7% from the previous year. This significant salary growth can largely be explained by increased interest in professional dressage, greater demand for qualified trainers, and a rise in larger events and competitions requiring skilled dressage riders. Simultaneously, the industry's professionalization and increased requirements for specialized knowledge have contributed to higher salary levels.
Dressage rider salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 270 SEK
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a dressage rider is often practically oriented and based on a combination of relevant education and extensive experience working with horses. Formal education in horse management, riding instructor training, or hippology programs is common, but many dressage riders have also taken the route via apprenticeships and specialized courses. Deep knowledge of horse care, anatomy, and learning processes are central qualifications, along with good physical condition and patience.
- Formal education: Hippology program or equivalent vocational training (2–3 years)
- Certifications: Specialized courses in horse handling, riding instructor certification, instructor licenses
- Internships: Apprenticeships with experienced dressage riders and riding stables
- Prerequisites: Experience in horse care and riding
- Tips for choosing: Combine theoretical education with lots of practical training
Many dressage riders work internationally and have the opportunity to participate in major competitions and shows abroad. This opens up unique experiences and networks but also requires good adaptability to different work environments and cultures.
Common benefits and compensations
Besides base salary, benefits such as free stable space for one's own horse, access to training facilities, competition bonuses, and sometimes accommodation at the workplace are often offered. Travel and lodging related to competitions or events may also be included, along with insurances and opportunities for further education.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is relatively high, especially for the most sought-after positions at larger stables or within competition activities. One of the biggest challenges is establishing oneself and building a good reputation, which often requires many years of hard work and networking. Physical strain, irregular working hours, and a tangible risk of work-related injuries are also factors to consider. Additionally, seasonal variations in the industry and dependence on animal welfare pose unforeseen challenges.
Tips for those who want to become a dressage rider
To succeed as a dressage rider, it is good to combine a genuine interest in horses with patience and humility regarding the animals' individual needs. Developing communication skills with both horses and people is crucial, as is being meticulous and attentive to details in training. Physical endurance and stress resilience are needed to handle long workdays and sometimes unpredictable situations. It is wise to seek internships with experienced dressage riders, build a network within the industry, and constantly stay updated on new training methods. Engagement, responsibility, and a willingness to continually develop are qualities that often distinguish the most successful in the profession.
Key facts about dressage riders
- Occupational group: Professional athletes
- Average salary: 44 900 SEK/month
- Typical employment: Employment at stables, competition organizations, or as self-employed
- Education level: Vocational training or hippology program
- Demand: 434 job openings in Sweden (2024)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a dressage rider can advance to more specialized roles, such as head trainer at larger facilities, competition coach, or trainer of other dressage riders. It is also common to combine the role with activities like riding instruction or consulting within equestrian sports. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are good future prospects for the profession, especially for those with documented experience, specialized skills, and international exposure. The demand for qualified dressage riders is expected to remain stable, particularly within competition-focused stables and event organizations.
Frequently asked questions about dressage riders
- What does a dressage rider earn?
- A dressage rider has an average salary of 44 900 SEK per month. - How to become a dressage rider?
- Through vocational training, internships, and experience in horse handling and training. - What education is required to work as a dressage rider?
- Usually hippology program or equivalent vocational training along with specialized courses. - Are there many jobs for dressage riders?
- There are 434 job openings within the profession in Sweden during 2024. - What is the work environment like for a dressage rider?
- The work environment is often physical and varied, including stables, riding halls, and outdoor settings. - What personal qualities are important?
- Patience, engagement, physical endurance, and good communication skills are important qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 37700 kr | 38100 kr | |
| Snitt | 44100 kr | 44900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 39900 kr | 40500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 39900 kr | 40500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 39900 kr | 40500 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Horse trainer has the SSYK code 3421, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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