Skilled Trades Fair – February 12, 2026
Stable Steps: Your Path to Equine Careers
PonyUp4Kids Foundation is excited to be featured at the Skilled Trades Fair on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, at Arlington High School. We invite students, families, and community members to stop by our table and discover the many career pathways available within the equine industry.
Explore opportunities in horse care and management, equine nutritionist equine behavioralist, foaling/mare care, horse evaluation and appraisals, training, teaching, veterinary, farrier, equine body workers, stable management and equine business development and leadership that keep barns and equine facilities running safely and smoothly. Our team will be on site to answer questions, share resources, and highlight how equine‑based careers can lead to meaningful, purpose‑driven futures.
At PonyUp4Kids, we empower children, teens, and young adults through humane education, horsemanship, and real‑world skill building. Whether you’re exploring future career options, seeking a rewarding path in the equine field, or simply curious about the industry, this is a great opportunity to learn how a passion for horses can grow into a lifelong profession.
This free, public event welcomes attendees of all ages. We look forward to meeting you and inspiring the next generation of equine professionals.
Barn to Career Training Track
Career Development, Educational Opportunities & Job Training in the Equine Industry
PonyUp4Kids Foundation provides comprehensive educational opportunities, job‑readiness training, and hands‑on job‑training services that prepare youth and adults, especially those from underserved or low‑income backgrounds for meaningful careers in the equine, agricultural, veterinary, and animal‑care industries. Through structured, experiential learning, participants gain practical skills in horse care, barn management, safety, communication, teamwork, and problem‑solving competencies that directly align with employer needs and support long‑term economic mobility.
This program introduces participants to a wide range of equine‑industry careers, including veterinary support, equine rehabilitation, show groom, horse training, riding instruction, farm operations, farrier work, equine appraisal work and equine‑assisted services. Because PonyUp4Kids also rescues and rehabilitates horses, individuals receive unique training in equine welfare, behavior, equine nutrition, equine evaluations, and rehabilitation, all areas of growing demand as rescue and sanctuary programs expand nationwide.
The equine industry offers strong and stable employment opportunities. Nationally, the sector contributes $122 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supports 1.7 million jobs. In New York State, the industry generates over $5.3 billion in economic activity and supports more than 42,000 jobs across all 62 counties. Dutchess County ranks among the top statewide in equine activity, making it an ideal region for workforce development and career exploration.
By combining educational enrichment, job‑readiness skill building, and real‑world job training, PonyUp4Kids connects participants to a thriving regional industry while helping them build confidence, employability, and pathways toward economic stability. These programs open doors for youth and adults who may otherwise lack access to career development resources, creating meaningful opportunities for growth, independence, and long‑term success.
Featured Ag-Venture Project
Ag‑Venture Foal Project: A Front‑Row Seat to Equine Careers in Action
Experience the wonder of new life and the real‑world skills behind the equine industry through our Ag‑Venture Foal Project at PonyUp4Kids Foundation. This ongoing video series follows newborn foals and their devoted mares from their very first moments—wobbly legs, first steps, early bonding—all the way through their growth in the weeks and months ahead.
As viewers watch these young horses develop, they also gain insight into the professional skills that make this work possible. Each episode highlights essential aspects of the equine field, including foal care, nutrition, training, behavior, and barn management. This behind‑the‑scenes look offers a rare, authentic window into the daily responsibilities and expertise required across the equine, agricultural, veterinary, and animal‑care industries.
The Ag‑Venture Foal Project is more than a heartwarming series—it’s a learning tool designed to spark curiosity and introduce youth and adults to real career pathways. Through expert guidance, educational commentary, and opportunities to ask questions, viewers discover how our Barn to Career Training Track prepares participants for meaningful roles in a thriving, hands‑on industry.
Join us as we follow these foals from birth to bold beginnings and inspire the next generation of equine professionals—one learning moment at a time.
Equine Workforce Pathways Program
Barn to Career Training Track
The equine industry offers a diverse range of meaningful, hands‑on careers that combine animal care, science, skilled trades, education, and leadership. These roles are essential to keeping barns, farms, and equine facilities running safely, smoothly, and professionally. At PonyUp4Kids Foundation, we introduce youth and adults to these pathways through real‑world learning and our Barn to Career Training Track.
Horse Care & Barn Management - Professionals in this area handle daily horse care, feeding, grooming, turnout, stall cleaning, and facility upkeep. Barn managers oversee schedules, safety, staff, and overall operations—critical roles in every equine facility.
Equine Nutritionist - Nutritionists design feeding programs tailored to each horse’s age, workload, health, and metabolic needs. This career blends science, animal health, and problem‑solving to support optimal performance and well‑being.
Equine Behaviorist - Behaviorists study how horses think, learn, and respond to their environment. They help address behavioral challenges, improve training outcomes, and support safer, more positive horse‑human interactions.
Foaling & Mare Care Specialist - These professionals monitor pregnant mares, assist with foaling, and provide specialized newborn care. It’s a highly skilled role requiring knowledge of reproduction, neonatal health, and emergency response.
Horse Evaluation & Appraisal - Appraisers assess a horse’s value based on training, conformation, pedigree, performance, and market trends. This career is essential for sales, insurance, legal cases, and breeding programs.
Trainer & Instructor - Trainers develop horses’ skills, manners, and athletic ability, while instructors teach riders of all ages. Both careers require patience, communication, and deep understanding of equine behavior.
Veterinary & Veterinary Technician - Equine veterinarians and vet techs diagnose illness, treat injuries, perform exams, and support overall horse health. This path blends medical science with hands‑on animal care.
Farrier - Farriers specialize in hoof care, trimming, and horseshoeing. This skilled trade is vital for horse comfort, soundness, and performance, combining craftsmanship with anatomy and biomechanics.
Equine Body Worker - Massage therapists, chiropractors, and other body‑work professionals help horses stay comfortable, flexible, and healthy. These careers focus on movement, muscle function, and holistic wellness.
Stable Management & Operations - Stable managers coordinate staff, schedules, safety protocols, equipment, and facility maintenance. They ensure barns run efficiently and meet high standards of care.
Equine Business Development & Leadership - From nonprofit leadership to farm ownership, marketing, event management, and program development, the equine industry offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs and community leaders.
We’ve only scratched the surface of what the equine industry has to offer. Beyond hands‑on horse care and training, there are specialized careers such as equine insurance agents, horse show judges, scribes, and many other professional roles that support the industry behind the scenes. From science and skilled trades to business, education, and event management, the equine world is filled with diverse pathways for every interest and skill set.
Samples from the PU4K Workbook
Compliant with NYS Learning Standards for Career Development and Occupational Studies
PU4K Sample Sheet
Compliant with NYS Learning Standards for Career Development and Occupational Studies
Is there a future farrier, trainer, or vet in your classroom?
Teach horse vocabulary and spark career conversations with our new “Stable Steps” worksheet — designed for handwriting practice and real-world career thinking. Download the free printable sheet below.
Share a photo of your students’ work and tag us to show what they create!
