Barriers to Australian veterinary students choosing an equine career.

Overview

• This study investigates why fewer Australian veterinary students choose careers in equine veterinary practice, identifying perceived and actual barriers that discourage graduates from entering this field.

Research Purpose and Context

• The equine veterinary profession faces a global shortage in recruitment and retention, with declining numbers of new graduates pursuing equine-focused careers.
• This study aims to understand the barriers that Australian veterinary students perceive or experience regarding equine veterinary careers.
• Understanding these barriers can help develop strategies to attract and retain graduates in this vital segment of veterinary medicine.

Methodology

• A mixed methods research design was employed, combining quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) data collection.
• Participants included veterinary students from seven universities across Australia.
• An online survey was distributed, collecting:
  • Demographic information
  • Likert-scale ratings assessing attitudes and perceptions
  • Open-ended responses to gather detailed views on key themes
• Key themes addressed were:
  • Level of equine-related experience
  • Perceptions of clients in equine practice
  • Salary expectations
  • Concerns about Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) debt
  • Perceptions of workplace culture within equine practice
• Following the survey, students were invited to participate in Zoom interviews to explore their personal experiences and perceptions more deeply.
• Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis with NVivo software.

Findings

• A total of 306 survey responses were received, with 239 complete enough for analysis.
• Eight in-depth Zoom interviews were conducted.
• Major concerns about equine practice included:
  • Difficult clients, cited by 81% of respondents, highlighting challenging interpersonal aspects of equine veterinary work.
  • Workplace culture issues, with 60% noting negative or unwelcoming environments in equine clinics.
  • Challenges related to achieving work-life balance, reported by 53%, indicating concerns over demanding work schedules.
  • Long working hours, though cited less frequently (14%), were still noted as a stressor.
• A strong perception emerged that one must have a prior passion for or affinity with horses (“be horsey”) to succeed or fit into equine veterinary roles, acting as a psychological barrier for some students.
• Limited early exposure to horses during veterinary studies and restricted hands-on opportunities during extramural placements were identified as practical barriers reducing student confidence and interest.

Recommendations and Implications

• Students suggested improving clinic culture to create more supportive and inclusive work environments.
• Support for “non-horsey” students—those without a strong background or prior experience with horses—could help broaden interest in equine careers.
• Promotion of positive, well-structured equine placements was recommended to provide richer practical experiences.
• Providing clear, realistic career pathways and information about the equine veterinary profession could help students make informed choices.

Conclusion

• To address the recruitment and retention crisis within equine veterinary medicine, stakeholder collaboration is critical between universities, veterinary clinics, and industry organizations.
• Efforts should focus on challenging negative cultural attitudes, increasing student exposure to horses and equine practice, and improving work-life balance within the profession.
• These strategies will help build a sustainable and motivated workforce for the future of equine veterinary care in Australia.