From April 2026, pay expectations across the UK are changing and equine freelancers need to take note.
The National Minimum Wage will rise to £12.71 per hour for those aged 21 and over, with 18–20 year olds at £10.85 per hour. Alongside this, the Real Living Wage for 2026 will be £13.45 per hour across the UK, and £14.80 per hour in London. Importantly, the Real Living Wage applies to all workers aged 18+, not just those over 21.
This matters. A lot.
The Problem We See Too Often in the Equine World
Many equine freelancers are still pricing their services below what is fair, sustainable, or reflective of their value.
You are not “just helping out”.
You are often called in:
- At very short notice
- When permanent staff are sick or on holiday
- When yards are under pressure and need someone reliable immediately
And when you arrive, you are expected to just get on with it. No hand-holding. No training. Your experience, judgement and confidence around horses are taken as a given.
That is skilled work.
Your Hourly Rate Is Not Just Your Time
When setting your prices, your hourly rate must cover far more than the hours you are physically on the yard.
You also need to factor in:
- Insurance
- Tools and equipment
- Travel time and mileage
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
- Marketing yourself
- Admin, phone calls, emails
- Chasing invoices and payments
- Gaps between jobs
Once these are taken into account, charging below the Real Living Wage quickly becomes unsustainable.
Why Pricing Too Low Hurts Everyone
Underpricing doesn’t just hurt you. It:
- Normalises poor pay across the industry
- Makes it harder for other freelancers to charge fairly
- Encourages a culture where equine workers are undervalued
And over time, it leads to burnout, stress, and people leaving the industry altogether.
That’s not something we are willing to support.
How TallyHO Temps Supports You
At TallyHO Temps, we actively market our freelancers so you are not constantly having to sell yourself.
We also:
- Collect the client’s payment upfront
- Remove awkward payment conversations
- Pay freelancers promptly once the job is completed
This protects you, your time, and your income.
Our Non-Negotiable Stance on Fair Pay
To be absolutely clear:
Any freelancer who sets their rate below the National Minimum Wage will not be marketed by TallyHO Temps.
This is not about punishment. It is about protection.
We do not want anyone on our platform to be exploited, underpaid, or pressured into accepting rates that do not reflect the true cost of freelancing. If a rate is set too low, we will contact you directly to have a conversation and help you reassess.
Because you deserve better.
Final Thought
Equine freelancing is skilled, demanding, and often physically and mentally exhausting work. You step in when others cannot. You bring calm, competence, and experience into high-pressure situations.
Price yourself accordingly.
And know that at TallyHO Temps, we are always looking out for you.
Join TallyHO Temps Today
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