_{If you are an equine freelancer, chances are you have heard the same lines over and over again.}

“We do it for the love of the horses.”

“We’re only a small yard.”

“We’ve only ever paid this rate.”

“This will be great for your portfolio.”

These phrases are so common in the equine industry that they almost sound normal. But normal does not mean fair.

If you are a freelance groom, self-employed rider, or offering freelance horse care services, you are not a hobbyist. You are running a business, and businesses must be paid properly.

Let’s unpack the excuses and talk honestly about how we fix this culture of undervaluing equine labour.

“Do It For The Love Of The Horses”

The equestrian world runs on passion. Most of us chose horses over easier, better-paid careers. Yard owners know that.

But here is the uncomfortable truth:

• Love does not pay rent.
• Passion does not cover public liability insurance.
• Dedication does not pay your tax bill.

When someone says “we all do it for love,” what they often mean is:

“We don’t want to increase the budget.”

Meanwhile, the yard continues to charge for its services, and no one expects them to discount their services “for love.”

So why should a self-employed equine professional discount theirs?

“We’re Only A Small Yard”

Running a small livery yard or riding school is tough and costs only ever increase. But here is the key point:

A freelancer is not responsible for fixing margins.

A freelance groom’s hourly rate must account for:

• No holiday pay
• No sick pay
• No pension contributions
• Personal insurance
• Fuel and travel
• Gaps between bookings
• Equipment and ongoing training

When you hire an equine freelancer, you are hiring flexibility, skill, and short-term expertise. That flexibility has value.

Small yard or not, professional labour is still professional labour.

“We’ve Only Ever Paid This Before”

Some yards are still paying rates set a decade ago. But since then:

• Minimum wage has increased.
• Living costs have increased.
• Business costs have increased.

The cost of living crisis in the UK has not skipped the equestrian sector.

Yet many freelancers are still expected to accept outdated equine day rates that are no longer sustainable.

Just because something has “always been done that way” does not make it acceptable.

“This Will Be Good For Your Portfolio”

Exposure does not pay the mortgage.

Yes, working at a well-known competition yard might look impressive and yes, it might help build contacts.

But unless it directly leads to paid, reliable work, it does not replace a fair freelance equine rate.

Other professional businesses do not ask skilled workers to accept less because the brand is prestigious, and the equestrian industry should not either.

The Bigger Problem: A Cultural Issue In The Equestrian Industry

The truth is, the equine world has historically undervalued labour.

Long hours.

Low wages.

Young people working excessive hours for experience.

Freelancers can challenge that.

When equine freelancers charge properly, they disrupt a system built on low-paid, overworked staff.

That disruption can feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary.

If we want a sustainable future for freelance horse professionals in the UK, the culture has to shift from emotional obligation to business accountability.

What Equine Freelancers Must Do To Change This

Changing the culture is not just about yard owners. Freelancers play a role, too.

1. Think Like A Business Owner

You are not “helping out.”

You are providing contracted services.

That means calculating your rate based on:

• Annual income target
• Tax
• Insurance
• Non-billable days
• Travel
• Equipment
• Administration time

If your freelance hourly rate does not cover those, it is not sustainable.

2. Stop Apologising For Your Pricing

Confidence changes conversations.

“My rate is £X per hour.”

Simple. Professional. Clear.

If it does not fit their budget, that is fine. Not every yard is your client.

3. Refuse To Undercut The Industry

When freelancers undercut to secure work, it drives down the entire market.

Sustainable equine freelance pay only happens when professionals hold their rates. Competing solely on price can lead to burnout and resentment. Competing on skill, reliability, and professionalism builds long-term success.

How TallyHO Temps Is Helping Professionalise Equine Freelancing

This is exactly why TallyHO Temps exists.

TallyHO Temps is not just a listing site. It is designed to professionalise the equine freelance market in the UK.

Here is how.

No Marketing Of Below Minimum Wage Services

We do not promote freelancers who offer services at a rate below the minimum wage.

If you are running a business, your pricing must reflect that.

This protects both freelancers and the wider industry.

Upfront Client Payments

One of the biggest issues in freelance horse work is chasing payment.

On TallyHO Temps:

• Clients pay in advance.
• Funds are secured.
• Payment is released on completion.

No uncomfortable conversations.

No delayed transfers.

No unpaid invoices.

That changes the power dynamic immediately.

Positioning Freelancers As Professionals

TallyHO Temps positions equine freelancers as skilled, verified professionals.

Profiles showcase:

• Experience
• Specialisms
• Reviews
• Availability

The language shifts from “Can you help out?” to “Book a professional equine freelancer.”

That distinction matters.

The Bottom Line

The excuses exist because the culture allowed them to exist.

But culture shifts when enough professionals refuse to accept less.

When equine freelancers in the UK:

• Price correctly
• Hold their rates
• Expect contracts
• Insist on secure payment

The industry adapts.

The equestrian world does not need more passion; it's clear that passion exists in abundance, but it does need more professionalism.

And the more we treat freelance horse work as a business, not a favour, the faster that change will come.

If you are serious about being paid what you are worth, it starts with you.

TallyHO Temps is built to support you properly.

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Join TallyHO Temps Today

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