Occupational disability and job satisfaction in the equine veterinary profession: How sustainable is this ‘tough job’ in a changing world?

Summary This study used a questionnaire to evaluate the working situation, associated injuries and diseases of equine practitioners in the Netherlands. Equine veterinary work is physically demanding, strenuous and predisposes to diseases and injuries. Despite this, male and female equine practitioners alike appreciate their jobs and hardly ever take sick leave. There was no cynical attitude towards their own profession, but there was awareness of the risks and physical consequences, which are more or less taken for granted by the contemporary equine veterinarians. The profession still appeals to new generations of young practitioners, at least in most European countries, but there is no guarantee that this will remain so. It is the task of the profession itself to anticipate the impending changes, by improving conditions for pregnancy and childcare, for example, and to put more effort in educating (future) equine veterinary professionals about their personal health situation and work‐associated risks. The objectives will be to attract well‐prepared professionals and veterinary entrepreneurs.