Cat was recently invited onto the Equitas Worldwide podcast to discuss the upcoming launch of the EQUK Find Your Future database, the story behind EQUK, and why now is the time for change.
What happens when a horse-crazy girl from a non-horsey background refuses to take “no” for an answer? You get Cat Carter – founder of Equine Qualifications UK (EQUK) and the powerhouse behind a movement to make equine education more accessible, more ethical, and a whole lot less confusing.
In the latest episode of the Equitas Podcast, Cat joins us to talk about how a chance riding lesson turned into a life-defining mission. From buying her first horse in secret (yes, really) to juggling full-time work, studies, and caring for her horse Gypsy, Cat’s journey is anything but conventional. But that’s the point. She’s lived the chaos, the closed doors, the confusing pathways—and now she’s building the map she wishes she had.
The Spark Behind EQUK
The seed for EQUK was planted on a long drive home from a Piggy March open day. The message was simple: access to the right information can change everything. So Cat set out to create a centralised, online hub for equine education – a place where aspiring professionals (or curious horse lovers) can explore qualifications, compare pathways, and get real support.
This isn’t just a database – it’s a community interest company that balances practical tools with real human support. Whether it’s interview prep, CV help, or navigating scholarship options, EQUK is breaking down the barriers Cat once faced herself.
Breaking Down the Big Barriers
Through research and lived experience, Cat has identified the three major obstacles that keep people out of the equestrian industry:
- Belonging– Feeling like you don’t “fit” because you don’t own a horse or come from a horsey family.
- Finances – Perceptions (and realities) around cost that make people believe it’s out of reach.
- Geography – Living too far from educational opportunities or riding schools.
EQUK is designed to chip away at all three, bit by bit – because as Cat says, the horse world is already tough enough without needless gatekeeping.
Education Is the Answer (To Almost Everything)
From a looming farrier shortage to the struggle of riding schools to find qualified coaches, systemic issues in the equine world often trace back to one thing: access to education. EQUK’s platform is not just about qualifications – it’s about empowerment. About helping people see careers they didn’t even know existed – from equine dentists to equine IT specialists, from behaviourists to creative entrepreneurs blending art and horses.
So, Why Should You Listen?
If you’ve ever felt on the outside of the equestrian world looking in, or if you’ve wondered how to turn a passion into a career – this episode will resonate. And if you’re already in the industry and want to help shift it toward something more inclusive, more functional, and more inspiring, then Cat’s vision is your call to action.
🧭 Want to learn more or get involved?
Follow @equk__ on Instagram, and keep an eye out for the full EQUK database, launching in September 2025. Better yet, if you offer equine education or training, get in touch—this project thrives on community.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode here and discover why equine education might just be the key to fixing more than you think.
