There are many career opportunities in horse racing for those interested in this occupation. Some jobs put you in close touch with horses every day, while others are more about growing and pushing the business. What is more, there is also an opportunity for people to run the races themselves if they have the skill and interest in it. One great thing about horse racing in the UK is that you can “fit in” with the group whose hobbies and skills match those of yours.
If you are at the start of building your professional future and have no idea of how to start your career in horse racing in the UK, then this post will guide you in the right direction. Keep reading to know what you need to do in order to obtain the necessary certifications and skills. For those who are ready to start their job hunt, there is the Jooble where you can find the right job that matches your expectations.
Career Paths in Horse Racing in the UK
There are different paths you can take if you want to work in horse racing as a jockey, groom, work rider, trainer, or farrier. The first thing to do is to obtain the necessary education and certification. Go ahead and choose from the two major racing schools in the UK: The British Racing School in Newmarket and The National Horse Racing College in Doncaster. You can even go straight to a raceyard and ask for a job. There, you can both learn and move up over time.
The British Racing School
The British Racing School (BRS) in Newmarket is a premier school that gets people ready for their careers in the horse racing industry. It offers a variety of courses catering to different skill levels. There is an option for complete beginners to experienced professionals who want to bring their skills to a new level. BRS provides a comprehensive range of training programs. It includes the following:
- Foundation Degree in Horseracing — The program offers insights into the industry, with the option to progress to an Honours Degree.
- Programs for Apprenticeship — There are two distinct tiers to it. For individuals just starting their professions, there is a Level 2 Apprenticeship Equine Grooming (Racing). The advanced certification for senior equine grooming roles in racing is the Level 3 Apprenticeship Senior Equine Groom.
- Specialized Courses — You can choose from a Staff Management Course for those who do staff supervising in racing yards or Racing Media Academy for those interested in media roles within racing.
- Practical Skills Courses — These include courses on horse care, clipping, and handling, designed for various experience levels.
- Pony Racing Training — Programs for young people aged 11-15. At BRS, there are residential camps and advanced training for aspiring jockeys.
Overall, the British Racing School is recognized for its excellent training programs and facilities.
The National Horse Racing College
The National Horseracing College (NHC) in Doncaster is another prominent training institution in the horse racing industry. This specialized college offers different courses and caters to the needs of beginners and advanced riders alike. Courses at NHC are designed to meet the needs of the racing industry:
- Foundation Course — A 12-week program that equips students with the essential skills to start a career in horse racing. Approximately 94% of participants secure employment in the industry after completing this course.
- Apprenticeships — These are available in two levels. Level 2 Equine Groom is for those new to the industry. It is focused on basic horse care and handling skills. Level 3 Senior Equine Groom is an advanced apprenticeship that develops higher-level skills for experienced individuals.
- Specialized Training — The college also provides courses for jockey licensing and other specialized training tailored to specific roles within the racing sector.
Certification from the National Horseracing College is highly valuable and guarantees a bright professional future for you.
Early Careers in Horse Racing
If you think you learn best from experience and absorb information on the go, or if you don’t think a classroom setting is right for you, you may apply for a job straight at a racetrack. If a candidate has a great work ethic and a good attitude but lacks experience, most trainers will be happy to take them on.