Career Options
Working with horses can be and is a very rewarding career and there is a wide range of career choices available within the racing industry. No matter what job you end up with it will require a great deal of dedication through long hours, physical work and a strong determination to succeed. Whatever your final aim is, most work in racing begins in the stables as a stable groom. From here it is possible to progress to almost any other sector. If you are specifically interested in riding and becoming a jockey then please see details in the Becoming a Jockey section.
Entry into the industry can come in diverse ways, either by completing equine units at an accredited secondary school or as a school leaver obtaining work with an approved employer or by enrolling with an accredited polytechnic or private training establishment. Find out more on training options.
There are extensive options open to those wishing to work with horses. Below are some of the main career options in the racing and breeding industries and the duties and skills required for each one. You can view a more extensive range of careers at the ITO website.
Bloodstock Agent
Buy and sell horses on the domestic and international market. You must have strong networking skills, as liaising closely with both buyers and sellers is an important aspect of the job. Bloodstock agents must have an excellent knowledge of the 'conformation' of horses e.g. assess horses for bodywork and athleticism. You must know about pricing and keep up to date with market changes and be able to sell.
Farrier
Inspect, trim and shape the hooves of horses for balance. You also make and fit horseshoes. Farriers are knowledgeable about horse behaviour, hoof infections, metals, shaping and forging tools, health and safety and business practice. Farriers have to communicate with a wide variety of people, especially veterinary surgeons. The work is physically hard and heavy and requires a strong back.
Racecourse Assistant
A Racecourse assistant is involved in the day-to-day maintenance of racecourses, such as maintaining and erecting hurdles, pest and disease control, and turf management. You are required to drive tractors and operate other machinery involved in maintenance duties. Racecourse Assistants are also involved in handling and caring for horses. Racecourse Assistants must ensure the health and safety of others and themselves. You may also be involved in record keeping and require computing skills.
Racecourse Manager
Usually with a number of years experience as a Racecourse Assistant, the Racecourse Manager oversees the operations of racecourses. They are responsible for record keeping and report writing, supervising track maintenance and planning and organising new developments. You also recruit, select and manage staff and are responsible for budgeting, financial planning, and purchasing capital equipment. Racecourse Managers must supervise track maintenance and turf management. You are also responsible for meeting OSH requirements.
Stable Groom
A Stable Groom cares for horses in a racing stable. You keep the stable and the stable yard clean and are involved in racehorse care, preparing horses for races, travelling horses, and equine health. General skills are required including farm management, using and maintaining machinery and record keeping. The work can be demanding and the hours can be long.
Stable Foreman
A Stable Foreman usually has several years experience as a stable hand, and supervises and trains stable staff and carry out trainers or manager’s instructions. You are involved in overseeing the feeding and health of horses and are responsible for reporting any issues to stable manager or owners. They may be involved in ordering supplies, administration tasks, hiring seasonal staff, and liaising with equine health or other specialists.
Stud Groom
A Stud Groom cares for horses at a stud. You keep the stable and the stable yard clean and are involved in broodmare and foal care, preparing horses for sale, weaning (caring for foals), stallion management and breeding, and equine health. General skills are required including farm management, using and maintaining machinery and record keeping. The work can be demanding and the hours can be long.
Stud Foreman
The Stud Foreman stud grooms, overseeing the daily routine of the stable, oversight of the breeding programme, training of staff, care of stallions and upkeep of breeding records.
Stud Manager
A Stud Manager is responsible for the management of the breeding programme and business of a stud. You are responsible for setting and meeting seasonal breeding and sales goals, recruitment and performance of staff, and business administration.
Trackwork Rider
Skilled person who provides a service to trainers by exercising and training horses at a race course or training centre. The rider must be able to judge pacework and accurately report to the trainer on the horse's performance. This position sometimes forms part of a stable grooms job description, or a self-employed person may specialise in track work riding and be paid on a per horse basis. The position normally involves up to 6 mornings per week. As this is usually an early morning job it is possible for the track work rider to have other employment.
