Job type

Racehorse trainer

£15k - £45k

Typical salary

38 – 47

Hours per week

Racehorse trainers manage the day-to-day running of a racing stable. They look after the horses' welfare, training and race preparation, and manage staff.

More info

Manage the day-to-day running of a racing stable
You'll need a passion for horses and racing, and excellent leadership and training skills
You'll often work long hours with early morning starts, and with lots of travel

DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES

Working out daily training and exercise routines
Plan feeding programmes for each horse
Monitor horses' development
Talk to staff and vets about any problems
Supervise stable staff
Manage preparations and travel for race days
Keep racehorse owners up to date with their horses' progress
Deal with administrative work like training records, wages and payments

DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT

You'll work long days with early starts. You'll split your time between the stable office and outdoor work in the yard, on the 'gallops' and at race courses. You'll work in all weather conditions.

You might also accompany riders on their daily training runs, depending on your role.

You may receive a share of race winnings known as 'pool money' on top of your salary.

You'll need

This role would be ideal for someone with a passion for horses, with practical skills, administration skills, number skills, and leadership skills.

You must gain a trainer licence issued by the British Horseracing Authority. To apply for a licence, you'll need to meet several criteria, including: completing the level 3 diploma in racehorse care and management, having a minimum of 5 years' experience in a racing yard and passing pre-licence training courses with the British Racing School at Newmarket, or the Northern Racing College at Doncaster.

You can work towards this role by starting with a senior equine groom advanced apprenticeship. This will usually take at least 18 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

You could also start at a racing stables as a groom, a rider or instructor. You would then move on to become an assistant trainer before applying for the full trainer's licence. As an assistant trainer, you could do a 2-day course at the British Racing School or Northern Racing College, which includes: staff management, handicapping, media training, health and safety, racing welfare and licensing.

Alternatively, you could complete the Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care before taking Racehorse Trainer Modules. You could then apply for a trainer's licence from the British Horseracing Authority.