Horse Trainer
Horse trainers train horses for racing, and are responsible for their care at a stable or race track.
Tasks & duties
Horse trainers may do some or all of the following:
-
organise training plans for horses
-
help horses get used to riders, equipment and the racing environment
-
train horses for racing
-
ride horses on the practice track
-
ensure horses are groomed and fed
-
monitor the health of the horses
-
nominate horses for race meetings
-
train apprentice jockeys and stablegrooms
-
market and sell horses at races and independently
-
run their own business
Skills & knowledge
Horse trainers need to have:
-
knowledge of horses and their behaviour
-
understanding of horses' nutritional requirements and anatomy
-
good horse-handling skills
-
knowledge of training methods
-
understanding of racing rules and procedures
-
good communication skills
-
the ability to train and motivate staff
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements to become a horse trainer, but usually at least six years of stable experience is needed and an apprenticeship in any aspect of equine studies is useful. If trainers own or part-own a horse this time may be reduced.
Secondary education
There are no specific secondary education requirements for horse trainers; however, three years of secondary education is useful.
Training on the job
Horse trainers gain skills on the job.
Useful experience
Any work with horses or experience as a jockey or stable hand is useful for horse trainers.
Related courses
Animal Husbandry
Equine Trades
Document Actions