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Racehorse trainer

Alternative titles for this job include Horse racing trainer, equine trainer

Racehorse trainers run stables, look after the horses' training and welfare, and prepare them for races.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

45 to 48

You could work

early mornings flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

Apprenticeship

You could start by applying to do a Senior Equine Groom Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship before going on to an assistant trainer's course.

This apprenticeship usually takes at least 18 months to complete.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

  • experience in related work 

More Information

Work

You could work at a racing stables as a groom, a rider or instructor. You could then move on to do a 3-day assistant trainer's course at The British Racing School or National Horseracing College.

The course includes:

  • staff management
  • handicapping
  • media training
  • health and safety
  • racing welfare
  • licensing

Once you have several years' experience as an assistant trainer, you could do the racehorse trainer's course and apply for a full trainer's licence.

Other Routes

If you have a lot of experience in a stables, you could complete the Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and the racehorse trainer's course.

You could then apply for a trainer's licence from the British Horseracing Authority.

More Information

Career tips

You will need experience of working in stables and handling horses to be eligible for training courses.

Further information

You can find out more about about working in horseracing from careersinracing.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of training and the ability to design courses
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to monitor performance
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • administration skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You must have a trainer licence issued by the British Horseracing Authority.

To apply for a licence, you'll need to meet several conditions, for example, you must:

  • complete the Level 3 Diploma in Racehorse Care and Management
  • have a minimum of 5 years' experience in a racing yard
  • pass a pre-licence training course with The British Racing School at Newmarket, or the National Horseracing College at Doncaster

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a racehorse trainer, you could:

  • develop daily training and exercise routines
  • plan feeding and care 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 owners up to date with their horses’ progress
  • deal with administrative work like training records, wages and payments

Working environment

You could work at a riding stable, in an office or at a race track.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could take further training to complete a horseracing foundation degree or degree, which you can study while working at the same time.

With experience, you could become a specialist racing consultant, trainer instructor, bloodstock agent or thoroughbred breeder.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 2 Equine Groom Apprentice - Kalderen Equestrian - Kidlington

  • Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
  • Location: Bletchingdon, Kidlington

Racing Groom Apprenticeship - Claire Dyson Racing and Rehabilitation - Cleeve Prior

  • Wage: £17,667 a year Annually
  • Location: CLEEVE PRIOR, EVESHAM
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Horse Care (Equine Studies) - Level 2 (Diploma)

  • Provider: THE COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA
  • Start date: 05 September 2026
  • Location: Milton

Equine (Horse Care) Level 2

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Ipswich
Find courses near you

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