Horse Trainer

Horse trainers prepare horses for races. They build up the horses' stamina, fitness and technique, and devise training programmes for individual horses. The work may include:

• observing the horses during exercise and as they walk around the yard
• monitoring the horses' health, in consultation with a vet
• entering horses in suitable races and going to the races
• showing horse owners around the yard
• managing the yard, staff and facilities
• office management, marketing and public relations.

Training involves early starts, long hours and weekend work. Trainers work outdoors in all weather conditions plus spend some time indoors in offices. They travel to race meetings throughout the country.

Incomes may range from at least £15,000 a year for an assistant trainer to over £50,000 a year for the most successful trainers.

A horse trainer should:

• have a natural flair for training racehorses
• have a thorough knowledge of racehorse training
• be good at dealing with people
• have excellent communication skills
• know the British Horseracing Authority's orders, instructions and rules of racing
• have a passionate interest in horses and the racing industry.

There are around 600 licensed horse trainers operating from over 650 stables or 'yards' throughout the UK. Most yards are located in rural areas, such as Newmarket (Suffolk), Lambourn (Berkshire) and north Yorkshire. Nearly all trainers are self-employed.

There are no set qualifications, but horse trainers must have had several years' relevant experience before applying for a trainer's licence. The first step for most young people is to train as a stable hand. Applicants may prepare by attending a foundation course, which leads to a stable hand Apprenticeship.

It is usual to become a trainer as an adult, due to the experience required to gain a trainer's licence.

Trainers must have a trainer's licence issued by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). This means gaining an NVQ and experience, then completing three one-week training courses at the British Racing School.

Progress as a trainer involves establishing a strong reputation and building up a client list.

Further details