Horse Trainer

Horse trainers, also known as racehorse trainers, prepare thoroughbred horses for races. They have responsibility for overall care and exercise, building up each horse's stamina, fitness and technique, and devising individual training and feeding programmes. Trainers also run the entire yard, overseeing stable hands and grooms.

A daily routine usually involves:

• observing the horses walk round the yard
• accompanying the horses up to the 'gallops', riding and assessing each horses' ability for potential races
• monitoring the horses' health, consulting, if necessary, with a vet
• planning race entries and recommending suitable jockeys to horse owners
• completing racing documents
• accompanying horses to races.

Trainers are usually in charge of the yards' marketing, liaising closely with existing racehorse owners and attracting new clients. They will often play an active role in selecting new bloodstock, advising owners and investors.

Horse training involves early starts, long hours and weekend work. Trainers work outdoors in all weather conditions and travel to race meetings throughout the country, returning to the yard after each race.

Salaries range from around £15,000 to £50,000 a year. The vast majority of trainers are self-employed, charging fees based on their experience and track record.

A horse trainer needs:

• a natural flair and a thorough knowledge for training racehorses
• excellent interpersonal, leadership and communication skills
• to fully understand the British Horseracing Authority's orders, instructions and rules of racing
• good business acumen.

There are around 600 licensed horse trainers, most of whom are self-employed, operating from over 650 stables or 'yards' throughout the UK. A large business can be spread across two or more yards, with the trainer supported by a team that includes assistant trainers, stable staff and secretaries. The majority of trainers are responsible for fewer than 15 horses. Some work with as many as 200. Trainers usually specialise in either flat or national hunt racing. Many stables are located in rural areas, such as Newmarket (Suffolk), Lambourn (Berkshire) and North Yorkshire.

The first step for most racehorse trainers is to train as a racing groom. Applicants may prepare by attending a foundation course, which leads to an Apprenticeship. See the Racing Groom/Apprentice Jockey profile.

Before the British Horseracing Authority issues a Licence to Train, trainers must attend three one-week modules held at the British Racing School. A Permit to Train is issued after completing Module 1 - Racehorse Management. Entrants must have the NVQ Level 3 in racehorse care and management to start this module and have several years' experience, preferably as an assistant trainer.

Module 2 focuses on business skills and Module 3 staff management. The British Horseracing Authority Licensing Committee may, in exceptional circumstances, grant exemption from Module 2 if trainers can prove substantial experience or qualifications in the relevant areas.

An application for a trainer's licence must be supported by:

• references
• a business plan
• leases or agreements covering the use of a yard and facilities
• a successful inspection report from the British Horseracing Authority
• a financial reference to confirm substantial working capital or overdraft facilities.

Progress involves establishing a strong reputation among racehorse owners and gaining new clients. There may be opportunities to work abroad. Many assistant trainers build up their experience by working in different countries.

Further information

British Horseracing Authority, 151 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8AL. 020 7152 0000. Websites: www.britishhorseracing.com and www.careersinracing.com

British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust, Suite 16, Unit 8, Kings Court, Willie Snaith Road, Newmarket CB8 7SG. 01638 560743. Website: www.bhest.co.uk

Lantra, Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry CV8 2LG. 024 7669 6996. Websites: www.lantra.co.uk and www.afuturein.com

National Trainers Federation (NTF), 9 High Street, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 8XN. 01488 71719. Website: www.racehorsetrainers.org

December 2009