Your route to becoming a
Racing Groom
Over 19 years old
working in other equestrian disciplines or very competent riders
If you are over 19 years old and want to train to work as a Racing Groom, you may be able to get Government funding for training at the British Racing School or National Horse Racing College if this is not the case, please talk to the Racing Schools.
Even so, when speaking to the racing schools you may find that there is support from the racing industry and they may be able to suggest other training options.
If you are very competent at riding, have been working with horses in another discipline for a while and want to move into working with racehorses there are a few options we would suggest for training and finding work in a racehorse yard.
- The British Racing School and National HorseRacing College provide a Transition to Racing Course for those who are experienced riders in another equestrian discipline but who want to learn to ride for racing.
- You can apply to work with a racehorse trainer and your training can be led by your employer. Selected racehorse trainers offer employer-led training. This is a new scheme run by the British Horseracing Authority and the National Trainers Federation. You train on-the-job and the racehorse trainer measures your progress against a Racing Groom Skills Passport.
You can apply to work with a racehorse trainer immediately and they may help you with your racing work riding technique. You could do a short course in work riding at The British Racing School or National Horse Racing College, or your employer could invite the racing schools into your yard to train a group of staff in work riding.
Register with the Racing Groom Hub
By registering with our Racing Groom Hub we’ll notify you of courses, events and other industry news to help you start your career. You can also create and save a CV and letter to employers for work experience or jobs. As a bonus, we’ve arranged discounts and offers for you from a wide range of suppliers, events and services.
Transition to Racing training
This four-week course at the British Racing School or National Horse Racing College prepares you for work in a racing yard. The Course includes tuition on racehorse simulators, the racing industry and racehorse care. You’ll also ride two lots per day with reviews and fitness assessments.
Employer-Led Training
Your employer is responsible for your selection, recruitment, induction, ongoing training and assessment against set standards in a Racing Groom Skills Passport. Your employer will pay you wages whilst you train.
Find work
You can apply direct to racehorse trainer’s yards using our CV and letter templates in the Racing Groom Hub. Alternatively, look at vacancies on the jobs board at Careersinracing. Courses are available to help you with your work riding or other skills.
Find work
If you have completed the Transition to Racing course, the British Racing School or National Horse Racing College may be able to find an employment opportunity for you. If you have already found work or completed the employer-led training it is likely you will stay with your employer. If you want to move to a new yard you can apply direct to racehorse trainer’s yards using our CV and letter templates in the Racing Groom Hub. Alternatively, look at vacancies on the jobs board at Careersinracing.
Develop your skills, experience and career with further training
There are lots of other training opportunities you can take once you are employed. You can complete your Level 3 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care and Management, gain other yard skills, improve your work riding or train to be a jockey or a trainer.
The National Trainers Federation Charitable Trust (NTFCT) Grant Toby Balding Award for Development and Training could also give you financial support for your training.
And remember, your pay is linked to your level of experience and qualifications – the more training and skills you learn, the more you will get paid.
Join RACINGGROOM.com NOW!
Create an account on the Racing Groom Hub
Use our free CV & cover letter tools for easy job applications and to apply for Work Experience
Find any licensed trainer in the UK using our ’Trainer Locator’ who may offer you a job or work experience.
Access exclusive benefits for Racing Grooms
Top tip! If you can’t see your perfect job advertised, trainers welcome speculative applications too! Use the trainer locator to get started.