How does one pursue a career as a Thoroughbred racehorse trainer?

Question

I am a high school student and I am interested in becoming a racehorse trainer. I was wondering what the best way to pursue this career would be. My plan so far is:

1) Go to a college offering a four-year degree in Equestrian Studies and major in it as well as a minor/duel major with buisness.

Well, that's really all I have.

I'm thinking of going to Midway College, not a great school but it is right next Lexington, Ky.

Answer 1

Not real sure. You need to go hang around the Horse Track and get talking. You will meet Trainers just keep an eye open and talk to them. You could get you a $5,000 claiming horse and it already know some. Work with it and try to win a few races and people start knowing you. Then look around and buy a reasonable 1-2 year old to start from scratch. You hang around the track you will figure it out.

Answer 2

I would go to college but the best racehorse trainers that I know or have worked with didn't go to college they got their experience and found the best way to pursue their careers starting out working at a racetrack for trainers learning hands-on experience starting as hotwalkers/grooms and working their way up. Racehorse trainers are always willing to teach their employees what they know and help them further their careers. If you have anymore questions feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail]. I have been working with racehorses for 5 years working at racetracks in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, and Illinios.

Answer 3

Check your local yellow pages for FFA clubs, (Future Farmers of America), 4-H clubs, thoroughbred ranches, horse shows, county fairs, race tracks, and large animal vets. When you find some, call up and ask if they care for thoroughbred horses or know someone who does. Once you find out who does, call them up and ask if they would take volunteers or know someone who does. If you can find someone who is willing to let you volunteer, you might have to keep trying to impress them with your willingness to work hard and do exactly what you are told in order to work your way up the ladder. Don't give up. Sometimes all it takes to get started in any field is a dream and lots of persistence. If you are able to work things out so you can meet and/or volunteer for a trainer by all means jump on it.

Other things that will help:

1) Biology classes
2) Membership in ANY local club or charity, but
especially one with access to horses.
3) ANY access to horses: friends, clubs, tracks,
shows, farms, ranches, etc.
4) A genuine desire to learn and work hard.
Attitude and hard work counts for 90%.

Good Luck!

Calico.Kitty