How can I work in the racing industry?

Question

I love horses, riding and being at the races. Unfortunately I wasn't born into the business. How can I get a job in the industry, and what job?
I want to go to college and I have good grades.
I was considering becoming a horse vet, but it takes 7 years of studying!
I also considered being a jockey, since I am small and light, but it is a dangerous job and difficult to break into, especially as I am a female.
I'm a junior in HS, so I need to think about what I want to do with my life. I would appreciate any advice!

Answer 1

In my honest opinion I would tell you to go to college and keep studying. There is very little money working in horseracing and you would have to work your way up from the bottom as, if you work as a groom or workrider, no-one cares if you went to college or not!

If you are set on working in the industry then there are many jobs you could go for: groom, workrider, stalls handler, jockey (not an easy option, and you'd have to forget about college as most jockeys start working straight from High School), trainer (this will take YEARS of working in a stable to learn the trade and then you need to find the money to set up on your own), secretary, etc.

You could consider the breeding side fo the industry, where I work! You could be a studhand (handling the mares and foals on a daily basis), or if you get good grades and are happy to work in an office you could get a job researching pedigrees, marketing the stallions, etc. The list is literally endless.

If you are interested in the breeding side of things, you may want to consider this: http://www.darleyflyingstart.com/index.html
It is aimed at getting you into the management side of things, but is by no means an easy option.

Good luck, whatever you choose!

Answer 2

There are many careers in horse racing. You might contact Univ. of Arizona about some of the courses offered . See a recent past issue of Bloodhorse periodical which highlights Chris Mc Carron's Riding Academy. You could also train to be a stewart, or if you are also business inclined go for farm management or other areas of the business end of racing.

Do not forget to go to a local track and speak to some of the people in the business office. Most "race folks" are very friendly and will spend time with someone who shows genuine interest.

Answer 3

You don't have to be born into the business to get a job in the racing industry. If you are 16 you can get a job starting out as a groom or a hotwalker. The best way to get a job as a groom or a hotwalker is to go to the stable gate and tell security that you are looking for work as a groom or hotwalker. If a trainer is looking for a groom or hotwalker they will come to the security gate to meet you. Trainers are always looking for good grooms and hotwalkers. Trainers are also usually willing to teach their help to do other jobs on the race track. From there you can work your way up to other jobs (exercise rider, pony person, assistant trainer, jockey, etc.). I myself wasn't born into the business and I have been working with race horses for 5 years. If you would like to talk and get more info you can e-mail me at [e-mail].

Answer 4

the horse racing Field for employment is wide open. if you are thinking of making it your trade there are universities in the us that have racing programs. you can be everything from a groom to a jockey-there are trainers out there that will offer apprenticeship programs for training. also you can work on horse farms in wich will git you the experiance to move on to the tracks.

Answer 5

if you know quite a bit about horses, and can handle them well, i would suggest finding a breeding farm. if you are thinking a being a vet this would be a good place to start. plus you tend to meet a lot of trainers that come to look at yearlings, if you want to get into the racing end.

Answer 6

go and work in a yard for 6 months and then see how you feel about the industry,it is not all champagne and caviar and hard work is the order of the day with very early starts.no one will care if you have 15 a levels ,its your ability to work in a team that counts and few have what it takes in relation to how many think they can do such a job.

Answer 7

around here you could get a job at the racetrack. start when youa re 16 (now) sweeping up or anything. see what careers are available there and what you like..there are many handicapper or making the brochures or selling the tickets...so many options...broker to sell horses etc...but start working at a track or horse farm so you can find out what's available in the field. start now.

Answer 8

Go around to the race tracks...ask to hotwalk or do they need someone to clean stalls. My last job was security at a race track in the barn area with the horses....I came highly recommended because I did my job right. So you care. Do whatever it takes....good luck. If you happen to live in Kentucky...go to Keeneland Race Track in April, September, October and November (April and October they race...other 2 month are sales).

Answer 9

Apply for Harness at USTA web site or look at all the race tracks on their list..and seek employment that way...