Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

The Work

Industry Summary

Racehorse Training

Ireland has some of the leading trainers in the world amongst its 372 public trainers and 248 restricted licence holders. Whilst there are areas of concentration, notably The Curragh being a global centre of excellence for thoroughbred Racehorse training, trainers are located in 31 of Ireland’s 32 counties.  The largest trainers account for a relatively
high proportion of horses in training.  In 2016 the largest 32 yards accounted for over 3,500 horses, 45% of all horses in training.  At the opposite end of the spectrum the smallest 166 yards accounted for less than 900 horses (11%).

[Source: Economic Impact of Irish breeding and racing 2017]

Main Duties

• Maintain physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals;
• Exercise the two or three Racehorses on a daily basis;
• Examine and observe horse's to detect signs of illness, or injury;
• Groom and care of horses, including washing down after work;
• Feed and water horses according to schedules and feeding instructions;
• Mucking out stables and clean and care of tack and equipment;
• Prepare for and attend the Races;
• Study and assess riding capability identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance;

Physical Environment

Dedication is needed as stable staff are up early and outside in all weathers, taking care of and exercising horses, as well as yard duties such as sweeping, tack cleaning and mucking out.

Employers

Training Yard;

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
• Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
• Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
• Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
• Do facility laundry and clean, organise, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
• Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
• Collect and record animal information, such as weight, sise, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
• Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
• Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
• Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.

Further Information

• Racing Groom - from: Horse Racing Ireland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

While no specific qualification or training is required to become a racing groom, a popular entry route is the completion of the 12 week exercise rider course run by Racing Academy Centre of Education (R.A.C.E.) and sponsored by Horse Racing Ireland which takes place each year during the summer months.

Entry pathways can be varied: Horse & stable yard routine NFQ 3 & 4, Animal care NFQ level 5. Qualifications offer opportunities for learners to develop their skills and employability to pursue careers in Horse racing in the Animal & Vetinary sector.

CPD - R.A.C.E. also provides specialist riding skills training throughout the calendar year including Basic safety training; Horse care and management; Rider improvement; Advanced rider improvement; See www.racingacademy.ie for further information.

Traineeship Equestrian International Instructor BHSAI, Animal care NFQ level 5 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Equine - Horsemanship, Equine Studies & Horsemanship, Horsemanship (Equitation), Horsemanship and Equine Business, Animal Care at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Experience

Grounds staff typically have experience working around horses although not necessarily thoroughbred horses.  They require basic horse handling skills and ideally have experience mucking out.  Some trainers are prepared to provide unpaid work experience.

Certification

No Certification is Required.  

Trainers are required to apply for a Racing Establishment Card issued by the Irish Horse Racing Board (I.H.R.B.) within 5 days of commencement of employment for all staff within their stable yard.

Fun Learning Opportunities

ITM Irish Stallion Trail - The ITM Irish Stallion Trail is an annual showcase for the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry, with stallion farms across Ireland opening their doors to breeders, racing professionals, and racing fans on two days in January of each year.  Over 25 stallion farms participate in the Trail, which has been running for six years. Studs participating in the Trail included Ballylinch, Boardsmill, Castlehyde, Coolmore, Derrinstown, Gilltown, Irish National Stud, Kildangan, Rathasker, Rathbarry & Glenview Studs, Yeomanstown, and many more.  See Irish Thoroughbred Marketing for further information.

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €32k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
ISSA/ Payscale/ Equuip/ ISSA/ Indeed

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the employment growth over the five-year period was negative for this occupation, employment levels have remained static since 2020. At 37%, the share aged 55 years or older was almost double the national average of 19%.

A relatively high share of persons employed in this occupation were employed part-time. The administrative and support services sector accounted for the largest share of employment for this occupation at almost two-fifths.

Horse Racing Ireland: Social & Economic impacts report 2023

The Irish Breeding and Racing industry supports 30,350 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in total. This includes 9,400 jobs directly related to the industry. Over 40% of these (c.3,950 FTEs) work in breeding operations, closely followed by c.3,000 FTE stable-staff, trainers and point-topoint handlers (c.800), caterers (c.350), jockeys, agents and valets (c.300) and racecourse staff (c.300). A further c.7,000 jobs are attributable to directly related employment. This includes individuals in equine-related roles like veterinarians and farriers, as well as those working in related agricultural, and leisure roles. Total non-betting employment was 24,800 in 2022, up c.8% when compared to the 22,900 supported by the industry in 2016.

Secondary employment is estimated to total c.8,400 and includes roles that are supported by further spending in the Irish economy (the ‘ripple effect’). This supports jobs in the likes of the travel and accommodation sectors and the bar and restaurant trade. Furthermore, the betting sector in Ireland is intrinsically linked to Irish racing, and many fewer individuals would be employed should racing cease to exist.

The sector is estimated to employ c.5,550 FTEs, across individuals working in LBOs and the Head Offices of betting operators.Given that Ireland has a large proportion of its population residing in rural communities, agriculture holds a high level of significance, with the Breeding and Racing industry being a significant  contributor to agricultural employment. It also supports jobs in farriery, horse transport and veterinary/equine health.

Directly related employment relates to those jobs that whilst being heavily reliant on the Breeding and Racing industry, also serve other industry sectors and sub-sectors. These can include equine-related roles such as veterinarians and farriers, as well as roles in agriculture, leisure, and hospitality. This is estimated to total c.7,000 in 2022.

Jobs Board
The www.workinracing.ie website includes a Jobs Board. 

• Careers & Racing Education (CARE)

  • Horse Racing Ireland Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland, R56 XE37
  • (045) 455 455
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE)

  • Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare
  • +353 (0)45 522 468
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here