What advice do you have for school leavers?
You have the opportunity of joining the Racing and Thoroughbred industry straight from school, if you already have horsemanship skills, with positions available as stable staff on a racing yard or stud hand on a stud farm. We would however advise you to consider continuing your education if only on a part time basis. Self-development is important to employers in this industry and although on-the-job training and work experience is an important aspect of learning, having qualifications will assist you progress from entry level roles.
If you have a passion for horse riding, the Trainee Jockey programme in the Racing Academy of Centre of Education (RACE) can offer the school leaver the chance to continue their education, gain a qualification while also gaining the skills and knowledge to become an exercise rider and the possibility of being a jockey for those that show talent.
You have options available in Ireland to study horsemanship and equine studies at all levels, for one to four years. Start by reading the information provided on the courses in Teagasc, CAFRE, RACE, Maynooth and University of Limerick. Attend all the college open days in order to meet staff and current students and view the facilities provided by each college. Contact the programme leaders directly with any particular questions regarding their course. Talk with people in your community currently working in racing or breeding, get their views on the racing and breeding sector and career paths, and if possible gain some practical experience working on a stud farm, racing yard, racecourse or at the Tote. Ensure that you understand the entry requirements of the programme you are applying for and most importantly, read the information on the modules you will study in your programme.
Student Internship Programme
The Horse Racing Ireland Student Internship Programme was launched in 2014 and is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain industry experience and enhance their CVs. Students will benefit from mentoring by experienced professionals while developing their practical skills and gaining a competitive edge for when they enter the job market.
Students from colleges and universities across the country have the opportunity to compete for a number of paid internships with Horse Racing Ireland. The internships begin in June and runs to the end of August with each intern asked to complete a weekly learning log. The programme is open to students in any college year of any course. Interns will be required to assist in many areas such as Marketing, IT, Finance and Racing Administration. See www.hri.ie for further information.
What advice do you have for graduates?
As a horsemanship or equine graduate, you should develop and maintain your professional network through your peers, educators and previous employers. Join the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA), the association body for Irish breeders and other professional bodies and equine interest groups. Participate in conferences, seminars and field days organised by these groups. Be willing gain further paid or unpaid practical experience. Be prepared to travel within Ireland and internationally for employment opportunities and experience.
For those of you wishing to continue studying the prestigious Godolphin Flying Start is a two-year, full time Management and Leadership training program that specializes in the international Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
Information on careers in the racing industry and a live Job Board can be obtained from the Industry Education and Training department of Horse Racing Ireland: www.workinracing.ie
What advice do you have for career changers?
Changing career is a serious decision, so it is vital to be well-informed. Attend public racing and breeding events, research the racing and breeding sector and companies, and discuss your interest with people currently working in the equine sector.
There are many career changers working in the Thoroughbred Breeders and Racing Industry, those that have previously worked in other equine disciplines, or in entirely different industries.
If you want to work directly with horses, research horsemanship courses. A list of ETB’s providing horsemanship courses is available on www.workinracing.ie , most of these are PLC programmes, make contact with programme leaders to express your interest and discuss any queries or concerns you have with them.
Equine programmes tend to have a mix of school leavers and mature students and equine employers tend to place a high value on mature graduates blend of qualification and experience.
