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A career in the horse racing industry

Welcome to the Scottish Racing Academy.

We are committed to addressing the gap in horse racing education and training provision available in Scotland and the north.

It has been estimated that there are more than 50 different career paths in the horse racing industry and we want to help attract individuals from all walks of life to fulfil those roles.

Horse racing is the second most popular spectator sport in Scotland – and unlike many other countries, it operates as a year round sport.

The five racecourses in Scotland (Ayr, Hamilton Park, Kelso, Musselburgh and Perth) offer both Flat and National Hunt racing throughout the year.  Horseracing in Scotland makes up a significant part of Scotland’s sports sector and accounts for over 4,300 FTE jobs and generates over £300m to the Scottish economy.

The Scottish Racing Academy has partnered with leading educational centres to help people learn the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in horse racing.

Find out more about the qualifications, job roles and career opportunities.

Scottish Racing Academy Courses

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Level 6 Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland)

Level 6 Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland)

  • Duration 12 – 18 months
  • Cost Fully funded – must be based in Scotland
  • Difficulty Advanced, 16+
  • Qualification SVQ Level 6
This Level 6 qualification requires candidates to be in a role within a yard where they have sole charge for at least a period of time within their working week.
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Stable Staff NPA SCQF Level 6

Stable Staff NPA SCQF Level 6

  • Duration Part-time, block-release, day release or evening modes*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Advanced
  • Qualification Stable Staff NPA SCQF Level 6
The Level 6 qualification has been designed to mirror the traditional skills associated with caring for racehorses whilst embracing technology and innovation seen within the Scottish workforce. The structure of the qualifications allows for a high degree of flexibility in the delivery mode.
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National Progression Award in Specialist Racehorse Care

National Progression Award in Specialist Racehorse Care

  • Duration Full-time or part-time*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Advanced
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (equivalent of Level 2)
This course is designed for current stable staff who are hoping to upskill within the workplace and develop their knowledge of caring for racehorses in a yard environment. This qualification will enable the candidate to be able to understand racehorse specific activities including the role of the British Horseracing Authority, an introduction to rehabilitation and therapy with an increased focus on racing injury as well as the general care of the racehorse.
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National Progression Award in Thoroughbred Exercise and Performance

National Progression Award in Thoroughbred Exercise and Performance

  • Duration Full-time or part time*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Intermediate / Advanced
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (equivalent of Level 2)
This course is designed for current stable staff who are hoping to upskill within the workplace and develop their knowledge of caring for racehorses in a yard environment. This qualification will enable the candidate to prepare a thoroughbred horse for riding, for routine exercise, providing non-ridden exercise for horses and, in a higher level unit, riding racehorses to improve performance.
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Level 5 Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland)

Level 5 Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland)

  • Duration 12 – 18 months
  • Cost Fully funded – must be based in Scotland
  • Difficulty Intermediate, 16+
  • Qualification SVQ Level 5
This qualification is open to those aged 16+ who would like to complete “on the job” training as part of normal duties.
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Equestrian Assistant Coaching Certificate (Level 1 Racing)

Equestrian Assistant Coaching Certificate (Level 1 Racing)

  • Duration 2 Practical Days and Online Evenings
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Intermediate
  • Qualification Equestrian Assistant Coaching Certificate (Level 1 Racing)
The Rider coaching course was rolled out in England as part of the Regional Staff Development Programme (RSDP) and in 2020, this was extended to include Scotland. The Scottish Coaching qualifications are industry recognised and enable senior members of stable staff to become instrumental in the development of key skills of those just starting out in their careers in racing.
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National Progression Award in Thoroughbred Preparation

National Progression Award in Thoroughbred Preparation

  • Duration Full-time or part time*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Intermediate (includes non-riding option)
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (equivalent of Level 2)
This course is designed for current stable staff who want to upskill within the workplace and develop their knowledge of caring for racehorses in a yard environment. This qualification will enable the candidate to get the horse ready for ridden work which will include recognition, application and care of tack and equipment, an introduction to foot conditions and shoeing as well as recognition of the importance of personal fitness for riding horses.
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National Certificate in Horse Care (Racing route)

National Certificate in Horse Care (Racing route)

  • Duration 1 Academic Year- full time or 2 years part time
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Intermediate
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (OFQUAL Level 2 equivalent)
This course is designed for people who may have had limited experience with horses or race horses who are hoping to gain employment in the horseracing industry. This course aims to develop the skills to work in the thoroughbred industry, either racing or stud, while at the same time developing learners’ personal, interpersonal and workplace skills.
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Full time, Work Based Training (3 NPAs min)

Full time, Work Based Training (3 NPAs min)

  • Duration 1 Academic Year
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
  • Qualification Choose a minimum of three National Progression Awards - SCQF Level 5 - Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (OFQUAL) Level 2 equivalent to meet regulations under the British Horseracing Authority
This is the full-time, work-based option designed for people who may have some experience with horses or racehorses, or currently ride regularly. More specifically, these courses are for those who are hoping to use their equine knowledge and skills to gain employment in the horseracing industry.
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National Progression Award in Racing: Yard Routine

National Progression Award in Racing: Yard Routine

  • Duration Full time or Part time*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Beginner
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (equivalent of Level 2)
This course is designed for newcomers to the industry who wish to develop their knowledge of racehorses in a yard environment. During this course, you will cover practical topics such as an introduction to horse health, racehorse care, safe working practices and an introduction to feeding and watering.
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Level 4 Entry Level in Horse Care

Level 4 Entry Level in Horse Care

  • Duration 10 weeks – 1 academic year (depending on programme & funding)
  • Cost £215.00 per unit or £550.00 for a full NPA
  • Difficulty Beginner
  • Qualification National Progression Award in Horse Care
The course introduces learners to the day to day routine of caring for horses, horse handling, grooming, and tack and tacking up.
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Schools - National Progression Award in Racing: Yard Routine (Borders region only)

Schools – National Progression Award in Racing: Yard Routine (Borders region only)

  • Duration Part-time
  • Cost N/A
  • Difficulty School
  • Qualification SCQF Level 4/5 - Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (OFQUAL) Level 2 equivalent to meet regulations under the British Horseracing Authority
This course is designed for 14-16 year olds who are at school and are interested in learning about racehorses and how to look after them in a yard environment. During this course, pupils will cover practical topics such as an introduction to horse health, racehorse care, safe working practices and an introduction to feeding and watering.
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Level 3 Senior Equine Groom (Racing Pathway) Apprenticeship (England)

Level 3 Senior Equine Groom (Racing Pathway) Apprenticeship (England)

  • Duration 18 months
  • Cost Fully funded – must be based in England
  • Difficulty Advanced, 16+
  • Qualification Lantra Level 3 Senior Equine Apprenticeship (Racing Route)
This Level 3 qualification requires candidates to be in a role within a yard where they have sole charge for at least a period of time within their working week.
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Level 2 Equine Groom (Racing Pathway) Apprenticeship (England)

Level 2 Equine Groom (Racing Pathway) Apprenticeship (England)

  • Duration 12 months
  • Cost Fully funded – must be based in England
  • Difficulty Intermediate, 16+
  • Qualification Lantra Level 2 Equine Apprenticeship (Racing Route)
The Scottish Racing Academy are delighted to be able to offer racing Apprenticeships in the far north of England in partnership with Myerscough College. There are a limited number of spaces available, and the qualification is open to those aged 16+ who would like to complete “on the job” training as part of normal duties.
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Scottish Racing Academy Course Roadmap

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Careers Available in Horseracing

Assistant Racehorse Trainer

This is one of the most senior roles in the racing yard and one of the most exciting - it’s also an important next step to becoming a Trainer.

Racing Groom

The Racing Groom is an integral part of the team in a racehorse yard.

Head Racing Groom

Working closely with the trainers and grooms, this is an important role in the racing yard.

Travelling Groom

A Travelling Groom works closely with the Head Travelling Groom to ensure horses get to the racecourse safely and on time.

Head Travelling Groom

The Head Travelling Groom leads the team to get the racehorse to the racecourse safely and on time.

Stud Groom

A Stud Groom, also known as a stud hand, is responsible for handling young, large horses and can be an entry route into a career in the horse breeding industry.

Racing Secretary

The Racing Secretary is an office based position, providing a vital link to the teams working on the stable yard.

Barn Manager

The Barn Manager is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of the barn and stable block.

Work Rider

A ‘Work Rider’ exercises racehorses to provide vital information about their performance and health.

Stable/Yard Person

This is a non riding role and duties include cleaning stables and animal pens, walking horses to and from fields as well as grooming and feeding.
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