Finding employment after education is key. Horse & Hound discovers which of the versatile equine-based courses are most likely to get you a job...

WHETHER you are a school leaver looking for your next step in education or are on the path towards a new career, you’re not short of choice when it comes to degrees, certificates and diplomas in the equestrian industry.

“The most versatile courses that colleges run for school leavers are level three diplomas which cover a wide aspect of the equine industry via theory and practical units,” explains Helen Cranfield-Findlay, head of equine at Berkshire College of Agriculture. “Each unit has some practical assessment which is why these qualifications are more recognised by the equine industry.

“Level three diplomas not only give students an overview of all aspects of the equine industry, they also allow progression directly into a practical role such as groom, vet nurse, working for a governing body, insurance companies, stud hand, equine events organisation and instructor, as many learners sit their British Horse Society exams alongside this qualification.”

A number do progress to higher education courses such as nutritionist, lecturer, veterinary physiotherapy and business management.

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) offers a number of undergraduate equine courses, including BSc (Hons) programmes in applied equine science and business, bloodstock and performance horse management, and international equine and agricultural business management.

“Graduates in equine subjects develop first-hand appreciation of the business aspects and the day-to-day running of equestrian establishments, gain transferable skills in science and business and complete an industry placement to boost their employability,” says Rachel Jones, interim communications manager at the RAU. “The teaching team has great links and experience working with various elements of the equine industry.”

The RAU says that all their equine degrees equip graduates with the skills and contacts required to succeed in the equestrian sector.

“Recent graduates have taken up roles as bloodstock agents, yard managers, bloodstock account managers, research scientists and marketing and communications assistants to name but a few, working with employers that include Highclere Stud, Lingfield Equine Vets, King Power Racing, Newbury Racecourse, Racing Post, NFU Mutual, the Racecourse Association and Plusvital-Equinome,” says Rachel.

Working in racing

IF racing is your area of interest, the National Stud diploma is a comprehensive introduction to a career in the thoroughbred bloodstock industry.

“Students work alongside stud staff during the breeding season to hone their practical skills and gain a fuller understanding of all areas of stud work,” explains Anna Kerr of the National Stud. “Regular evening lectures cover everything from veterinary practice and stallion selection to marketing and the business elements of stud management.”

The National Stud diploma is recognised worldwide throughout the bloodstock industry.

“Students benefit from our international connections and have regular mentoring sessions to guide them in the next steps in their career,” continues Anna. “In addition to the diploma, students also graduate with a level three certificate in thoroughbred stud practice accredited by 1st4Sport.”

There are also degree options in the racing industry, such as the BSc in equine science and thoroughbred management at Abingdon and Witney College with Oxford Brookes University.

“Students take their third year as a placement or a mix of different placements around the world,” says Rose Scofield of Witney College. “This puts them in an excellent position once they have graduated to return to the industry they were involved in, or to gain places on graduate schemes such as Godolphin Flying Start where they have two years in the racehorse industry.

“We have graduates in many positions with places like Weatherbys and the British Racing School [BRS]. The networking aspect of the placement year also gives students brilliant opportunities to gain employment, such as one who went straight into a career as a bloodstock agent and another who is now working in racing television.”

Equine physiotherapy

FOR those with an interest in physiotherapy, The Open College of Equine Studies (TOCES) offers a level five equine sports massage and level six equine physiotherapy diploma which permit graduates to work in the industry.

“The application of equine manual therapies is of growing interest within the equine industry,” says Yasmin Stuart, equine physiotherapy programme manager. “TOCES offers two equine therapy qualifications which, upon completion, allow graduates to obtain insurance, join voluntary governing bodies and establish their own freelance equine therapy practice working within the guidance of UK Government legislation.”

The level five diploma in equine sports massage and rehabilitation provides a thorough understanding of equine anatomy and physiology, orthopaedics, and the application of massage therapy skills and rehabilitation techniques, while the level six equine physiotherapy diploma programme encompasses all the above plus an understanding of physical therapies, electro-therapies and rehabilitation strategies used to restore and maintain the horse’s mobility, function and performance.

Already working in the equine industry, but fancy a change of direction? A new veterinary nursing school, VetPartners Equine Nursing School, was launched in 2019 to ensure equine nurses receive the best-possible training and skills. Applicants must already work at an equine veterinary practice.

Based at Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire, the two-year diploma awards successful students a City & Guilds level three diploma in equine veterinary nursing.

“They become qualified equine veterinary nurses eligible to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons,” explains Joanna Browne, PR and communications manager at VetPartners Ltd.

“Students benefit from using the facilities at Liphook and visit the veterinary hospital on block release for six weeks each academic year, which enables them to study while continuing to work at their own practice.”

Coaching and teaching

THERE are also coaching degrees for people interested in a teaching career, such as the BSc (Hons) in equine performance coaching at Warwickshire College Group.

“Knowledge of areas such as sports psychology, nutrition, biomechanics, fitness and new technology are vital to coach horse and rider partnerships to fulfil potential and reach peak performance,” says Sarah Winnett, higher education and international marketing officer.

“This course is suited to students who are keen to study equine to degree level in order to successfully coach horse riders of all levels. While studying students have the opportunity to ride weekly and will also gain a 1st4sport level two certificate in equestrian coaching, helping students to secure their chosen career.”

For those already with degrees or previous work experience in more administrative, marketing and operational roles, the British Horseracing development programme is a great choice for gaining further experience and developing skills.

“The programme starts with a free, comprehensive two-week residential introduction course usually held at the BRS in July,” says Zoe Elliott, head of careers marketing and recruitment at the British Horseracing Authority. “It includes speakers, field trips, learning opportunities, personal development and networking. The course gives an insight into many of the organisations and their functions within the industry. Participants then go on to their selected paid placements which are usually eight weeks, but sometimes longer.”

Equine apprenticeships

LEARNING on the job means that you get paid while learning a skill, which is a great way to embark on a career.

“Apprentices have all the rights of an employee, while also being allowed time to learn and train with their employer and their trainer coach,” says Haddon Training marketing executive Kate Arkinstall.

“Many apprenticeships can be tailored to the specific area of the equine industry that the apprentice wishes to focus on. For example, our equine groom and senior equine groom apprenticeships can be focused around racing, breeding, riding, or non-riding. This allows the learner to hone their skills in the area they wish to progress into. Learners are in a real, working environment and learning practical skills on the job.”

Emilia Bishop, an apprentice at Judy Harvey Equestrian, says: “The best part of my apprenticeship so far is how much confidence I have gained and the progression in my riding. The apprenticeship really appealed because I knew I would be able to ride more but at the same time gain valuable experience, receive a great qualification and further my knowledge to help me develop my own business in the future.”

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This exclusive feature can also be read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale date 17 June 2021

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A baptism of fire: Entering into the hard graft of working with horses *H&H Plus*

Working with horses is hard graft, so it’s no surprise that the equestrian industry demands some of the toughest initiations.

Working with horses is hard graft, so it’s no surprise that the equestrian industry demands some of the toughest initiations. Madeleine Silver talks to those who have taken the plunge

If a horse came out of one of the late Badminton-winner Sheila Wilcox’s boxes with straw in its tail, 10 pence had to go in a box; stable floors had to be clean enough to eat off; summer sheets were ironed and her honesty was startlingly refreshing – she had no qualms in telling a working pupil that her hair was greasy. But two years spent on Sheila’s Cotswold yard was, says Olympian Mary King, the making of her.

“[She] was a perfectionist,” the now 58-year-old remembers in her autobiography. “The awful thing was that if she was critical of someone else, you couldn’t help but be relieved that you were getting a break.”

Fast forward more than 40 years, and the road to the top is often no smoother for those with their hearts set on a life working with horses; eye-wateringly early starts, bruised muscles and equally battered egos are par for the course.

Trooper Laura Angus, soldier

Camaraderie and physical resilience are vital to surviving the Household Cavalry’s 12-week riding course for new recruits. Laura Angus had a childhood spent riding on her side when she embarked on the course last year – but that didn’t ease the pain of the first four weeks spent in the indoor school without stirrups.

“Having ridden before, I didn’t know if it was going to be a bit tedious [at the beginning]. But because they took everything back to basics, it got rid of any bad habits,” she says. While others who’d never sat on a horse might have taken more tumbles than Laura, it was the grooming regime that was her steepest learning curve.

“It was like you were going to a show every single day,” she says. “Before you ride in civvy street you flick your horse off, pick its feet out, make sure there’s nothing where the girth goes and that’s about it. [Here] you have to be able to run your hands through the horse’s mane and tail with ease. But it’s amazing how quickly it becomes second nature.”

Now in situ at Hyde Park Barracks in London on ceremonial duties, cleaning the reams of tack can be done in just an hour – two hours shaved off the three-hour slog that ensued on starting out.

“It’s only looking back that you realise how fast you have become at things,” she says, reminiscing about a schedule that included everything from bandaging to feeding, with regular night guards on the yard adding a dose of sleep deprivation. “For the people who had never been around horses I think it probably was a lot more full-on, because they didn’t realise just how time-consuming horses are. Everything that civilians might learn in a couple of years of being on a yard get thrown into that 12 weeks. But it doesn’t matter how long your day is, you learn to push through.”

Kieran King, racing yard exercise rider and groom

When Kieran King embarked on the British Racing School’s (BRS) foundation course last winter – an apprenticeship programme designed to open the doors of the racing industry – he’d never been on a horse.

“I couldn’t even tell you where you were meant to sit,” he says. “My mate had come off the horse that I was about to ride on that first day, and I remember laughing at him thinking that that couldn’t happen to me. But I got knocked clean out. Once I was back on my feet, I got back on the horse, but I couldn’t tell you what direction we went in.”

A year earlier, the 21-year-old had his heart set on a career playing football, when an injury scuppered his plans.

“The BRS popped up on Instagram one day and I happened to click on it,” says Kieran, whose equestrian experience until then extended to watching racing on TV. His initiation into Newmarket life was on the BRS’s ground-based yard staff course – six weeks of gruelling 4.30am starts, mastering mucking out, feeding, horse health and handling. But having lost weight and caught a glimmer of life on the track, he set his sights on becoming a jockey, signing up for the 14-week foundation course, which coaches non-riders from the safety of the indoor school to navigating the gallops.

“For the first few weeks I thought to myself: ‘No, I’m not putting up with this every day’,” he says, wincing at the recollection of his sore legs. “I thought I was out of breath after football, but this was on another level.”

Now on the other side, working for Flat trainer Chris Wall – and pinching himself each morning as he heads out on the hallowed turf of Newmarket Heath – he’s realised the value of the friendships he formed on the course.

“My roommate and I will always stay in contact,” he says. “When you have a bad day, you look to those people [for support], and vice versa.”

Rosie Heath, equine veterinary nurse

For others it is emotional reserves, rather than physical robustness, that are called upon to carve out their chosen path. Newly qualified equine veterinary nurse Rosie Heath admits that she’s found foals to be the toughest stumbling block.

“Everybody loves a foal, but they take huge amounts of nursing care and time. You get really fond of them and when they are very poorly, that is hard to deal with,” she says.

Six years spent grooming before making the leap, aged 24, to veterinary nursing stood her in good stead; a demanding medley of preparing horses for surgery, cleaning surgical instruments, dressing wounds and carrying out diagnostic tests. But balancing training on the job as an apprentice had its challenges.

“It was full-on. I was working as a nurse full time, including doing my share of the out of hours rota, and also going to Hartpury one day a week to complete the degree,” she says.

Now working as a clinic nurse at Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire, her busiest day to date involved three elective surgeries with a colic surgery thrown in the middle.

“You can’t be squeamish to do this job, for sure,” she says. “And you have to be empathetic with the owners, but honest too. It’s about being prepared and learning to adjust, whether it’s an elective joint surgery during the day or an emergency c-section in the middle of the night. But put the work in and you’ll definitely reap the rewards.”

Claire Gordon, welfare charity field officer

A decade working for World Horse Welfare hasn’t diminished the intensity of being faced with horses living in implausibly difficult situations for Claire Gordon, the charity’s chief field officer. When she decided to move into the sector, first working for the RSPCA as an inspector, an intensive training course beckoned; Claire found herself abseiling off cliffs to rescue sheep, working in a slaughterhouse, navigating her way to animals stuck in remote locations and handling snakes.

“Give me a horse any day of the week!” she laughs. Her experience might have meant that when she started at World Horse Welfare “it was easier to hit the ground running”, but her days are still wildly unpredictable.

“I recently had a call at midday asking if I could come and help with a situation, and I was out that night until 9pm,” she says. “But it’s really rewarding. For me it’s about being able to help horses, and we’re often also able to help people at their worst moment. Taking people’s animals is always a last resort; charities are there to help people help their animals, and work out a way that they can keep them.”

Working alone on cases is one of the toughest aspects of the job, says Claire. “You can find yourself in the middle of nowhere, at the wrong time of day to draft in the help you need, while trying to figure out what the right course of action is. It can be anything from one right up to 100-plus horses. You have to be a problem-solver, with a cool head and lots of patience and determination.”

And there are cases that she won’t forget; the lice-ridden mare who made a remarkable recovery and was the muse for the first World Horse Welfare sculpture trail around Badminton, or the time when police dramatically descended on a case in Kent to help with hostile owners.

As well as the high-octane rescue cases, visiting rehabilitated horses in their new homes is also in Claire’s remit.

“Remembering where a horse came from and then seeing it being adored in its new home is amazing,” she says. “It really helps put things in perspective. A lot of people say: ‘Oh I could never do your job. I would be so angry.’ But I manage to keep a cool head because I always have the bigger picture in mind. And we’re not judging people; people don’t set out to be cruel. There’s always a human story behind every situation.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 10 September 2020

From racing to horse care, H&H finds out how to bag your place on some of Britain’s most popular equestrian courses

Hartpury College, BSc (Hons) equine science (pictured above)

The competition: 113 applications for approximately 30 starters in 2016.

The course: the core topics include anatomy, physiology and animal health, with optional subject areas in animal genetics, animal microbiology, equine behaviour, stud management and equine therapy. Full-time in three years, or four years with a sandwich year.

The end goal: examples of graduate employment have included equine veterinary nursing, equine facilities managers, veterinary assistants, laboratory researchers, lecturing and teaching, nutritional sales, nutritional development and equine therapists. Further study can lead onto masters programmes including the MSc equine science or a PhD.

The appeal: “There is an increasing recognition within the equine industry and by prospective students that studying for an equine programme alongside gaining practical and work experience is the ideal preparation for a good career, with Hartpury equine graduates able to hit the ground running whatever career or further study pathway they choose,” says Rosie Scott-Ward, vice principal higher education at Hartpury University Centre.

Get the edge: three A-Levels at BBB or equivalent. This must include a minimum of two A-Levels including one in a biological science and excludes general studies.

Godolphin Flying Start

The competition: 100 applicants for 12 places annually.

The course: a management and leadership training program for the horse racing industry, which includes phases in UK, USA, Ireland, Dubai and Australia. Each trainee receives a full scholarship. Two years full-time.

The end goal: the programme aims to produce thoroughbred industry leaders. Careers include bloodstock, racing, breeding, media, sales, marketing, administration, consultancy and auctioneering.

The appeal: the success of its graduates, the quality of the training and education, and the scholarship.

Get the edge: “Excellent academic backgrounds and full-time employment in the thoroughbred industry — including time spent abroad or promotion to positions of responsibility — help to build towards a Godolphin Flying Start application,” says the programme’s general manager Clodagh Kavanagh.

British Horseracing Authority, British Horseracing Graduate Development Programme

The competition: 200-300 applicants for 20 places.

The course: the programme starts with a two-week residential course, held at the British Racing School in Newmarket, which includes a wide range of lectures from industry experts, field trips, personal development and networking opportunities. Graduates then go on to a paid work experience placement. Course lasts 10-18 weeks, depending on the length of the chosen work experience placement as they range from 8-16 weeks.

The end goal: the careers graduates go on to vary enormously from management positions at racecourses, bookmakers and the press to trainers’ yards, bloodstock sales and broadcasting.

The appeal: the programme is well known and highly regarded throughout the British racing industry, and many of the alumni are now key figures in horseracing. The course itself provides graduates with a wealth of knowledge and career opportunities.

Get the edge: the programme is intended for degree students who are in their final year of university or those who have recently graduated. A passion for horse racing is a must and it is beneficial to have some work experience in the industry.

Royal Agricultural University (RAU), BSc (Hons) international equine and agricultural business management

The competition: 72 applicants for 2016, of which 28 enrolled.The course: this well-established degree provides a thorough grounding in agriculture, agricultural economics, equine production systems, science, marketing, and finance and business management. A three-year course.The end goal: graduates go on to a wide variety of careers that include research/industry roles, bloodstock, journalism, event management, racing, farm/livery yard management, marketing and university lecturing.The appeal: the course is unique and offers an industry relevant qualification that dovetails agriculture with equine science and business. It also gives a unique experience of how the equine industry interacts with land-based activities.Get the edge: “A science A-level will give you the edge,” says Professor Meriel Moore-Colyer, professor in equine science and director of research and knowledge exchange at the RAU. “And good sound practical experience in both equine and agricultural industries would put you top of the list.”

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

How to choose the right equine college and course for you

British Racing School, the apprenticeship in racehorse care

The competition: about 800 applications for 200 places each year.

The course: riding racehorses, taking horses racing, care of horses in the stable and at grass, caring for horses after exercise along with a host of personal development modules for the trainees including fitness training, diet and nutrition, personal safety and finance. The course is residential for 4-14 weeks (depending on prior experience) and then trainees are placed in a racing yard for an apprenticeship that lasts about 18 months.

The end goal: all will begin as riders/grooms, a small number go on to become professional jockeys but many others become travelling staff, yard managers and work riders.

The appeal: It gives young people a fantastic start in the racing world. It prepares them both mentally and physical for riding racehorses and allows those with a love for horses to pursue their goals in a structured, supportive manner.

Get the edge: “We are not interested in academic requirements but those who are successful are very physically fit,” says Carol Bramhill, recruitment manager at the British Racing School. “If a young person can get some experience in a racing yard during school holidays before applying it gives them a great insight into the realities of the job, however, we don’t expect them to be able to ride racehorses before coming.”

This article was first published in the 12 January 2017 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has launched a new bloodstock degree for equine students looking to work in the racing and performance horse industry.

The new BSc (Hons) degree in bloodstock and performance horse management begins in September 2016.

Students on the three-year course will study horse physiology, ethics and production issues affecting high performance horses.

The course also covers business theory and practice with an emphasis on equine businesses.

All students complete a 20-week placement in an equine-related business to gain valuable work experience.

“This is a unique BSc(Hons) degree that will take students on a journey of learning and development which is targeted specifically at the high-level performance horse industry,” said Dr Meriel Moore-Colyer, dean of the RAU’s school of equine management and science (SEMS).

“The blend of fundamental and production science in the context of performance horse business will produce the innovators of tomorrow and help develop and ‘future-proof’ this valuable section of the equine industry,” she added.

The degree course has been developed after consultation with the thoroughbred and racing industry.

Students will go on visits to racing and performance horse enterprises and gain an insight into the different facets of the European equine businesses.

The entry requirements for the new degree course are either three Cs at A level with a science subject desirable or three merits in a BTEC. English and maths GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C level are also needed.

Applicants should also have some practical experience.

There are 20 places available on the new course. For more details visit: www.rau.ac.uk

Formed in 2014 the SEMS offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering applied equine science and business, international equine and agricultural business management and equine studies (top-up) and an MSc in applied equine science.

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Students hoping to a pursue a career in the equestrian profession will now have a specialist site to help point them in the right direction.

A new website of equine-related college courses has been launched by recruitment specialists Equine Careers.

The website, launched earlier this month (10 December), gives details of the equine courses on offer at Hartpury College, Moreton Morrell, the Royal Agricultural University and Sparsholt College in Hampshire.

Equine Careers founder Emma Dyer said the range of courses on offer aims to “widen students’ horizons.”

“There wasn’t one place where the colleges could be compared and contrasted by potential students,” she said.

Other colleges offering equine courses are expected to be featured on the website in the coming weeks.

Equine science is currently one of the most popular courses Emma told H&H, followed by welfare and therapy courses.

“We’re actively seeking to promote useful, commercial skills. Equine science is vital to work in nutrition and feed,” she said.

Students looking at equine courses should seriously consider where the course is going to take them and the job opportunities available she advised.

“We’re geared to science, coaching and business management, slightly more commercially minded courses,” she added.

The new website — www.equine-careers.co.uk/equine-college-courses/ — is optimised for mobiles and tablets.

At Hartpury there are 14 equine courses listed ranging from diplomas in horse care and horse management to degree courses in equine science and new for 2016 equine science and therapy.

The college’s integrated masters equine science degree course covers nutrition, therapy and rehabilitation, breeding, behaviour and welfare, and health and disease.

There are also equestrian sports coaching and equine business management degree courses on offer.

At Moreton Morrell in Warwickshire there are 12 degree courses listed ranging from equine performance coaching to equine business management and the racing industry.

In Cirencester the Royal Agricultural University has BSc degree courses in equine management, international equine and agricultural business management, bloodstock and performance horse management and an MSc in applied equine science.

At Sparsholt equine students can take a diploma in equine and rider performance, a BSc in equestrian performance management or equine science or an MSc in equine behaviour, performance and training.

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There will be greater chances for apprentices in the equestrian industry thanks to the government’s approval of a new scheme.

The equine groom and senior equine groom apprenticeships’ standards were approved by David Cameron this summer, and next month work will begin on the assessment plans.

The apprenticeships were drawn up by a cross-discipline group representing all facets of equestrianism, from the British Equestrian Federation and the British Horseracing Authority to the Household Cavalry.

Through the radical reform of apprenticeships, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills aims to increase their quality, put employers in the driving seat and simplify the system.

In doing so, it expects that the successful apprentice will be held in the same esteem as a university graduate.

The government is currently redesigning 76 different apprenticeship schemes, ranging from TV production to welding.

The standards for the new level two and three equine apprenticeships have been drafted by the Equine Trailblazer Apprenticeship group.

“These standards have been carefully formulated to fulfil the government’s aim to produce world-class grooms who are industry-ready,” said Sue Martin, chairman of the Equestrian Trailblazers.

“The reform aims to standardise the core knowledge and skills of the grooms, while offering training in a chosen sector of the industry including breeding, driving, racing, riding and equestrianism as a whole.”

The standards received 93% approval from employers, confirming the need for change in preparing the future professionals for the equestrian industry.

Nick Boles, the minister of state for Skills, commented: “Businesses are better placed than anyone to train the next generation of workers and will help us deliver three million high-quality apprenticeships by 2020.

“By designing apprenticeships, employers like Trent Park Equestrian Centre are ensuring that young talented people develop the skills needed to progress up the career ladder and help drive businesses forward.”

Ref: H&H 22/10/15

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Two new initiatives have been launched by the British Horseracing Education Standards Trust (BHEST) to encourage young people to consider a career in racing.

The new “Racing to Work” scheme will support schools with racing-specific careers advice.

Meanwhile, the “Racing for Riders” programme will target those already taking part in other equestrian sports to consider racing as an option.

“BHEST is in a unique position to support through relevant education and guidance the work being undertaken by the racing and breeding industries to recruit and retain staff,” said the charity’s executive director Judith Allen.

“We want to inspire young people by opening up opportunities for training towards a career in the racing industry that they probably never knew existed, or perhaps felt was somehow out of reach.”

The BHEST currently runs a “Racing to School” scheme, which gives more than 10,000 schoolchildren a year the chance to learn about racing at a racecourse, stud or trainer’s yard.

The charity has also appointed former Great British Racing PR director Nick Attenborough to its board of trustees.

John Blake has joined the BHEST from World Horse Welfare as fundraising director.

“The future success of racing depends upon attracting young people into the sport, either as fans or as a career path,” said Nick.

John added that it is in the industry’s interest for the charity to generate ideas, choices and ambition among children of all backgrounds.

“I will be asking individuals and businesses who invest in racing and breeding to take up the opportunity to support and share in the success of BHEST’s development,” he said.

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A new horseracing MBA is being run this September at the University of Liverpool.

Racing is the first sport after football to offer a MBA course.

Launched by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), the new course can be taken over year full-time or two years part-time.

There are seven scholarship places available on the inaugural 2015-16 course sponsored by the BHA, HBLB and the University of Liverpool.

The course is aimed at those already in British racing or anyone wishing to embark upon a career in the industry.

Employers within the sport are also being urged to enroll suitable employees to the course. The core elements of the programme include leadership, strategy, managing the environment, innovation, entrepreneurship and managing financial resources.

Students will also get an insight into the management of racecourses and training centres, marketing, advertising, sponsorship, bloodstock management and veterinary issues.

The course offers vocational training through industry placements and visits to racecourses, studs, training facilities, media companies and companies in the betting industry.

The programme will be led by Tom Cannon, professor of strategic development and the University of Liverpool Management School.

“We are delighted to launch and help fund the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries MBA, a new world-class educational programme, created to cultivate leaders in the racing industry,” said the BHA’s Carole Goldsmith.

“The British Horseracing graduate programme and management academy have proven successful in nurturing promising leaders in the industry and this MBA will complement these courses, while offering an even higher level of qualification for successful candidates,” she added.

Alan Delmonte, chief executive of the HBLB, said: “The MBA has the potential to take to a new level the attractiveness of racing as a long-term executive and business career for both domestic and overseas applicants.”

Adam Waterworth, managing director of Goodwood Racecourse, said the new MBA “will undoubtedly help racing to continue to be one of the biggest employers in the sports industry.”

Jake Warren, of Highclere Stud, said the new course “will provide fantastic opportunities for its students and graduates of it seeking employment across the industry will have to be taken very seriously.”

For more information visit: www.liverpool.ac.uk/horseracingmba/

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Women in Racing (WiR) — a not-for-profit organisation created to boost the profile of women in the sport — has launched a £2,000 bursary programme to go towards career development in the industry. The fund has been generated from membership, educational events and fund-raising initiatives.

WiR invites its members, who can be at any stage in their career within any sector of horseracing, to apply for an award of up to £2,000. Women will need to submit an application to show how the bursary will be used, such as for training, qualifications, industry events, equipment or funding for a business start-up.

WiR chair Sally Rowley-Williams said: “Horseracing is a diverse sport although women are poorly represented in the various boardrooms and at the most senior levels governing the industry.

“There is, however, an abundance of talented women involved across all levels and sectors and we are proud to be able to nurture their growth.

Full details of the Women in Racing Bursary Programme, how awards will be made and how to apply can be found at www.womeninracing.co.uk/Bursary

Membership to WiR is open to all women with an interest in horseracing. Annual membership is £25; concessions are available. Visit www.womeninracing.co.uk.

Are racehorse trainers using foreign work riders because home grown jockeys are “too heavy”, or is more a question of pay, as stable staff claim?

This month the issue hit the headlines when some trainers complained that there aren’t enough “lightweight, skilled” work riders in the UK, so they have to look abroad — mainly India, Pakistan and Brazil.

But the UK Border Agency said shortages in the racing industry were due to “low pay rather than a lack of skills”.

Last year work riders were removed from the Government’s list of jobs where shortages can be filled by immigrants.

George McGrath, of the National Association of Stable Staff, told H&H weight was not the problem.

“The real issue isn’t a lack of lightweight work riders, it’s a lack of money,” he said. “If you look at what some of the northern trainers are prepared to pay, it’s a pittance.”

He added some wages were as low as around £300 a week.

“The hours are long and the work is hard,” he said. “Plenty of the Asian riders are as heavy, if not heavier than UK riders.

“There is a UK-based workforce available, but you have to pay a reasonable wage.”

Rupert Arnold of the National Trainers Federation told H&H that skilled migrant work riders represent about 10% of those directly involved with racehorses in Britain.

“There is a shortage of lightweight skilled work riders,” he said.

“The reason can be seen in the official growth statistics. In the male population aged 18, only 10% weigh 60kg or less — the maximum which trainers would prefer riders to weigh to ride Flat horses in fast work.

“The pool from which we recruit is shrinking, so we look outside the EU.”

A UK Border Agency spokesman said British employers — in all areas — must “wean themselves off their addiction to immigration”.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (6 December 2012)

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A travelling head lad who has worked with the likes of Desert Orchid, Persian Punch, In The Groove and Barnbrook Again has been crowned Stud and Stable Staff Employee of the Year.

Old school legend Peter Maughan, who is travelling head lad for David Elsworth in Newmarket, has worked in racing for some 56 years.

Grand National and Gold Cup winning jockey Mick Fitzgerald presented Peter with his accolade at a glittering lunch in London today. Thanks to generous sponsorship by Godolphin, Peter took home not only the trophy, but a prize of £12,500, plus another £12,500 to be shared among his colleagues as David Elsworth’s Newmarket yard.

Talking through his memories racing legends, Peter said: “Dessie [Desert Orchid] was a miserable old devil to start with in his box, but he loved the public and was good as gold at the races.”

But, of all the horses he worked with, Peter said Persian Punch was “the very bravest”.

“He ran his heart out 100 per cent in every race he ran,” recalled Peter, who had earlier also won the senior staff award.

The awards were judged by a panel comprising celebrated author and journalist Brough Scott (chairman); former champion jockey and Professional Jockey Associaion industry liaison director Kevin Darley; BHA director Morag Gray; Miles Littlewort, former chief executive of the National Stud; and Dinah Nicholson, wife of the late David Nicholson.

Other winners at today’s fifth running of the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, run by the British Horseracing Authority in conjunction with the Racing Post were:

David Nicholson Newcomer

Winner: Lee Oswin, trainee stable lad with Gary Moore

Runners up: Ellie Church, stable lass with Marcus Tregoning

Matthew Hampton, rider/groom with Philip Hobbs

Stud staff

Winner: Paul Baker, stud groom/manager at Usk Valley Stud

Runners up: Roisin Close, stud groom at Tweenhills Stud

Deborah Dodd, secretary and stud stable hand at Louella Stud

Rider/groom

Winner: Claire Knight, rider/groom with Jeremy Noseda

Runners up: Hugh Fraser, rider/groom with John Berry

Mick Wilson, stable groom with William Haggas

Senior staff

Winner: Peter Maughan, travelling head lad with David Elsworth

Runners up: Albert “Corky” Browne, head lad with Nicky Henderson

Jim Hiner, secretary with Michael Jarvis

Special merit/hero

Winner: Andy Gibson, yardman with Stuart Williams

Runners up: Sally Davies, general assistant with Simon Dow

Ian Willows, travelling head lad with Luca Cumani

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Trainers and stud owners can now put forward their star employees for the 2009 Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

Nominations opened on Tuesday (11 November) and forms will be sent to all licensed trainers and more than 300 breeders — who have until 21 December to submit their entries.

Rupert Arnold, chief executive of the National Trainers Federation said: “Nominating stable staff for the awards is the ultimate way to recognise their contribution to a successful yard.

“I urge trainers and stable employees to join forces to nominate their human stable stars. There’s so much to gain and nothing to lose.”

There are 5 categories and the winner of each category will receive £3,000 and the runner up £2,000.

• David Nicholson newcomer award (less than 9 months in racing)
• Senior staff (to include yard and travelling staff, and office administrators)
• Rider/groom
• Stud staff
• Special merit/hero (includes long service)

Category winners will then be put forward for the overall Stud and Stable Staff Employee of the Year Award — with prize money of £12,500.

The judging panel will be chaired by racing commentator Brough Scott and will be made up of former champion jockey Kevin Darley, British Horseracing Authority (BHA) director Morag Gray, former trainer and BHA director Toby Balding, former chief executive of the National Stud Miles Littlewort and Dinah Nicholson — wife of the late trainer David.

Kevin Darley said: “Jockeys get plenty of limelight when they ride a big winner and get coverage in the papers, but this is the opportunity for those who put in the hard graft to keep the racing wheel turning to get their moment in the spotlight.

“There are plenty of deserving people in every yard up and down the country and we implore trainers and studs to get their nominations in to us.”

The Stud and Stable Staff Awards were initiated by the BHA in 2005 to recognise the achievements of racing’s key staff.

Trainers can also nominate their staff online at www.racingadmin.co.uk or www.britishhorseracing.com/stablestaff

Trainers or studs with questions about the awards scheme should telephone 020 7152 0005.

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A career as a racing secretary involves working for a trainer, dealing with the administration of running a racing yard, although its exact format varies from yard to yard. Some big yards have more than one secretary.

Some secretaries ride out with the first lot, while others, like Joline Saunders, racing secretary to trainer Richard Phillips, head straight for the office each morning.

“I get in at around 7.45am,” says Joline. “Declarations have to be made by 10am, so I find out about the ground, the other horses and the available jockeys. Then Richard decides which horses to declare.”

Next, Joline makes entries for the midday deadline, liaises with owners, updates the website and talks to yard staff about travel arrangements. Other tasks include answering the phone, dealing with correspondence with Richard, setting up sponsors, owners and horse names with Weatherbys, doing VAT returns, wages, health and safety work and ordering feed, haylage and veterinary supplies.

Michael Jarvis’s racing secretary Jim Hiner has been in the job 36 years. “You have to be good at watching out for the time, remembering things and keeping records,” he says.

Joline says the best part of her job is the variety and meeting people: “I love going to Cheltenham, where we have a hospitality marquee. The job involves long hours and you have to be married to it. The worst part is when the horses aren’t running well and things like having to tell the owner if we lose a horse, but that doesn’t happen often.”

Joline and Jim say that many jobs are filled through word of mouth, although some are advertised in H&H or the Racing Post.

“I’d recommend going to a big trainer with several secretaries for your first job, so you have someone to help you,” says Joline.

Traditionally secretaries often moved from yardwork into the office, while the British Racing School now runs a two-day racing secretary course, which costs £50.

Using guest speakers from across the industry, the course covers subjects such as the structure of racing, health and safety, dealing with employees, the rules of racing and the role of Weatherbys. The school is planning some advanced racing secretaries courses this year.

Contact the British Racing School (tel: 01638 665103) or visit www.brs.org.uk

The racing industry has taken significant steps towards modernising conditions for stud and stable staff, but more must be done to improve the welfare of the workforce and attract new people into racing.

That is the verdict of the latest meeting of the Stable and Stud Staff Steering Group (SSSSG), a body that reports annually on how well the recommendations made in the Donoughue report are being implemented.

The Donoughue report urged the various bodies within racing to adopt a variety of measures to improve pay, working conditions and educational opportunities for stud and stable staff.

Racing is unique in being the only equestrian discipline with an industry-backed blueprint designed to improve the conditions of its workforce.

Baroness Ann Mallalieu chairs the SSSSG and she told H&H that there are still some key areas that need to be addressed.

“Retention is a big problem,” she said. “Issues such as pay, housing and pension provision all influence staffing levels and we have to work on these or we will lose people from racing.”

The SSSSG report is based on the findings of a survey sent out to 6,000 individuals — the majority of the racing workforce. The survey revealed that there had been little improvement over the past 12 months on linking overtime pay to hours worked.

The survey also discovered high levels of disenchantment among older members of the workforce. The SSSSG said this could be attributed to low wage levels for even the most experienced employees combined with few opportunities for career development.

But the survey discovered that 49% of the recommendations made in the Donoughue report have been carried out, while 33% are currently in progress.

Improvements include making the wearing of body protectors compulsory, better facilities for staff at racecourses and the establishment of the Newmarket Racing Partnership, a group that works to tackle the problem of substance abuse in the town.

The SSSSG also noted that applications to Britain’s racing colleges are up 60% on last year. But the group criticised the Stable Lads’ Association (SLA) for its reluctance to reform and Baroness Mallalieu stressed that change here was “crucial”.

“A good many changes that need to be made could be done by the SLA,” she said. “The SLA must expand and be more representative of its members, and this needs to happen now.”

• This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (30 November, ’06)

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TREC selectors are scouring the country to find new Young Rider talent in a bid to field a team plus individuals in this summer’s European Championships.

Although they have assembled a long list of 28 seniors, so far they have found only five Young Riders, aged 21 and under. As host nation, Britain is entitled to enter one team and eight individuals in both the senior and Young Rider categories, all of whom will be eligible to carry the national flag on their jackets and saddle cloths.

TREC is a three-phase test of horse and rider versatility. A test of orienteering skills is followed by control of the horse’s paces in walk and canter, with the final phase similar to a cross country course, negotiating the kind of obstacles a rider could meet when riding across unfamiliar country.

National TREC organiser, Rob Jones of the British Horse Society, said: “There are many young people competing in TREC competitions or who ride well and have orienteering skills from their Duke of Edinburgh scheme studies, who could be well qualified for the upper grades of this sport.

“The selectors are of the opinion that there are many who are capable but lack the confidence to push themselves into a higher grade or even to tackle TREC itself. This is an ideal opportunity for them to advance in a sport, and at the same time gain experience of international competition.”

The European Championships, which is expected to attract competitors from at

least 10 countries, will be held on Exmoor on 15 to 17 September.

BSJA recognises young talent

Sophie Tobin, 25, has been voted The British Show Jumping Association’s show jumper of the month for January 2006.

Sophie from Flore, Northampton won the Ladies Grand Prix in Nantes with Orion II and was placed third with Unicento. She also finished third in the Ladies Speed class and second in the Ladies Accumulator at the same show. The judges felt that Sophie had excelled at the Nantes Show and was a deserving winner of the monthly award.

Sophie was presented with her award, a Charles Owen hat voucher, Taittinger Champaigne, an engraved crystal bowl, a leather head collar and a Show Jumper of the Month rug by Tim Stockdale.

Careers in racing

The British Horseracing Board has introduced a new section to its website — www.britishhorseracing.com — designed to offer advice to young people looking for career opportunities within British Racing. The Careers in Racing section includes a “virtual careers advisor”, a breakdown of different career options and details of the training courses available. Visit: www.britishhorseracing.com/careersinracing/

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Roy Barrett, head groom at Len Lungo’s Carrutherstown stable in Scotland, has been awarded the top honour at the inaugural Stable Staff of the Year Awards in London, winning a prize of £10,000. His yard colleagues have also received £10,000 to share between them.

Stable Employee of the Year, Barrett, 57, has spent more than 40 years in racing and was also the winner of the Senior Staff Award. He has been employed by Len Lungo for some 14 years, since Lungo first took out a training licence in 1990.

Barrett was described as showing “endless patience with young horses.” He regular rides out up to five lots a day and “has a quiet and calm personality, educating riders to as high a standard as he does the horses”, according to his employer.

Among Barrett’s most well know charges are Celtic Giant, who came back from heart problems to win the Kim Muir, as well as winners of the Cheltenham and Northumberland Plate.

The awards, sponsored by Godolphin and organised by the British Horseracing Board in association with the Racing Post, carried prizes totalling £50,000, making them the richest awards of their kind for stable staff anywhere in the world.

Eleven-times champion jockey Pat Eddery he presented all winners and runners-up with their trophies. Each of the five award category winners received £2,500, with their colleagues at their respective stable or stud to benefit from £1,000. Two runners-up in each category also received £1,000. The winners were:

• Newcomer: Paul Lucas – Groom with Andrew Balding
• Stud Staff: Susan Titley – Head Girl at Shade Oak Stud
• Rider/Groom: Larry Poland – Groom with Nicky Richards
• Senior Staff: Roy Barrett – Head Groom with Len Lungo
• Special Merit/Hero: Gary Wright – Head Groom with Peter Cundell

The awards were judged by a panel comprising Racing Post editorial director Brough Scott; John Francome, Channel 4 Racing broadcaster; Stephen Hadley, show jumper; Gill Lovell, executive director of the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust; David Nicholson, BHB bloodstock representative; and Dr Peter Webbon, Jockey Club director of veterinary science and welfare.

BHB Chairman Martin Broughton said: “Racing simply would not take place without its grass roots workforce. Their commitment often goes well beyond the call of duty, as was clear from the near-250 award nomination forms that were received. We are delighted to have played a role in ensuring that such dedicated individuals receive deserved recognition.”

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