British Racing school questions

[DancingJester]

I really want to apply for the British racing school; I’ll be finishing my last year of college doing my level 3 horse management course, this year. After I really want to apply, it for the 9 week foundation course? I was just wondering if anybody here had been? What is it like and whet do they ask you in the interview? Also what did you put down on your application?

I want to get in sooo much but it appears to be really hard to get a place.

 

[happyhack]

I did a two week 'taster' course about ten years ago. The first thing you will be taught is basically to forget everything you already know! Fabulous experience. PM me if you want anymore info.

 

[boxcarhorse]

There's also the Northern Racing College at Doncaster, although I would say from an employers perspective the Newmarket course has the better reputation. I'd try and get some part time work at a local racing yard in the meantime even if its just mucking out on a weekend. In racing I'd say practical experience is respected more than paper qualifications.

 

[sywell]

Your weight will be important so check what it is. The most professional expert caring people luck you to be young enough

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

In life, if you are determined you will get there...... you can read through library books on general interview type questions, but really they are looking someone who will fit in to a racing environment, so I suppose that your background and your interest will get you an interview, and I see no reason why you should not get a place., funding may depend on age.
You will be expected to have genned up on everything on their website and also the people who interview you.. who are they? If it is not on your letter inviting you to interview, there is nothing to stop you asking before you go.
You should already be aware that in flat yards you need to be pretty light, less so in NH, and of course you need to know that Newmarket is also known as HQ, the Head Quarters of Racing. If you get an interview, make sure you take the opportunity to visit the town, the town wakes up around 6.00 am and the horses [thousands of horses], are on the gallops by dawn. There is a museum which is full of info.
If you want to work in the North, try the Northern Racing School

 

[Indy]

I might be completely wrong but I think their 9 week course starts at Level 2 and if you've got a Level 3 equine qualification the chances are they wont be able to get funding for you to do a lower qualification.

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

I might be completely wrong but I think their 9 week course starts at Level 2 and if you've got a Level 3 equine qualification the chances are they wont be able to get funding for you to do a lower qualification.

That may be so, but one cannot hold back someone who wants to work in racing, they will get in to it one way or the other, it is addictive and all consuming.

 

[EmmyMD]

I swear they do a slightly more comprehensive course after the 9 weeks. I work in the industry and am forever getting packed off for 2/3 days at a time on a course.

I think they work you pretty hard but employers love it and to the best of my knowledge aren't allowed to employ under 18s that haven't done either that or the nrc one. How many ahere to that is different, but they aren't meant to.

 

[Laafet]

I did a two week 'taster' course about ten years ago. The first thing you will be taught is basically to forget everything you already know! Fabulous experience. PM me if you want anymore info.

I did it about 10 years ago too! It was fab. The 9 week course is long and hard but you get a qualification and a job at the end of it. We had a few people at the rehab/pre-training yard from Racing School who had decided that they didn't want to work in a racing yard in the end but needed a job.
As for the application I can't really help you there as it was a long time ago for me, but it is competitive and they will weigh you.

 

[pip6]

It is a very tough course, high drop out rate but worth it as it will give you a great start in racing. Friends daughter did BRS 2 years ago, now working in racing with amateur licence. Very caring staff, you will get out what you put in.

 

[EmmyMD]

I would reiterate the high drop out rate. I had a friend who did it and loved it but about half her course dropped out, mainly due to injury and a few more stayed but didn't ride.
You will have falls, but IMO they are often trickier than normal racehorses as they know every trick in the book, obviously they don't keep the ones that can be really dangerous but you'd not be put on the lunatics as a newbu on a yard anyway.