Is it possible to get a job on a racing yard without experience?

[DancingJester]

Riding over 13 years, Got a level 2 and 3 diploma in equine management, have worked at 2 riding schools, done work experience at a showjumping yard, worked at an eventing yard, done some free lance work and work with youngsters, spent 3 months in the US working as a groom for an eventing yard as well as spending 7 weeks as a show jumping groom in Spain for the sunshine tours. I have always wanted to work with racehorses but have never ridden them, I couldn’t do that straight from college because of injuries and was unable to ride (or at leased race ride) so I took a year (and a bit) out. I’m 19 and a half, and was wondering if its possible to go to a racing yard through either an apprenticeship (without a foundation level 1 course at a racing school) or simply get a job at a racing yard?

If a racing school is the only way, I would do it but ideally I wouldn’t have to do a level 1 course at the school as I would have basically done the same units apart from the riding.

 

[bonny]

Yes, no reason at all why you can't get a job, you just need experience with horses and to be a confident rider, the rest you can learn on the job.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

No experience necessary, so long as you are a good rider and confident around the horses then there is no need for qualifications.

Ring up yards local to you and see if they need any staff.

 

[Lolo]

Al rides out for a racing yard and has no experience with that or any equine qualifications beyond her B test. Lots of real life experience away from racing though...

 

[sarahann1]

Yep, many, many years ago I was offered a job on a race yard in Ireland with significantly less experience than you have now. Never went in the end, it would have been a disaster!

 

[zaminda]

Just give some of the local yards a call. A lot aren't hugely keen on the racing school lot, and as you are over 19 you don't have to go. Most of the NH yards I know like to take people out of eventing, as the theory is they work hard, (born out by experience I suspect), although this isn't the ideal time of year to be looking for a job in jump racing.