National Stud / British Racing School

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horse_rider

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Hi, my mum has let me use her account to get some other peoples opinions,
I'm looking on options for after I leave school in the summer and I have seen the British Racing school foundation course and also the National Stud pre apprentice course. I like the look of both courses with the several weeks learning and then a work placement. I would love to pursue a career in racing but i'm unsure which route I want to take.
Has anyone been on either of the courses or work in racing or in the bloodstock side of things? Any experiences would be so helpful!
Thanks
 
If you want to work more on the racing side, with riding, then the racing school is the way to go. After 9 weeks, they find you a job, and you come away with an NVQ 1. Further training is on the job, and you can do NVQ 2, and 3 once in the industry. If you google Darley Flying Start programme, that will also give you options depending on your background/educational level, I can never remember what they want for that, but if you are after a more varied career, and can get a place on it, then it is supposed to be a great boost. I have always loved riding out, but actually never went through the racing school, but friends who have have really enjoyed it and have made long term friends from there time there.
 
I worked with someone who went to the BRS but despite living down the road from it I chose to go to the Northern Racing College in Doncaster both courses are pretty much the same but the NRC is 12 weeks instead of 9 which I think is better as it gives you more time to learn things. From mine and my friends experiences the BRS sounds stricter but not in a bad way. But agree with above if you prefer the racing side of things go to the BRS
 
Echo the above. The BRS do taster days and both would be more than happy to discuss with you what you are looking for and what might suit you career wise. All very nice people.
 
The BRS is good, see if you can get some experience in a racing yard before going on course if you decide it is right for you. Also get yourself fit as you don't just ride, you'll be doing circuits, running and other physical exercises designed to get you in peak condition for riding racers.

I'm not sure if they still have weight restrictions, it was 9 1/2 stone when I went, I'm naturally 10 stone plus at 5'7 and a size 10 so I struggled to get my weight down and keep it there without building too much muscle! Not a nice subject but it has to be in mind when applying if they still have the restrictions. If the NRS has a longer course then go for that, give yourself as much time as possible to perfect your skills and employers will thank you.

I'm not sure about the National Stud but in my own opinion, I wish I'd done that and maybe gone into bloodlines etc. as had I stayed in racing instead of returning to engineering I would still have been mucking out/riding at 40+ years old rather than maybe working in sales which seems to be quite lucrative if you do well.

Think of what will provide you with the lifestyle you want in the future, riding horses is wonderful but unless you progress to training or become a successful jockey I'm not sure it is a very comfortable lifestyle! Of course we all have horses because we love them more than money but being able to afford your own is way better than riding other peoples for peanuts.

Good luck and let us know how you go.
 
I live next door to BRS and went there when I was at Uni! The Darley Flying Start is for people quite a bit older due to the travelling/visa/etc. Shall PM you my thoughts on both of the places you have mentioned.
 
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