Horse Jobs Category

Racetrack Exercise Rider – Horse Jobs

An exercise rider spends a great deal of time with the animals themselves. They are responsible for riding the racehorses during their exercise runs on the track.

What You Need

This is a position which benefits from a knowledge of horses and the racing industry, a strong teamwork ethic and a love of the outdoors. Exercise riders work closely with the each horse’s trainer to keep the animal at peak performance level.

Strong communication skills, the ability to think/ act quickly and attention to detail are all characteristic of a good exercise rider.

Jockey Valet – Horse Jobs

The position of jockey valet is similar in many ways to a groom, they are to aid and assist in every aspect of preparing both horse and jockey for a race.

What You Need

This is a position which benefits from attention to detail, the ability to work well and make decisions under pressure – not to mention a sheer love of racing in general. This is a physically demanding position with responsibilities that will change daily.

A teamwork attitude, a firm knowledge of horseflesh and the ability to think on the fly are all strong qualities in successful jockey valets.

Racing Driver – Horse Jobs

This position is similar in nature to a jockey and involves many of the same duties. Like jockeys, this is a job which requires great physical strength and can be quite dangerous.

What You Need

This is a position which benefits from a thorough knowledge of the racing industry, a great deal of experience with horses and the ability to think quick on your feet. Racing drivers work closely with horse owners, trainers, exercise riders and a variety of barn staff to achieve their goals.

Strength of body and character, smallness of stature and the ability to work well with a variety of horses make for a great racing driver. Like the jockey this is perhaps one of the most dangerous horse jobs.

Jockey – Horse Jobs

Being a jockey is not just about basking in the joy of the winners circle, it is a dangerous labor intensive position which requires a great deal of experience and knowledge.

What You Need

This is a position which benefits from strength of character, excellent riding skills and a firm understanding of the racing industry. Jockeys must work with a variety of people including horse owners, trainers, exercise riders and a variety of barn staff.

Extensive horse experience, a small (but strong) stature and a fearless ability to think fast are all traits of a successful jockey. With few exceptions this is perhaps one of the most dangerous horse jobs.

Racetrack Trainer – Horse Jobs

The term horse trainer can apply to any discipline and a good trainer will usually stick to one discipline or another. Racetrack trainers spend a great deal of time with each animal in their care, they must know their charges inside and out to maximize their performance on the track.

What You Need

This is a position which benefits from attention to detail, the ability to juggle multiple tasks and management experience. Racetrack trainers must work with a variety of people during their day, owners, jockeys, training riders, vets and farriers to name a few.

A flexible attitude, a sublime knowledge of the racing industry and a deep understanding of horse anatomy, physiology and psychology are all essential elements of a great racetrack trainer.

Image from d2digital

The races can’t happen without a good gate crew to get the horses lined up properly. This is a job that allows people a great deal of contact with the animals and a little excitement.

This is a position which benefits from an appreciation for teamwork, the ability to think quickly on your feet and an understanding of equine nature. The crew is responsible for getting high strung animals into a confined space.

A calm demeanor even under stress, attention to detail and a great deal of patience are important characteristics of a good racetrack crew member.
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Horse Job – Racetrack Judge

In the early racing days there were multiple racing judges used to decide the winner of each race. As can be expected, that became a matter of too many cooks in the kitchen and it was difficult to get unanimous results.

Thanks to technology and fast cameras, the judging process can be more exact and carried out by only one individual, although there are cases of disputed judge calls being overturned. This horse job does not provide a great deal of contact with the animals.

A Knowledge of Racing

This is a position which benefits from a thorough knowledge of the racing industry, firm decision making capabilities and the ability to stand by their calling, as well as a knowledge of horseflesh.
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Horse Job – Racetrack Vet

A racetrack vet is a veterinarian that specializes in racehorses and is often employed by large racetracks or stable owners to provide dedicated service to the animals at that facility. Like any veterinarian, this is a position which requires a great deal of schooling and certification.

What You Need

This is a position which benefits from strength of character, the ability to handle high stress situations and an intense knowledge of the equine animal inside and out. Being a horse doctor can be a tough job with plenty of ups and downs, not just dealing with sick animals, but distressed owners and racing trainers.

A great deal of required schooling and certification, the ability to work quickly under intense pressure and a strong bond with horses in general are traits of a successful racetrack vet.

Horse Job – Racetrack Manager

A racetrack manager is a position that doesn’t usually work directly with the animals. Although the animals are their primary concern, this position is generally more administrative in nature. Similar to any stable manager. This position is more of an HR tool and often used to ensure that those who work with the animals are of quality.

This is generally a salaried position and can be found at most racing establishments. Those interested in this position should have a history in management and administration.

A Good Communicator

This is a position which benefits from good communication skills, a knowledge of horseflesh and the ability to manage a large staff of people.

The ability to work with a wide variety of people under large amounts of stress, leadership qualities and the ability to effectively to maintain a gaming license are all strong points of a good racetrack manager.
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Horse Jobs – Bloodstock Agent

A bloodstock agent is a position that works closely with the animals, as well as many members within the industry they specialize. Essentially they work as a liaison between horse owners and auction houses or private sellers.

Commission Based Career

This is not generally a salaried position, agents often work for a commission or % of the purchase/ sale price of the animal. Those interested in this position should have an affinity for sales and marketing.

What You Need

This is a position which benefits from a deep knowledge of a specialized industry (usually racing), an expert understanding of pedigree and the ability to spend extended amounts of time on the road.

A highly competitive nature, a phone book full of industry contacts and an innate understanding of confirmation and horseflesh are all elements of a successful bloodstock agent.

Horse Jobs – Artificial Breeding Technician

An artificial breeding technician is responsible for the artificial reproduction, which is often used when breeding horses and livestock. They frequently coordinate their efforts with a breeding manager or a broodmare manager.

What You Need

This is a position which benefits from a good understanding of horse anatomy, experience handling animals and a gentle touch for the mares. The ability to withstand physical labor, a strong physique, solid communication and strong organizational skills are highly beneficial to become an artificial breeding technician.
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Horse Jobs – Foaling Attendant

A foaling attendant is generally a seasonal and temporary job which can be found in almost every size of breeding facility. They generally answer to a breeding manager who oversees large facilities, but can also work closely with broodmare managers.

Understanding Mares

This is a position which benefits from a firm knowledge of the equine animal & the birthing process, working well in a teamwork environment and a preference for working at night.

The ability to remain calm and focused, solid knowledge of horse anatomy and behavior and strength of body are key requirements for a successful foaling attendant.