Trainers are responsible for overseeing the operations of the entire yard. They are in charge of training the horses, but also running the business side, including looking after staffing and finance, and ensuring legal compliance.

Your days are often long and always varied – typically you’ll be at the yard early, watching all the horses being ridden and deciding what work they will be doing that day. Owners may come in to view their horses who you would take on the gallops with you.

You also need to liaise with the racing secretary to make sure all the horses are declared to run in races. Afternoons are often spent at the races watching your horses run, and then catching up with the horses’ owners and your other racing connections.

Often Trainers will have previously spent time as Assistant Trainers for several years, or may have been a professional jockey. A Level 3 Apprenticeship Senior Equine Groom (Racing) (formally the Level 3 Diploma Advanced Apprenticeship) is essential, and you’ll need to complete the Trainers Courses at British Racing School.

You will also require a Licence to train from the British Horseracing Authority. To gain this Trainer’s Licence, you will need to provide the BHA with your business plan, professional references and a financial statement that proves you either have substantial working capital or overdraft.

Job satisfaction comes with winning races, and seeing horses and jockeys you have nurtured from the beginning fulfilling their potential. And, of course, you get to work with horses every day!