CAREERS

Travelling Head Person

What is a Travelling Head Person?

The Travelling Head Person is part of the management team, and is responsible for taking horses to meetings

Take charge on the road and the racecourse as you travel to meetings around the country and the world. You are responsible for transporting the horse’s equipment safely and must arrange everything to ensure the horses are kept in the best possible condition whilst away from the yard.

At the meeting it’s the Travelling Head Person who oversees the saddling of the horses and leading them into the paddock before the race. And after the race is run it’s your responsibility to take charge of the horse, preparing them for the next journey. You may also have to represent the trainer, declaring and speaking to the jockey and owners.

What it Takes

A Travelling Head Person is a senior role so you need to have plenty of experience working in the industry

As a Travelling Head Person you will be on the road A LOT, so a love of travelling is essential. It requires a similar skillset to the Head Person of a yard, and you’ll need to be hardworking, reliable and organised.

Being able to drive the horsebox is a key skill for a Travelling Head Person, for which you’ll need to have a Certificate in Equine Transport. You can gain this qualification at the British Racing School.

Benefits

See the world and be involved with the excitement of race day

A Travelling Head Person is also rewarded with a salary based on qualification and experience, plus a share of the pooled prize money.

Name Sam Davis

From Dagenham, Essex

Employer Roger Varian

How did you get into racing?

From a very young age I was watching racing. I remember sitting with my dad and granddad on a Saturday afternoon thinking I would love to get into it. From the age of 6 I started riding ponies, and from then I’ve never known anything else. I applied to the British Racing School at the age of 15 and from then I’ve continuously worked in the racing industry.

What training have you done?

I have done the nine week course at the British Racing School, also a Work Riding course and the Amateur Jockey License course.

Do you have a career ambition?

My ambition from a young age was always to ride in a race, and I achieved my dream. Everything after that has been a bonus.

Why do you enjoy your job?

Doing the travelling job is great fun, I have met so many new friends and seen so many places that I never thought I would go to. It is just a good job and to be in a good yard makes the job easier.

Courses

Stable Staff Courses

TRANSPORT QUALIFICATION

One Day £160

Experience Level:

Intermediate

This certification is compulsory for those wishing to transport horses. The British Racing School is an accredited centre where candidates can take this exam

Course Dates

Gain your qualification at The British Racing School
  • 21/01/2021 - 21/01/2021
  • 18/03/2021 - 18/03/2021
  • 27/05/2021 - 27/05/2021
  • 26/08/2021 - 26/08/2021
  • 30/09/2021 - 30/09/2021
  • 28/10/2021 - 28/10/2021
  • 25/11/2021 - 25/11/2021
  • 16/12/2021 - 16/12/2021

Management

Introduction to Management

Four days over 12 weeks £1200

Experience Level:

No experience required

This course is aimed at those working in the racing industry in a management position. It will build on current skills and knowledge to improve candidates performance and prospects of career improvement.

Course Dates

This is a course at The British Racing School
  • 09/04/2020 - 09/04/2020
  • 14/05/2020 - 14/05/2020
  • 11/06/2020 - 11/06/2020
  • 16/07/2020 - 16/07/2020

Diploma Courses

Level 2 Apprenticeship Equine Groom (Racing)

12-18 months £FREE

Experience Level:

Intermediate

An essential step towards working in the racing industry, the Level 2 Apprenticeship Equine Groom (Racing) gives you all the skills and experience you need to further your career.

Course Dates

This is a course run by The British Racing School

Diploma Courses

Introduction to Racing Course

One week £FREE

Experience Level:

No experience required

During this FREE fully residential 2.5 days at the BRS, you will experience the buzz of race day, the excitement of sales, as well as the thrill of the ride on a racehorse.

Plus the opportunity to be interviewed for the Foundation course at the end of the 2.5 days.

Course Dates

This is a fully residential course at the British Racing School
  • 16/12/2019 - 18/12/2019