CAREERS

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CAREERS 〰️

This list is just a general guide to a few careers in the Thoroughbred industry. There are many more out there, and sometimes you can even create your own career! Many of our programs allow youth to explore jobs in the horse industry firsthand, all the way from active racetrack jobs to retirement and beyond. You can discover your own path to unique careers in the industry by participating in one of our horse programs for youth. If you are interested in learning more or are seeking a career in horse racing, contact Amplify through our form here , or check out our “Education” page for educational organizations and links to job boards.

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    • Assistant trainer: Supports the head trainer by coordinating and enacting their training plans

    • Barn Foreman: Individual in charge of overseeing the day-to-day operations in a particular shedrow at a racetrack or barn on a breeding farm

    • Breaking/Pre-Training: Educating young horses to be ridden before they reach the track

    • Broodmare Manager: Oversees the care of mares and foals on a farm

    • Exercise Rider: Rides racehorses during morning training

    • Groom: The closest hands-on caretaker of a horse at a racetrack or farm

    • Hotwalker: Cools down horses after training; May also work as a groom

    • Jockey: Professional race rider

    • Stallion Handler: A specialized groom who works specifically with stallions

    • Trainer: Trains and conditions racehorses

    • Trainer (Aftercare): A trainer who works with horses who have retired from the track and re-trains them for second careers

    • Yearling Manager: Oversees the care of year-old horses while on a farm and/or throughout their preparation for sales

    • Auctioneer: Auctions off horses at public sales

    • Consignor: An agency that prepares and showcases horses for public Thoroughbred auctions on behalf of a specific farm or owner

    • Pinhooker: Buys young horses and improves their physical condition for re-sale

    • Sales Company: Many Thoroughbreds sell at public auctions, called sales. People who work for sales companies might recruit horses, develop relationships with clients, help with sales entries, or conduct horse inspections

    • Bloodstock Agent: Works on behalf of an owner or group of owners to purchase horses

    • Corporate Management: Manages the running of a large business such as a racetrack

    • Jockey’s Agent: Helps jockeys develop and maintain relationships with trainers and book rides on horses

    • Racing Manager: Works for a trainer, or liaises between a particular owner or ownership group and their trainer(s) to organize horses in training and determine where they should race next

    • Racing Syndicate/Partnership Manager: Works with a large group of people who co-own racehorses

    • Data and Analytics: Tracking data and metrics of customers, money wagered or spent on certain products or services, and determining how to use this data to improve company or business performance. Data and analytics are also used in equine training to improve performance and safety for early detection of problems that could lead to injury

    • Finance/Accounting: Tracks and oversees the finances of businesses or organizations such as racetracks or breeding farms

    • Racetrack Surface Testing: Kentucky has a testing laboratory that takes samples and studies various racing materials

    • Veterinarian: Equine medical professional who oversees the health and well-being of horses. Some vets specialize in racetrack care while others specialize in reproduction or work as general practitioners

    • Vet Tech: Assists veterinarians in the administration of equine medical care

    • Gate Crew: Assist the starter with gate training, and load horses safely into the gates for races

    • Professional Handicapper: Career or hobby; some people are good enough at analyzing horses and racing data that they can make a living by wagering on horses full-time–many professional handicappers also compete in betting competitions

    • Racing Announcer: Like an announcer at a sporting event, a racing announcer tells the crowd what is happening during a horse race

    • Racetrack Surface Maintenance: Manages racing surfaces such as dirt, turf, and synthetic material at racetracks and training facilities to ensure they are safe for the horses

    • Starter: The individual who oversees the starting gate – training horses to go inside and stand patiently and safely, loading during the races, and pressing a button to open the starting gate and begin the race

    • Racing officials: Various positions involving the enforcement of rules at racetracks

    • Trade Organizations and Benevolence: Various racetracks and farm communities have organizations devoted to serving the interests of a particular group of people (ex. trainers) or providing health care services for humans

    • Corporate Communications: Works for a racetrack or large business or organization to communicate events through press releases, media advisories, website media, and/or print publications

    • Hospitality: Plans and executes events, and hosts customers, sponsors, racehorse owners, or other people at these events to assure they have a good time

    • Journalist: Reports on racing, breeding, and/or sales; Conducts interviews with personalities in racing and writes informational or feature stories about people, horses, or events

    • Marketing: Creatively promotes businesses, publications, racetracks, stallions, etc. through digital, social, or print media

    • Museum Curator and Educator: There are a few prominent museums and libraries about horse racing in the U.S. People working in these places research historical information, assist individuals with project research, and conduct educational classes and tours

    • Presenter/Racing Analyst: Works on television or radio discussing horse racing, handicapping, or analyzing racing and conducting interviews. A presenter might focus more on feature material, while an analyst specifically reviews the past racing performances of horses, and instructs the public on who they should bet on. These positions might be combined

    • Producer: Plans and instructs the running of television or radio programming

EQUINE CAREER CURRICULUM MATERIALS

Are you wondering what career pathway is right for you in the Thoroughbred industry? Whether you already have a career goal in mind or you’re not sure where to begin, these pathway document resources from the Equine Talent Pipeline Project demonstrate how to work your way from entry-level to highly-skilled positions.

Download Amplify’s “Guide to Thoroughbred Industry Jobs.” This colorful, kid-friendly guide is a reference for jobs and careers in several aspects of the Thoroughbred industry, from the farm to the show ring! Also check out our “Education” page for educational organizations, descriptions of our many horse programs for youth, and links to job board

Amplify Horse Racing had an important role in the development of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s “Guide to Careers in Horse Racing”!
Visit their website to learn more and download the guide.

KET, as part of its “Careers in Demand” series, created an episode about careers in the Thoroughbred industry! Watch the episode below and visit their website to learn more.

HELP YOUTH FIND THEIR STRIDE!

WELCOME GUIDE

Our goal is to amplify education, mentorship, and career opportunities in the Thoroughbred industry for young people. We’re here to connect you with the right resources, institutions, and programs to help you achieve your horse industry dreams.

Download our Welcome Guide to learn more about Amplify Horse Racing’s horse programs for youth and young adults of all ages.