CAREERS
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CAREERS 〰️
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.
IF YOU LOVE…
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 & Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s “Guide to Careers in Horse Racing”!
Download the guide below!
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.
