Industry careers

Assistant trainer: Coordinates and enacts training plans of a trainer
Barn Foreman: Organizes and runs barns of horses at a racetrack or on a stud 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 race horses during training
Groom: Provides hands-on care of race horses or horses at farms
Hotwalker: Cools down horses after training; May also work as a groom
Jockey: Rider of racehorses
Stallion Handler: A specialized groom who works specifically with stallions
Trainer: Trains and conditions racehorses
Rehoming: Trainers who work with horses who have retired from the track and re-train them for second careers
Yearling Manager: Oversees the care of year-old horses and their preparation for public auctions

Auctioneer: Auctions off horses at public sales
Consignor: Someone who prepares and showcases horses for public Thoroughbred auctions
Pinhooker: Buys young horses and improves their physical condition for re-sale
Sales Company: Many Thoroughbreds sell at public auctions. People who work for the companies that host these auctions might recruit horses, develop relationships with clients, help with sales entries, or research pedigrees

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 relationships with trainers, and schedule rides on horses
Racing Manager: Works for a trainer 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 gambled or spent on certain products or services, and determining how to use this data to improve company or business performance
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 bet on horses full-time
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 racetracks and training facilities to assure they are safe for the horses
Starter: Individual who oversees the starting gates – training horses to go inside and stand patiently and safely, loading during the races and starting the race
Stewards: The referees of horse racing who make sure people follow the rules
Working with Backstretch Employees: Horsemen’s organizations such as the HBPA (Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) or Racetrack Chaplaincies of America ensure that horsemen and backstretch workers are provided with general information and health care resources to live a safe and healthy lifestyle

Corporate Communications: Works for a racetrack or large business or organization to communicate big 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 profile stories about people, horses or events
Marketing: Markets and 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
On-Air Presenter: Works on television or radio discussing horse racing, handicapping or analyzing racing and conducting interviews
Producer: Plans and instructs the running of television or radio programming
Racing Analyst: Can be written or on-air; analyzes the past racing performances of horses, and instructs the public on who they should bet on

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 resources from the Equine Talent Pipeline Project demonstrate how to work your way from entry-level to highly-skilled positions.

KENTUCKY’S EQUINE INDUSTRY

Care & Sales Career Pathway

Racing Career Pathway