Parents area
WORKING IN THE IRISH RACING & BREEDING INDUSTRY
A career in the horse racing industry is one of the most diverse and exciting roles you can have, your child can choose a career with endless possibilities. Not only does it offer your child a career centred on care of horses, but it will provide them with skills and knowledge to take them all over the world.
The horse racing and breeding industry has many different opportunities for them. Whether your child is desperate to leave school early to work with horses or wants to further their education on one of the many equine courses available, we have the information you will need to make the right decisions.
Similar to other industries, salaries and wages vary within the Horse Racing & Breeding industry depending on the role, skill level, and experience.
If you are working in a racing yard there is a pay agreement called ‘Rates of Pay for Stablestaff’ effective from the 1st February 2017 agreed by the Irish Stable Staff Association (ISSA) and the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association (IRTA) and overseen by HRI(Horse Racing Ireland).
A potential benefit working in a racing stable is the employee bonus scheme, you will be a part of a pool of prize money which has been won by the horses in your employers yard, these funds are distributed between employees in the yard four times per year. The amount paid to each employee is agreed by all employees and is based on a written Agreement signed by all employees and lodged with the I.H.R.B.
As an employee within the horse racing industry you will have access to, and can benefit from, our Industry Assistance Program (IAP) which offers free, confidential, independent support. The IAP is staffed by a team of highly trained and qualified professionals who are experts in fields such as well-being, family matters, relationships, workplace issues, consumer rights, and much more. You can be confident that the information you receive is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to your particular circumstances.
GETTING STARTED IN RACING
Perhaps you are unsure if the Irish racing and breeding industry is the right option for your child, why not avail of the option of working part time in a racing yard or stud farm while pursuing a further education course or training programme. This way you will get a feel for the industry and the roles within it, this may help your child to decide what the right direction is for them
There are licensed trainers in nearly every county in Ireland, both north and south. If you are interested in working part-time why not approach a trainer in your local area, a full list of licensed trainers with their contact details can be found at www.hri-ras.ie/information-centre/industry/trainers/.
getting started in racing
The Junior Academy ▼
R.A.C.E
The Junior Academy ▼
In conjunction with RACE we run a series of Junior Academy days every year for children and teenagers aged 10 to 16 years, with a dream of becoming a jockey. These training days are open to ALL from experienced pony race riders to riders with no experience of racing, but who may have a dream of becoming a jockey. Riders are grouped by their age and experience so that everyone is of a similar level of ability. Activities for each day are planned around each level of experience and we aim to make these days a lot of fun. Visit the dedicated page on the Racing Academy web site for full details.
HRI Racing Juniors ▼
Learn about horse racing
HRI Racing Juniors ▼
HRI Racing Juniors, an initiative from Horse Racing Ireland, provides a platform where children can learn more about horses in a child-centred way.
Current HRI Racing Juniors activity includes:
- Free activity pack for HRI Racing Juniors member, sign up below.
- Stable Stars trading stickers, children can collect racing heroes and ‘add them to their stable.’
- Raceday Bingo, this activity is designed to be completed at any race meeting, returning a Raceday Bingo is the best way to collect Stable Star stickers.
- HRI Racing Juniors education days, children along with the teacher and classmates visit their local track to learn more about racing.
- Teacher and horse-riding instructor resources, we provide free classroom and tackroom teaching resources.
Visit www.hri.ie/kids/ to sign up.
Transition Year Programme ▼
From Foal To Race
Transition Year Programme ▼
The 'From Foal to Race' Transition Year Programme is a 12 week equine module. The programme presents TY students with a comprehensive overview of the horse racing and breeding industry with a strong focus on increasing awareness of the careers that feature throughout the foal to race story. Some of the featured career case studies include jockeys, digital marketing and nominations.
Throughout this 12 week (1 hour per week) programme, both teachers and students will gain insight into the horse racing industry, including the role of stud farms, animal welfare and other regulations of the industry. This programme is not just relevant for those living within horseracing communities but also opens conversations for those who do not. There are no prior industry or equine knowledge expectations.