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Saddle up for a career in racing with RACE’s QQI Level Five Horsemanship Course
Flexible part-time course kicks off in September 2026.
24/07/2026
.png "Saddle up for a career in racing with RACE’s QQI Level Five Horsemanship Course")
The Horsemanship course offers a pathway into one of Ireland’s most exciting industries. Photo: RACE
Applications are open for the Horsemanship for the Thoroughbred Industry QQI Level Five Major Award at the Racing Academy & Centre of Education (RACE), offering aspiring equine professionals a flexible pathway into one of Ireland’s most exciting industries.
Designed for people with a passion for horses and an interest in thoroughbred racing or breeding, the programme equips learners with practical skills, industry knowledge, and a nationally recognised qualification to help them pursue a career in the sector.
The QQI Level Five Major Award is delivered on a part-time basis via evening classes, making it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments. Learners can complete the full qualification or study individual modules at their own pace, providing maximum flexibility to suit different career goals and experience levels.
The full award is made up of eight modules, including Communications, Equine Anatomy and Physiology, Equine Nutrition, Horse Breeding, Racehorse Care and Exercise, Stable and Yard Routine, and Work Experience.
The course is subsidised through HRI Equuip, with individual modules carrying a fee of €170. However, if you decide to do the whole qualification and you are working in the industry there is a reduced fee of €340 for the full award.
Equuip Curriculum Development and Standards Manager Stephanie Scully commented: “We're delighted be offering this part-time course. The course represents a commitment to supporting and upskilling those who are currently working in the Irish racing industry while also encouraging those who are considering a career to come and explore what areas of the industry they might like to be part of in the future.”
The first two modules of Communications and Equine Anatomy and Physiology begin in mid-September 2026 and applications for these close on Friday 31 July 2026. For full course details and to apply, visit the RACE website.
Designed for people with a passion for horses and an interest in thoroughbred racing or breeding, the programme equips learners with practical skills, industry knowledge, and a nationally recognised qualification to help them pursue a career in the sector.
The QQI Level Five Major Award is delivered on a part-time basis via evening classes, making it ideal for those balancing work or other commitments. Learners can complete the full qualification or study individual modules at their own pace, providing maximum flexibility to suit different career goals and experience levels.
The full award is made up of eight modules, including Communications, Equine Anatomy and Physiology, Equine Nutrition, Horse Breeding, Racehorse Care and Exercise, Stable and Yard Routine, and Work Experience.
The course is subsidised through HRI Equuip, with individual modules carrying a fee of €170. However, if you decide to do the whole qualification and you are working in the industry there is a reduced fee of €340 for the full award.
Equuip Curriculum Development and Standards Manager Stephanie Scully commented: “We're delighted be offering this part-time course. The course represents a commitment to supporting and upskilling those who are currently working in the Irish racing industry while also encouraging those who are considering a career to come and explore what areas of the industry they might like to be part of in the future.”
The first two modules of Communications and Equine Anatomy and Physiology begin in mid-September 2026 and applications for these close on Friday 31 July 2026. For full course details and to apply, visit the RACE website.
The course represents a commitment to supporting and upskilling those who are currently working in the Irish racing industry