RACE
  
RACE Ireland
 

Exercise Rider / Racing Groom

Exercise Rider Groom RACE Ireland   Exercise Rider Groom RACE Ireland

Racing Groom Traineeship

Interviews are taking place this week (3rd, 4th and 5th February) for the Career Planning for the Equine Industry Course, from which successful candidates will be chosen for the Racing Grooms course.  If you have an application form with us in RACE then please ring to secure an interview if you have not already done so.
 
The expected start date of the Career Planning for the Equine Industry Course is 1st March 2010.   
The structure of the course has changed over the past three years and exact structure will be agreed before the start of the course but it is likely that it will take the form of a four-week Career Planning for the Equine Industry course, followed by a 20-week Exercise Rider/Racing Groom Traineeship for suitable candidates.  See below for further details. 

To find out more about the course, please read the information below and if you are interested in applying please do so ASAP by downloading and posting/e-mailing in an application form.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and keen to work in the racing industry.

Background

The Racing Groom Traineeship programme commenced in November 2005 as a direct response to the requirements of the racing industry, which had suffered a significant shortage of skilled staff.
This course is aimed at people who would like a career in the horse racing industry but, by reason of age, weight or riding ability, are not suitable for the Trainee Jockey programme.

A training allowance is paid in accordance with FÁS rates for the duration of the course Accommodation is free but candidates must make a small weekly contribution for their subsidised meals and trainees are expected to pay for their own riding and safety equipment, which is purchased by RACE on their behalf, and which they keep at the end of the course.  

 

Course 1

Title: Career planning for the equine industry

Proposed Start date: February 2010 (date to be confirmed)

Duration: Four weeks

Content: Mornings: Some practical riding instruction and working around horses, stable management modules based in our equestrian centre.

Trainees receive instruction and gain experience in mucking out, grooming, tacking up and general yard tasks in an environment that replicates a racing yard. Each has their own horse(s) to care for every morning under the guidance of RACE instructors.

Afternoons: FETAC modules in Career Planning and basic Information Technology Skills as well as Physical Education and Simulator lessons.

Aim: The aim of this course is to equip candidates with the basic skills of working around horses, to determine if the candidates have the necessary discipline required to be successful in the equine industry and to assist all candidates in determining the area of the equine industry that most suits their capabilities and interests.

Progression: For those candidates who are suited to becoming exercise/work riders in racing yards, they will be directed onto course 2.

Other candidates who are suited to alternative areas of the equine industry will be assisted in finding suitable additional training or work placements if possible in areas such as Stud Groom/ Riding Centre Groom/ Instructor etc. Candidates will work closely with the RACE careers office throughout this course.

Course 2

Title: Racing Groom/Exercise Rider

Proposed Interview date: Suitable candidates will be selected from Course 1 or it may be possible for more experienced candidates to join this course directly

Proposed Start date: March 2010 (date to be confirmed) 

Duration: 20 weeks

Content: Week 1 -10

Mornings: Practical riding instruction progressing through riding on an enclosed gallop, to the Curragh Plains, to an open straight gallop, schooling over poles and fences, improving competence in all areas of horse care and management.

Working on practical tasks including preparing a horse for travelling, preparing a horse for going racing, bandaging, plaiting etc. Candidates will work in an environment that replicates a racing yard, each candidate will have their own horse(s) to ride and care for every morning under the guidance of RACE instructors.

Afternoons: Theory modules in Stable and Yard Routine and Racehorse Care and Exercise are taught in the classroom along with Work Experience, Communications and Information Technology Skills.

Week 11- 20

Monitored work placement where the candidate will be placed with a suitable racehorse trainer somewhere around Ireland where candidates will receive full time on-the-job training, under the supervision of the designated trainer. 

This includes morning and evening stable activities and the possibility of leading up at race meetings and a number of activities as specified in the Workplace Training Record.
Candidates will return to RACE for one afternoon a week for classroom and practical training towards FETAC Level 5 Stable and Yard Routine.

Aim: The aim of this course is to equip candidates with all the skills required to take up full time employment as an exercise rider in a racing yard.

Progression: On successful completion of the course candidates will be free to take up full time employment in the industry with an employer of their choice, with a view to progressing through the industry as their knowledge and experience develops.

Potential progression includes travelling head person, head person and assistant trainer.

Contact us here enquiries@racingacademy.ie for more information or complete an application form and post it to: RACE, Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare, Co Kildare.

Racing Groom Traineeship - Entry Requirements

The following basic requirements are in place for this course.
Age: Minimum 16 years old but preferably over 18.
Weight: Maximum 12 stone.
Riding Experience: No previous experience required but applicants must complete a basic riding aptitude test during the trial for the course.
Education: A school or work reference is required. It is expected that applicants have basic literacy and numeracy skills and have attained the standard of Junior Certificate or equivalent.
Health: A medical certificate from the applicant's family doctor is required to confirm sound physical condition and suitability for the demands of the course.

Candidates may be requested to attend a suitability test at RACE in advance of the course commencing in February. 

The suitability test includes basic horse handling, fitness and riding assessments, yard duties plus observation of rules & regulations within a supervised campus environment. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to listen and take instruction, a love of horses and outdoor work and a positive attitude to work.



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RACE Ireland
  
RACE Ireland

RACE, Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare, Republic of Ireland. Tel: 353 45 522468 Fax: 353 45 521305 Email: enquiries@racingacademy.ie
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