Free Level 1 Work Based Horse Care and Riding Course in Newmarket. Classes run at The British Racing School. This full-time daytime course runs for 18 weeks and combines classroom learning with hands-on yard work and work experience with a racehorse trainer. You'll cover general yard duties, horse care, riding, Functional Skills in Maths and English, transport and racing qualifications, and a life skills programme. No previous equine experience is required. You need a strong interest in horses and enjoy working outdoors.
Who this course is for
Non residential Course for 2 years in which you will study towards a Level 1 Diploma in Racehorse Care in the first year and level 2 in the second year . The course will include general yard duties and horse care, riding and lectures. You will also do functional skills in Maths and English, transport qualification, racing qualifications, first and an evening programme of life skills.
Entry requirements
You will need to have a strong desire to work with racehorses. We do take students that have no previous equine experience, this allows people who have never had the opportunity to ride before the chance to have a career in racing. No academic qualifications are required but it is strongly advised that you get good grades at school as this will always help in future life. You will need to enjoy working outdoors and have a strong interest in horses.
What you will learn
You'll carry out general yard duties and daily racehorse care routines.
You'll develop riding skills as part of structured work-based training.
You'll gain Functional Skills in Maths and English.
You'll earn a transport qualification relevant to the racing industry.
You'll complete racing industry qualifications.
You'll build practical life skills through an evening programme.
You'll gain work experience directly with a racehorse trainer.
How you will learn
Learning combines classroom sessions, practical yard work, riding, and lectures at The British Racing School. You'll also complete a block of work experience with a racehorse trainer. Assessment covers both practical competencies and knowledge-based elements across horse care, riding, and supporting qualifications including Functional Skills in Maths and English.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The British Racing School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Stable hand: daily care and handling of racehorses
Racehorse groom: grooming, feeding, and yard duties for a trainer
Exercise rider: riding racehorses at exercise on the gallops
Stud hand: working with breeding stock on a stud farm
Racing yard assistant: supporting trainers and senior staff on yard
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care: the next step for those wanting to deepen their skills and take on more responsibility in a racing yard.
Apprentice Jockey Programme: for those aiming to race competitively, building on the riding foundation from this course.
Level 3 qualifications in Equine Management: for those looking to move into supervisory or management roles within the equine industry.
