To find out more about these specialised roles, just click on a link below.

Getting started in Farriery
Groundsman courses
Racecourse Accreditation Courses

Getting started in Farriery

To train to be a Farrier, you need to be at least 16 years old. You should also have 4 GCSEs at Grade C, including one in English. Finally, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination (cost £60) to check that you are physically fit enough to take on this strenuous career. If you can tick all these boxes, you can then start on the series of practical, work-based courses that will make you eligible to become an apprentice.

The training takes 4 years and two months. It includes a period of apprenticeship with an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and formal College training. To complete the apprenticeship, you need to pass the NVQ Level 3 in Farriery and the Worshipful Company of Farriers (WCF) Diploma. At that point, you can register with the Farriers Registration Council (FRC) and work independently. To find out more, go to the Farriery Training Service website.

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Groundsman courses

There are three one week courses for Racecourse Groundsmen, which have been developed by The Racecourse Association and the Institute of Groundsmanship.

• Foundation Course for Racecourse Groundsmen (currently held at Askham Bryan College, York)
• Intermediate Course for Racecourse Groundsmen (currently held at the British Racing School)
• Advanced Course for Racecourse Groundsmen (currently held at the Racecourse Centre, York)
  
  Short courses are also available in:
  
  
  • Fence Building for Racecourse Groundsmen
  • Horse Awareness for Racecourse Groundsmen
  • Machinery Maintenance for Racecourse Groundsmen

For details contact: Institute of Groundsmanship, 19-23 Church Street, The Agora, Wolverton, Milton Keynes K12 5LG. Alternatively, telephone 01908 312511 or email: iog@iog.org

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Racecourse Accreditation Courses

Racecourse Accredited employees perform a host of functions for race day including planning timings, preparing the track and creating the perfect racing surface. These accreditation courses are run by the British Horseracing Authority. They are usually paid for by the racecourse, who will sponsor you through the training. The three accreditation categories are:

• Category A - Conduct of Racing
• Category B - Racecourse Husbandry and Safety
• Category C - Race Planning

Each training programme is tailored to the individual's qualifications, previous experience and background. It will end with an examination and interview by the Joint Accreditation Board, consisting of representatives of the Racecourse Association and the British Horseracing Authority.

For details contact: British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust, Suite 16, Unit 8, Kings Court, Willie Snaith Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7SG. Telephone: 01638 560743.

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