Welcome to the Northern Racing College - Centre of Excellence for the Racing Industry

12-Week Foundation Course

Photo: Students riding horses out past the Reception building at the NRC, Doncaster

The aim of this twelve-week residential course is to prepare students for work in the racing  industry. During this initial period of training students will undertake such activities as carrying out yard duties, looking after racehorses, riding out, attending lectures and studying for their technical certificate and key skills qualifications.

Photo: Students riding on the gallops at the Northern Racing College, DoncasterThe foundation course is open to complete beginners with no previous experience with horses. Candidates must be under 11 stone in weight (ready to ride i.e. wearing skullcap, riding boots and body protector) to be able to undertake the riding element of the Diploma course.

What Will I Gain From The Foundation Course?

  • A Level 1 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care
  • Key Skills Qualifications
  • First Aid Certificate

Where Does The Course Lead?

  • Upon successful completion of the foundation course, suitable students with the right aptitude will be found employment in a U.K. racing stables
  • Apprenticeship qualification including a Level 2 Diploma in Work Based Racehorse Care
  • Advanced Apprenticeship qualification including a Level 3 Dimploma in Work Based  Racehorse Care and Management
  • The chance to progress to positions of responsibility
  • For people of the right size and ability, the chance to become a jockey

What Do I Need To Apply?

  • A strong desire to work with thoroughbred racehorses
  • The drive to succeed in the racing industry
  • The motivation to complete the training

How Much Does It Cost and Where Will I Live?

Tuition is free for EU/EEA residents. Accommodation and meals for the 12-weeks are provided in our residential centre at a one-off cost of £300.00, which must be paid in full before commencing the Foundation Course.   If your family income is less than £23,000 you are eligible to apply for a bursary of £250 towards your accommodation.  You will still have to pay £50.  From courses starting January 2012 and after a £50 deposit/bond will be required for accommodation, once the rooms are checked on graduation the deposit/bond will be returned.

 

Who Is Eligible?

People aged 16 and over who:

  • Have completed school year 11 and are not planning to return to full-time education
  • Have not obtained a degree
  • Have been a resident of the EU/EEA for three years or more
  • Meet the weight requirements. Applicants must weigh no more than 11 stone, ready to ride, i.e. wearing skullcap, body protector and riding boots. To meet the weight requirements students should weigh no more than 10-5lb clothed. The skullcap, body protector and boots will weigh an additional 7lb.

Foundation Course Start Dates

2012 Start Dates

January 23rd
March 5th
April 16th
June 11th
July 23rd
September 3rd
October 15th
November 26th
 

The above dates may be subject to change

How To Apply:

Please contact Sarah Beattie to discuss the Foundation Course in greater detail.

T: 01302 861000

 Please click here for the Student Guide.

Please click here for further information and an application form

Please click here to learn more about the career oportunities available in the racing industry

Foundation Course - Introductory Racehorse Care

Unit No.

Unit Title

Mandatory Units

Elements

101.

Feed and water horses under direction

101.1

Feed and water horses under direction

201. Prepare and clean stables

201.1

Prepare stables for horses

    201.2 Clean and maintain stables

103.

Put on, take off and clean equipment under direction

103.1

Put on and take off tack under direction

    103.2 Put on and take off horse rugs under direction
    103.3 Clean tack and horse clothing under direction

104.

Handle horses under direction

104.1

Lead and control a horse for inspection under direction

    104.2

Catch and move horses under direction

105. Maintain health, safety and good working relations

105.1

Maintain health and safety in the workplace

    105.2 Maintain good working relations with others

106.

Ride horses in an enclosed arena

106.1

Mount and dismount quiet horses

    106.2 Ride a quiet horse

107.

Groom and wash horses under direction

107.1

Groom and wash horses under direction

 

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