Level 3 Senior Equine Groom (Racing Exercise or Non-Ridden)
An advanced apprenticeship designed for experienced grooms looking to progress into senior roles within racing yards, developing expertise in horse care, performance, and yard supervision through either ridden or non-ridden pathways.
What is this Standard?
The Level 3 Senior Equine Groom (Racing – Exercise or Non-Ridden) is an advanced, supervisory apprenticeship designed to prepare experienced grooms for senior roles within professional racing yards. The qualification offers two distinct pathways: Racing Exercise, focused on riding racehorses at speed and developing fitness and performance, and Non-Ridden, centred on groundwork, horse handling, leading, and effective yard management.
Learners develop a high level of expertise in horse care, including health monitoring, nutrition, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, alongside essential skills in transporting horses safely and efficiently. The programme also builds leadership and organisational capabilities, enabling individuals to supervise teams, manage daily yard operations, and contribute to the overall performance and welfare of racehorses in a fast-paced, professional environment.
If you are aged 16-18 and don’t have the Functional Skills equivalent qualification, you will be expected to complete L1 and/or L2. If you are aged 19+, your employer will decide if they require you to complete a Functional Skills qualification.
What Will I Learn?
Course overview:
The level 3 Equine racing groom qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop advanced skills and knowledge to work professionally within the UK horse racing industry. The course focuses on practical experience, horse welfare, fitness and the daily responsibilities involved in working in a racing yard.
Course structure:
The course is made up of both practical and theoretical element. Learners are typically taught through a combination of yard-based training, classroom learning and work-based experience. Key areas of study include:
– Care, health and welfare of racehorses
– Fitness, exercise and conditioning programmes
– Stable management and yard routines
– Health and safety in the racing environment
– Professional behaviour and teamwork
Duties of an equine racing groom:
An equine racing groom is responsible for the daily care and management of high-performance racehorses. Duties will include:
– Handling racehorses in and out of full training.
– Fit a variety of specialist racing equipment and tack.
– Carry out the specific routines required in a racing yard and in taking horses racing.
– Complying with industry regulatory requirements, policy and practice.
– Provide exercise regimes to racehorses as directed and effectively care for horses prior to and after strenuous work
– Provide after-race care including compliance with industry regulations
How Long Is The Course?
Course duration:
Minimum duration of 12 months.
Study and assessment takes place at the yard/stable you are working.
Level 3 Senior Equine Groom (Racing)
Assessment is based on real workplace performance and can include practical observations, performance evidence, professional discussions and end-point assessments.
More information on the standard can be found at the Apprenticeship search / Skills England.
Start your journey in the equine world today!
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