You’re working in a yard, and you’ve decided to progress your training a little further. Perhaps you’ve decided that working as a Stud Groom would suit you. Maybe you want to be a groom specialising in sales preparation. Or how about working as a Bloodstock Agent? They’re all jobs within the thoroughbred industry that you can train towards. Click on the links below to find out how you can increase your skills.

NVQ 3 – Racehorse Care and Management (Breeding)
National Stud Diploma Course
Supervisory Skills Course

NVQ3 – Racehorse Care and Management (Breeding Option)

This training programme takes around 18 months to complete. It will increase your knowledge of racehorse care and management and give you specialist knowledge in breeding thoroughbreds. It’s often seen as a stepping stone to greater levels of responsibility within a stud and is a recommended entry requirement for a Stud Groom.

The programme requires you to spend around 5 days in total at one of our approved training centres to undergo coaching and sit exams. The rest of the programme is assessed based on project work which you’ll complete as part of your daily routine. This should take you around 2-3 hours a week.

The good news is that if you are under 25, the training and in some cases the accommodation is free. The course will include:

• 5 days of training (residential where appropriate)
• An emergency first aid certificate
• Technical certificate in advanced horsecare
• Further development of key skills including communication, numeracy skills, working with others and Information Technology
• Ultimately you will achieve an NVQ 3 in Race Horse Care and Management

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National Stud Diploma Course

This intensive programme run by the prestigious National Stud provides its students with advanced levels of training for breeding and the thoroughbred industry. Run over 7 months, it covers key elements of the breeding cycle and enables students to fully understand the workings of a busy stud. In addition to this you will also complete your NVQ 3 as part of the programme.

What’s more, you’ll get to listen to a number of lectures delivered by leading authorities. Topics will vary from stud management to pedigrees, veterinary medicine to pasture management.

Your work will be continuously assessed during the course through a combination of marks for practical work, written examinations and assignments, and a formal interview at the end of the course.

So renowned is the programme that the demand by employers for students of the diploma courses often outstrips supply. Such students are considered competent to take a degree of responsibility for bloodstock of the highest class. If you are looking to work internationally, then the programme can also provide you with access to international opportunities.

Go to the National Stud website to find out more.

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Supervisory Skills Course

You’ve got your technical skills cracked. Maybe you’ve completed your NVQ 3, too. If you are planning to manage staff or have just been promoted to a supervisory role in your yard, then the 2 day Supervisory Skills course is a must for you. You can study this course at the British Racing School.

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