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Home / Training & careers / Change to racing / Change to breeding

Working in a Thoroughbred StudBritish Grooms Association member with racing youngstock

The breeding of racehorses is referred to as 'Thoroughbred breeding' or 'bloodstock'. 

There are many opportunities to work in this sector of the Racing Industry, and if you have no prior training to working in breeding, then there is free training to prepare you for the change. 

The studs will vary in size, but some of the well known establishments are big operations with many stallions, mares and foals. 

 

 

WHAT IS A STUD GROOM

The Stud Groom is second in charge to the Stud Manager and they have many extra responsibilities to those of a Stud Hand. 

These include the welfare of the horses, feeding, exercising, liaising with the vet and farrier, teasing and covering, attending to mares and foals during and after foaling, maintaining the stud records, supervising and liaising with staff, and he/she may also have to keep in close contact with owners.

Stud Grooms are likely to have vast industry experience and knowledge and may have achieved the National Stud Diploma Course.

 

What do I need to know to make the changeBritish Grooms Association member with racehorses

If you have already worked in a stud then your knowledge and skills will simply transfer across - there is virtually no difference on the different types of breeding operations. 

If you have no experience, then the National Stud will be able to help. And mostly it is free! You can do a short course or a Diploma that will prepare you for your new career path. 

Have a look at the Careers in Racing Career Map to learn more about the different roles available. 

 

Who is who 

The horse racing industry is well organised and there are many organisations that are responsible for the different activities.

Here are the ones that are particularly relevant to you if you want to work in breeding:



Much of the training is fully funded and the Stud's courses cater for the novice looking to be the next generation of stud staff to the more experienced members of the current workforce who want additional skills or updating. 



The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association exists to support the breeding of quality bloodstock. The Thoroughbred Club aims to help educate and inspire a younger generation to ensure they feel actively involved in our industry. 

 


What is it like looking after foals

Watch these two videos to see what it is like to groom and care for the young horses on a thoroughbred stud: 

HOW TO GROOM A FOAL

HOW TO GROOM A FOAL

In this video we show how to groom a foal correctly, making sure they are comfortable. Watch as we demonstrate the correct technique and share top tips for grooming.

Watch

HOW TO PUT A HEADCOLLAR ON

HOW TO PUT A HEADCOLLAR ON

Ever wondered how to properly fit a headcollar on a foal? In this video we show the process step by step and share why it’s important to use leather headcollars instead of nylon.

Watch


Things to consider

If you work in breeding you will not be covered by RIABS insurance - and so it is important to consider your own personal accident cover. 

BGA Silver or Platinum membership will cover you for everything you do whilst working in a stud and protect your income in the case of an accident at work. 

 

 

What the personal accident policy covers you for:

  • Whilst at work
  • All stable duties – mucking out, grooming, washing off, turning out
  • Clipping
  • Riding – including hacking and jumping
  • Hunting
  • Lunging
  • Breaking in
  • Holding horse for a vet and other procedures
  • Travelling horses both in the UK and abroad
  • Competing in line with your job including: jumping, dressage, eventing
  • Injuries that may happen to you whilst you are teaching - but you must also be grooming as part of your duties and not be a sole instructor

What the personal accident policy doesn’t cover you for:

  • Riding in a race, point to point or team chase
  • Stunt Riding
  • Accidents occurring whilst travelling to and from work
  • Riding and competing your own horse (but you can upgrade when applying for membership to include this)
  • Public Liability – this is a separate insurance policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance
  • Care Custody and Control – this is a separate policy - the Freelance Groom Liability Insurance

If you require additional cover then please contact KBIS directly.

   GROOM  RIDER  EMPLOYER

When you are working for other people you do most of the following; muck out, turn out/catch in, tack up, groom horses, exercise Horses (including hacking, jumping and schooling), in the care of your employer/client.

 
YES

 
NO

 
NO
Predominantly ride horses for other people including schooling, exercising and competing.   
NO		  
YES
YES
 Provide grooming services for someone else either full time or on a freelance basis i.e. an employer or a client.   
YES
NO
NO
Employ staff – have an employers liability policy in your name NO NO YES
Buy and sell horses NO YES YES