WITH the ongoing shortage of exercise riders around the country, efforts are continuing to offer a range of training and up-skilling opportunities to young people, who have an interest in working in racing yards but may lack the necessary foundation or never had the opportunity to receive instruction on riding thoroughbreds.

HRI though its Careers and Racing Education (CARE) division has been continuing to support such programmes and make them available to suitable applicants and the progression and output has been very positive so far.

The latest batch of six trainees from around the country have just completed a four-week Exercise Rider Course at RACE and will be commencing or resuming work this week with an enhanced range of skills and experience.

These individuals were put forward as suitable candidates by trainers such as Edward O’Grady, John Kiely, James Nash and Keith Clarke and the rate of progression over an intensive month-long programme was very evident in most cases.

Such programmes improve riding and stable management skills, professional standards and safe practice as well as enhancing confidence, general fitness and industry awareness and are a very useful addition to the range of recruitment and retention supports we need in the industry.

NEXT COURSE

The next course will commence in mid-July and run for six weeks. The training is fully funded by CARE and represents a great opportunity for those who have some riding experience and are looking to improve their skills or are looking to enter the industry.

For more information see the RACE website www.racingacademy.ie where there are also details of upcoming Schooling Preparation Courses for amateur riders. These are suitable for A1 license holders looking to progress to A3 and the next scheduled date is 26th April. Again, they are fully funded so make sure to contact us early and get your name down!