A-Z of Careers

Working at a stud you will be a specialist in handling stallions around the yard and during the breeding process.

Working as part of the British Horseracing Authority Raceday Officials team, the Starter is in charge of ensuring that each horse has a fair start and ensuring the race starts on time.  The Starter will work closely with stewards and stalls handlers.

Working as part of the British Horseracing Authority Raceday Officials team, the Steward’s role ensures all races are run smoothly and within the rules of racing at all meetings. There are usually two Stewards at every race meeting and three at the major meetings such as Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival.  They assist the Stewards’ Panel Chair when making decisions following an enquiry into a race and will be supported by a BHA Assistant Steward and a BHA Raceday Assistant.

A senior role in a stud, stud grooms are second in command to the stud manager.  Responsibilities include care and welfare of horses, and the managing and training of staff.

As a Stud Hand you will be in charge of mares and foals from grooming to mucking out and assisting throughout the breeding season, working as a Stud Hand would often be the first job for young people starting a job in the breeding industry.

The first step in becoming a Stud Hand is to complete the Entry to Stud Employment Programme at the National Stud in Newmarket. Following on from this, after gaining further relevant work experience, it is possible to complete the National Stud’s Diploma in Stud Practice and Management.

A largely office based role you will be responsible for the business side of the stud, alongside overseeing the welfare of the horses. You might be involved in breeding some of the best horses in the country. Learn more about this exciting career, watch Will’s video.

Working at a stud the role of Stud Secretary involves a variety of duties; liaising with owners, handling accounts and maintaining records.  The tasks you perform will make sure the stud runs smoothly.

To find out more about the work of a Stud Secretary read the Case Study. The National Stud, a training provider based in Newmarket, run a Stud Secretary Training Course.