Horse Jobs in Australia – Working at Racing Stables

Australia’s horse racing industry is one of the most vibrant and dynamic in the world, offering numerous job opportunities for those passionate about horses and racing. Working in Australia at racing stables can be an exciting and fulfilling career, whether you’re an experienced equestrian or just starting. This guide will provide an in-depth look at horse jobs in Australia’s racing stables, including the types of roles available, required skills and qualifications, how to find a job, and what to expect from this unique industry.

Overview of the Australian horse racing industry

The horse racing industry in Australia is a significant part of the country’s sporting culture and economy. Major events like the Melbourne Cup attract global attention and generate substantial revenue. Racing stables across the country, from small regional operations to large metropolitan stables, require dedicated and skilled staff to manage and care for their horses.

How to find a job at racing stables

Job boards and Websites

Websites like Seek, Indeed, and Equine Staff list job openings in the horse racing industry. Look for positions such as stablehand, track rider, or trainer.

There are generally a lot of teams recruiting on the East Coast and in the Melbourne area.You will also find adverts for working in stables on www.racingjobs.com.au.

Racing Clubs and Associations

Contact racing clubs and associations like Racing NSW, Racing Victoria, and the Australian Trainers’ Association. They often have job listings and can provide information about employment opportunities.

Direct applications

Research racing stables in your area and contact them directly to inquire about job opportunities. Many stables hire staff throughout the year, and expressing your interest can make a positive impression.

Volunteer positions

If you are up for volunteering, check the Wwoofing, Helpx and Workaway websites. You will have access to many offers, some of which are in the heart of stud farms, equestrian centres, horse farms, etc. You generally work a few hours a day in exchange for accommodation and food.

Types of jobs at racing stables

Stablehand

Stablehands, also known as grooms, are responsible for the daily care of horses. Duties include feeding, grooming, mucking out stalls, and ensuring the horses’ overall well-being. Stablehands also assist with exercise routines and preparing horses for races.

Track Rider

Track riders, or exercise riders, ride the horses during training sessions to maintain their fitness and condition. This role requires excellent riding skills and a deep understanding of horse behavior and training techniques.

Jockey

Jockeys are professional riders who compete in races. This highly competitive role requires extensive training, exceptional riding skills, and the ability to maintain a strict weight limit. Jockeys work closely with trainers to develop race strategies and optimize horse performance.

Trainer

Trainers are responsible for developing training programs and managing the overall conditioning of the horses. They oversee the work of stablehands and track riders and make decisions regarding race entries and tactics.

Farrier

Farriers specialize in hoof care, including trimming and shoeing horses. This role requires technical skill and knowledge of equine anatomy to ensure horses maintain healthy and balanced hooves.

Veterinarian

Equine veterinarians provide medical care to horses, including routine check-ups, vaccinations, injury treatment, and emergency care. They play a critical role in maintaining the health and performance of racing horses.

Administration and support roles

Racing stables also require administrative staff to handle tasks such as scheduling, bookkeeping, marketing, and communication. These roles are essential for the smooth operation of the stables.

Qualifications & skills

Hands-on experience with horses is crucial for most roles at racing stables. This can include previous work at stables, riding experience, or formal education in equine studies.

Working with horses is physically demanding. Stablehands, track riders, and jockeys need to be in good physical condition to handle the rigors of the job.

Some roles require specific certifications. For example, you may have to do an online test called Horse Safety Induction. This test is used to find out if you know the behaviour and safety rules required for working with horses. If you intend to work in NSW, you will also need to register with NSW Racing to be able to do this job. It works the same way as an equestrian license.

Feedback

Marie worked as a stable hand in a racing stable in Sydney. She shares her experience with us.

How I found my job

After arriving in Sydney, I started looking for a job to earn some money. It was only when I saw an ad on Gumtree that I realised it was possible to work in a racehorse stables in Randwick, in the heart of Sydney.

I applied by sending my CV, listing my equestrian skills. I have been a horse-rider for about 15 years in France. A few hours later, I had an interview in their office, within the stables, the same day! So the process was very quick.

During the interview, the team vaguely explained the daily tasks to me. These consist of taking care of the racehorses before they go to train, preparing them, saddling them and bringing them to the race track. Pretty simple for any rider!

Hours and wages

My hours were from 4am to 9am, then from 2pm to 5pm and are the same for all stables. I worked 7 days a week, with one free afternoon per week and every second Sunday afternoon off.

The salary is generally around $28 an hour, with double pay on Sundays and holidays. Some stables offer a weekly package, deducting the price of accommodation and food from your salary.

In terms of equipment, you will have to wear safety boots, in case one of the horses steps on your foot. The horses are between 3 and 7 years old and are sometimes complicated to handle.

Read more: Working on a cattle station in Australia

My typical day at the stables

It wasn’t an easy start but I got up the next day at 3am and took the bus to the stables at 3.30am. I was first given simple tasks that did not involve taking care of the horses. I had to clean the boxes and shower the horses coming back from training.

Over the following days, I gained the trust of my colleagues and they let me bridle and saddle the horses and walk them to the race track for practice.

Each horse is given a shower and shampoo after being ridden and is boxed again until the afternoon. Every afternoon, all the horses are put on the walker or walked by hand for about 15 minutes. During this time, the boxes are cleaned for the second time of the day. The stables must be kept remarkably clean. Some of these young horses are worth a few million dollars! Horses are truly athletes in their own right.

Every day the same routine begins again. Only Sunday is a rest day for the horses. On Sundays they are only put on the walker and not mounted.

Sunday is also trial or race day. As a stable hand, you may be required to work and travel to race locations. These working hours are paid double.

Review of my experience

All in all, it was a great job. If you like horses, it won’t feel like work and the time will pass quickly. Physically, you will be walking a lot. You may also be required to carry loads (wheelbarrows to fill the boxes, buckets of food for the horses). You need to be in good physical shape for this job.

There are sponsorship opportunities in this sector. I myself have met stable hands and French jockeys sponsored by the team. You will also have plenty of opportunities to find work throughout Australia. Practically every medium-sized town has a racetrack and a stables around it. Be aware, however, that the license for working with horses varies by state and has a duration of only one year.

Racing work is generally not eligible for Working Holiday Visa renewal. However, if you work in stud through the breeding process, gestation, foaling and growth of the foal, depending on the location, it may qualify. Check with your employer in advance.

Eligible jobs for a second & third year visa

Remember that not all jobs are eligible to qualify you to renew your Working Holiday Visa.

Learn more