Scottish Racing Academy Courses

Our courses are recognised by the British Horseracing Authority for the delivery of specialist racehorse care qualifications in Scotland. They provide students with vital knowledge, skills and expertise in racehorse care, riding, exercise and industry regulations to progress and develop a career within the industry. The courses have been designed to cater for all abilities, from individuals already working within the sector and wishing to upskill to new entrants and school leavers.

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Level 6 Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland)

Level 6 Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland)

  • Duration 12 – 18 months
  • Cost Fully funded – must be based in Scotland
  • Difficulty Advanced, 16+
  • Qualification SVQ Level 6
This Level 6 qualification requires candidates to be in a role within a yard where they have sole charge for at least a period of time within their working week.
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Stable Staff NPA SCQF Level 6

Stable Staff NPA SCQF Level 6

  • Duration Part-time, block-release, day release or evening modes*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Advanced
  • Qualification Stable Staff NPA SCQF Level 6
The Level 6 qualification has been designed to mirror the traditional skills associated with caring for racehorses whilst embracing technology and innovation seen within the Scottish workforce. The structure of the qualifications allows for a high degree of flexibility in the delivery mode.
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Green Circle

“ Training for new recruits to the racing industry and opportunities to upskill for current racing staff ”

  • Eleanor Boden
  • Chief Executive
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National Progression Award in Specialist Racehorse Care

National Progression Award in Specialist Racehorse Care

  • Duration Full-time or part-time*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Advanced
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (equivalent of Level 2)
This course is designed for current stable staff who are hoping to upskill within the workplace and develop their knowledge of caring for racehorses in a yard environment. This qualification will enable the candidate to be able to understand racehorse specific activities including the role of the British Horseracing Authority, an introduction to rehabilitation and therapy with an increased focus on racing injury as well as the general care of the racehorse.
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National Progression Award in Thoroughbred Exercise and Performance

National Progression Award in Thoroughbred Exercise and Performance

  • Duration Full-time or part time*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Intermediate / Advanced
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (equivalent of Level 2)
This course is designed for current stable staff who are hoping to upskill within the workplace and develop their knowledge of caring for racehorses in a yard environment. This qualification will enable the candidate to prepare a thoroughbred horse for riding, for routine exercise, providing non-ridden exercise for horses and, in a higher level unit, riding racehorses to improve performance.
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Level 5 Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland)

Level 5 Horse Care Modern Apprenticeship (Scotland)

  • Duration 12 – 18 months
  • Cost Fully funded – must be based in Scotland
  • Difficulty Intermediate, 16+
  • Qualification SVQ Level 5
This qualification is open to those aged 16+ who would like to complete “on the job” training as part of normal duties.
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Equestrian Assistant Coaching Certificate (Level 1 Racing)

Equestrian Assistant Coaching Certificate (Level 1 Racing)

  • Duration 2 Practical Days and Online Evenings
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Intermediate
  • Qualification Equestrian Assistant Coaching Certificate (Level 1 Racing)
The Rider coaching course was rolled out in England as part of the Regional Staff Development Programme (RSDP) and in 2020, this was extended to include Scotland. The Scottish Coaching qualifications are industry recognised and enable senior members of stable staff to become instrumental in the development of key skills of those just starting out in their careers in racing.
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National Progression Award in Thoroughbred Preparation

National Progression Award in Thoroughbred Preparation

  • Duration Full-time or part time*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Intermediate (includes non-riding option)
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (equivalent of Level 2)
This course is designed for current stable staff who want to upskill within the workplace and develop their knowledge of caring for racehorses in a yard environment. This qualification will enable the candidate to get the horse ready for ridden work which will include recognition, application and care of tack and equipment, an introduction to foot conditions and shoeing as well as recognition of the importance of personal fitness for riding horses.
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National Certificate in Horse Care (Racing route)

National Certificate in Horse Care (Racing route)

  • Duration 1 Academic Year- full time or 2 years part time
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Intermediate
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (OFQUAL Level 2 equivalent)
This course is designed for people who may have had limited experience with horses or race horses who are hoping to gain employment in the horseracing industry. This course aims to develop the skills to work in the thoroughbred industry, either racing or stud, while at the same time developing learners’ personal, interpersonal and workplace skills.
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Full time, Work Based Training (3 NPAs min)

Full time, Work Based Training (3 NPAs min)

  • Duration 1 Academic Year
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
  • Qualification Choose a minimum of three National Progression Awards - SCQF Level 5 - Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (OFQUAL) Level 2 equivalent to meet regulations under the British Horseracing Authority
This is the full-time, work-based option designed for people who may have some experience with horses or racehorses, or currently ride regularly. More specifically, these courses are for those who are hoping to use their equine knowledge and skills to gain employment in the horseracing industry.
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National Progression Award in Racing: Yard Routine

National Progression Award in Racing: Yard Routine

  • Duration Full time or Part time*
  • Cost Fully funded for most learners - contact us to discuss
  • Difficulty Beginner
  • Qualification SCQF Level 5 (equivalent of Level 2)
This course is designed for newcomers to the industry who wish to develop their knowledge of racehorses in a yard environment. During this course, you will cover practical topics such as an introduction to horse health, racehorse care, safe working practices and an introduction to feeding and watering.
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Level 4 Entry Level in Horse Care

Level 4 Entry Level in Horse Care

  • Duration 10 weeks – 1 academic year (depending on programme & funding)
  • Cost £215.00 per unit or £550.00 for a full NPA
  • Difficulty Beginner
  • Qualification National Progression Award in Horse Care
The course introduces learners to the day to day routine of caring for horses, horse handling, grooming, and tack and tacking up.
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Schools - National Progression Award in Racing: Yard Routine (Borders region only)

Schools – National Progression Award in Racing: Yard Routine (Borders region only)

  • Duration Part-time
  • Cost N/A
  • Difficulty School
  • Qualification SCQF Level 4/5 - Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (OFQUAL) Level 2 equivalent to meet regulations under the British Horseracing Authority
This course is designed for 14-16 year olds who are at school and are interested in learning about racehorses and how to look after them in a yard environment. During this course, pupils will cover practical topics such as an introduction to horse health, racehorse care, safe working practices and an introduction to feeding and watering.
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Level 3 Senior Equine Groom (Racing Pathway) Apprenticeship (England)

Level 3 Senior Equine Groom (Racing Pathway) Apprenticeship (England)

  • Duration 18 months
  • Cost Fully funded – must be based in England
  • Difficulty Advanced, 16+
  • Qualification Lantra Level 3 Senior Equine Apprenticeship (Racing Route)
This Level 3 qualification requires candidates to be in a role within a yard where they have sole charge for at least a period of time within their working week.
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Level 2 Equine Groom (Racing Pathway) Apprenticeship (England)

Level 2 Equine Groom (Racing Pathway) Apprenticeship (England)

  • Duration 12 months
  • Cost Fully funded – must be based in England
  • Difficulty Intermediate, 16+
  • Qualification Lantra Level 2 Equine Apprenticeship (Racing Route)
The Scottish Racing Academy are delighted to be able to offer racing Apprenticeships in the far north of England in partnership with Myerscough College. There are a limited number of spaces available, and the qualification is open to those aged 16+ who would like to complete “on the job” training as part of normal duties.
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Scottish Racing Academy Course Roadmap

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