What is the job like?

When you join the Harness Racing Industry as a Stablehand, the first step on the career pathway, you are responsible to your employer.  Stable work is rewarding but involves long hours with one full day off each week.  Each day is a learning experience when dealing with the standardbred racehorse, as each horse is an individual and requires the Stablehand to be patient, observant and mindful of the horse's welfare at all times.

Entry requirements, personal qualities and skills needed by Stablehands

• A keen interest in horses
• Be fit and healthy
• Ability to accept instruction
• Show initiative and patience with both horses and people as you will be working as a team in a stable
• Dedication to the work, as the work day can start at 6am and sometimes ends at 7pm (There are breaks)

Where does it lead to?

The Trainee is given the opportunity to acquire the skills to become -
(A) Trials / Junior / Open Horseman
(B) A Trainer
The progress made is dependent on the competency displayed by the Trainee during his/her training.

The Training Scheme

The Scheme is designed to support people who want to learn skills in the Harness Racing Industry. Its aim is to help Trainees gain maximum benefit from their employer's/trainer's experience. As well as on-the-job training, a formal course is conducted by Regional Schemes which helps to make sure a high level of competence is reached by Trainees wishing to make a career in the industry and to become successful as both a Trainer and Horseman.

The Training Programme

A national syllabus has been established which requires hands-on practical work experience, plus a course of study relating to the job of a Stablehand. This programme teaches you as many skills as possible to be successful in the industry.

Units of learning are registered on the NZ Qualifications Authority Framework. Therefore you are studying towards a National Certificate (Level 4). Like any courses there are fees but these are kept to a minimum. Trainees are required to attend a minimum of 60 hours Off Job Training, involving: Block Courses - Field Days - Day or Night Meetings - implemented by the Regional Scheme.

This is what the Programme does for you

• You will hear employers and outside speakers on specialist topics
• Your performance is recorded in a training manual
• At NZQA a record of learning is kept which will list all the unit standards that trainees achieve
• There are oral and practical exams during training to improve your level of competency

How can you start?

• Before applying, see if you can get some work experience during holidays or weekends, Go and see some of your local horse trainers. They will be glad to help you.
•  Write to the National Education Officer :
       Kristie Hill
       Harness Racing New Zealand
       PO Box 459
       CHRISTCHURCH
       Ph: (03) 964-1200
• Place an advertisement in the Harness Racing Weekly, PO Box 459, Christchurch.
• Contact your local Regional Training Officer with details of your background and experience with horses.

Further information and application forms are available from the Training Officer of the Regional Schemes at the following addresses:

Auckland / Waikato Harness Horse Cadet Scheme
Contact: Kristie Hill
P: 03 964 1200
E: kristie@hrnz.co.nz

Canterbury Harness Horse Cadet Scheme
Contact: Kristie Hill
P: 03 964 1200
E: kristie@hrnz.co.nz

Contact: Natalie Gameson
P: 03 964 1200
E: natalie@hrnz.co.nz

Otago/Southland Harness Horse Cadet Scheme
Contact: Steph Green
E: stephg@hrnz.co.nz