Fields Nominations Results

A Career in Harness Racing

New Zealand's harness racing industry is a powerhouse within the wider equine sector — known for producing world-class Standardbred horses and a community of highly skilled professionals. From small rural towns to international racetracks, Kiwis involved in harness racing consistently punch above their weight on the global stage. Our breeders, drivers, and trainers are sought after worldwide, with many competing — and winning — at the highest levels in Australia, North America, and beyond.

What sets New Zealand apart is not just the quality of the horses, but the calibre of the people behind them. Kiwi horse people are known for their horsemanship, work ethic, and ability to produce sound, versatile, and high-performing horses. Many of our top trainers and drivers began their careers at the grassroots level — working in stables, driving at trials, or studying equine health — and built successful, long-term careers in the industry.

Harness racing isn’t just about what happens on the track. It offers a huge scope of career pathways: from foaling down mares and prepping yearlings for sale, to equine nutrition, business management, farriery, and veterinary support. There are opportunities in marketing, event coordination, race day operations, media, sponsorship, and equine education — not to mention career progression to international placements for those who want to travel.

Whether you’re hands-on with horses, curious about science and technology, or drawn to media and events, the harness racing industry has a role for you. With the right attitude and a willingness to learn, it’s an industry where success is not just possible — it’s proven.

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Who is the Harness Racing Industry For?

If you love horses, there’s a job waiting for you in the equine industry — no matter your background, skill level, or where you’re starting from. The harness racing industry offers a huge variety of career paths — from hands-on work with horses to high-level business and event roles. There really is something for everyone — it’s just a matter of getting involved!

If you’ve got any of the following qualities, you could be exactly what the industry is looking for:

  •   Love of horses and animals You genuinely enjoy being around horses and care about their wellbeing. Whether you want to drive, train, or just be part of the daily routine, your passion will go a long way.
  • Enjoy racing and equine sports If the thrill of race day, the excitement of competition, or following your favourite horses and drivers gets your heart  racing — you’re in the right place.
  • Enjoy working outdoors Prefer gumboots over office shoes? The harness racing industry gives you the chance to work outside, stay active, and avoid being stuck behind a desk.
  •         Hard worker who likes to learn new skills This is a hands-on, practical industry. If you’re keen to roll up your sleeves, learn on the job, and try new things — you’ll go far.
  •        Team player who enjoys celebrating success Behind every great horse is a whole team of people working together. Being reliable, positive, and happy to pitch in makes all the difference.
  •          Good sense of humour Let’s face it — not every day goes to plan. If you can laugh, adapt, and keep going, you’ll fit right in.

From working with horses in the stables to roles in breeding, transport, sales, media, events, or equine health — the harness racing industry offers real jobs, real rewards, and real opportunities for anyone willing to give it a go.


Harness Racing as a Career Path

There are many ways to get involved in the harness racing industry — and you don’t need to have grown up around horses or come from a racing family to get started. Many of today’s leading trainers, drivers, and stable staff simply began by helping out at a local stable.

Harness racing has a proud and deeply rooted history in New Zealand, with iconic races like the New Zealand Trotting Cup first held over 120 years ago. This event remains one of the biggest sporting occasions in the country, showcasing the very best Standardbred horses, trainers, and drivers — many of whom began just like you.

What sets harness racing apart is its equal opportunities. Men and women compete equally at all levels of the sport, and some of the country’s most talented Junior Drivers today are female, proving that success comes down to skill, not gender.

Unlike thoroughbred racing, harness racing does not have strict weight restrictions for drivers. This opens the door to a much wider group of aspiring horse people, including those who are taller or of a bigger build, who might otherwise be excluded from a career in racing.

With such a strong legacy, inclusive culture, and a wide range of roles both on and off the track, harness racing offers a genuine career path where talent, passion, and work ethic matter most — and where anyone with the right attitude can succeed

Click here to have a look at the many harness career options. 

Industry Information