Track Rider

A Track Rider trains and exercises horses. You’ll perform a range of track work activities to get horses ready for racing or get them used to being ridden for a particular purpose. Track Riders may also help horses recover from injury or develop their fitness over distance. You might also address problem equine behaviours.

Track Riders should be highly skilled and able to adapt their abilities to suit a range of circumstances. You should be passionate about horses and be able to work with challenging horse behaviours. Track Riders must be able to follow instructions and work well in a team. You may have to work irregular hours when required.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $74,880
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a track rider?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
RGR30518

Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
Traineeship
24 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Track Rider Jockey
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Track Rider Jockey
RGR40221

Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey)
Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
  • Completed Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Jockey Track Rider
  • Completed Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Jockey Track Rider
RGR20221

Certificate II in Racing Industry
On Campus, Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Stable Hand Stable Manager Track Rider
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Stable Hand Stable Manager Track Rider
ACM30821

Certificate III in Horse Care
Blended, On Campus
12 - 24 months
$0 - $11,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Horse Trainer Stable Hand Track Rider
Horse Breeding Assistant
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Horse Trainer Stable Hand Track Rider Horse Breeding Assistant + 1 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Stable Hand

A Stable Hand feeds, grooms, and exercises horses while maintaining stables and equipment, requiring physical stamina and excellent horse handling skills.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Beginner

Stable Manager

A Stable Manager supervises daily operations in a horse stable, ensuring horse care and managing staff, finances, and schedules efficiently.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Beginner

Trainee Farrier

A Trainee Farrier treats horse hooves, fits horseshoes, works irregular hours, and requires strong communication and horse handling skills.

Avg yearly income $52,000
Skill level Beginner

Common questions

How much does a Track Rider earn?

In Australia, a full time Track Rider generally earns $1,440 per week ($74,880 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Track Rider?

This industry has experienced a drop in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 2,900 people working as a Track Rider in Australia, compared to 3,100 five years ago. Track Riders may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Track Rider?

If you’re interested in a career as a Track Rider, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider). You’ll develop high level riding skills to exercise thoroughbred racehorses. This course covers a range of topics including racing industry ethics, personal health and fitness for working with horses, attending to horses at race meetings and handling horses in stables.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

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