Career Paths

Photographer: Kathy Landman

A racehorse on average, will race for four years.

Most thoroughbreds easily transition into other careers.

Thoroughbreds are mainly used for racing; however, they also participate in other disciplines (such as eventing, mounted archery, polo, and fox hunting) in addition to serving as therapy horses and lead ponies on the racetrack.

After their racing careers have ended, thoroughbred horses can become stallions or broodmares for breeding.

Photographer: Ed Sindoni

There are many potential paths for those hoping to pursue a career in the equine and racing industry.

Some of these careers include: farm manager, veterinarian, owner, breeder, farrier, jockey, sports agent, exercise rider, hotwalker, groom, and trainer.

There are universities and colleges that offer degrees in the equine and racing industry, with programs concentrating in areas such as equine health and services, equine management and breeding, riding and training, and equine sales.

https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/

Education Blogs

Therapy Horses: TRF Second Chances Program

After retiring from racing, thoroughbred horses can pursue other careers. One is to become a therapy horse. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is a non-profit organization whose mission, to save thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect and�...

Dressage

Thoroughbred horses are mainly used for racing; however, they also participate in other disciplines (such as eventing/dressage, mounted archery, polo, and fox hunting). Godolphin takes us behind the scenes to learn more about yearling training and the breaking in process for dressage riding. Dr...

Women in Racing

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is celebrating Women’s History Month throughout March by highlighting the women enshrined in our Hall of Fame and works by women artists in our collection with weekly posts on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!). Some ke...

Aftercare of thoroughbred horses with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)

The aftercare of thoroughbred horses is an important aspect of their lives. This can take a lot of different paths and routes depending on their background, age and experience. Some horses transition to eventing, mounted archery, polo, and fox hunting in addition to serving as therapy horses and...

Careers with Horses: How Ashado confirmed my desire to work in the horse racing industry by Alexa Ravit

A first-generation “horse girl,” I became a fan of Thoroughbred racing at age 10 following Funny Cide’s Triple Crown bid in 2003, and in the ensuing years, I became engrossed in the sport. I was fortunate that the formative years of my fandom included the great Ashado. I’ll admit that I h...