What is an Early Educator?
A Thoroughbred horse early educator is a professional who trains young Thoroughbred horses to accept handling, tack (like saddles and bridles), and eventually a rider - laying the foundation for their future racing career.
Some of the key responsibilities of an early educator include:
- Initial handling
- Introducing tack & equipment
- First mounting of horses
- Desensitization & confidence boosting
A Thoroughbred horse early educator is responsible for starting young racehorses under saddle, safely introducing them to the world of training and racing.
It’s a skilled, hands-on job requiring patience, confidence, and a deep understanding of equine behavior.
Steps to becoming an Early Educator
- NZTR Class B Miscellaneous Track Work Rider (Fast) Licence
- OR International Licence Track Work Rider
- Own/have access to starting/early education and training facilities
- Prior relevant horse/industry experience
- Relevant riding experience
- Horsemanship skills
Early Educator
Sam Beatson
We caught up with Sam to learn a little more about the breaking process, what it entails and how the Satono Aladdin x Inthespotlight filly is progressing.