Pre-Trainer

What is a Pre-Trainer?

A thoroughbred pre-trainer is a professional responsible for preparing young or rested racehorses before they begin full race training with a licensed racehorse trainer. Pre-training is a crucial intermediate phase that helps build the physical and mental foundation necessary for racing.

 

Some of the key responsibilities of a Pre-Trainer include:

  • Education and handling of horses
  • Horse fitness and conditioning
  • Horse behavior
  • Assessment for future training

A pre-trainer plays a critical transitional role between breaking-in and full race training. Their job is to ensure the horse is physically prepared, mentally mature, and behaviorally settled, reducing the risk of injury and increasing the chance of a successful racing career.

 

Trainer

Steps to becoming a Pre-Trainer

  • NZTR Pre Trainer License
  • Level 2 Certificate - Introduction to Equine Skills

  • Own or have access to a training premises
  • Prior verifiable, relevant industry experience and racing knowledge: horse health and welfare, raceday procedure, NZTR Code of Conduct, Rules of Racing
  • Willing to take part in Continuing Professional Development
  • Previously held Class A Trainer/Jockey license, Class B/C Trainer license, Assistant Trainer license, Class A Stablehand license, or Class D Foreman license (or international equivalent)
  • Good communication skills
  • Horsemanship skills
     

Kurtis Pertab

 

Young gun Kurtis Pertab is a talented horseman who at 21-years-old balances breaking-in, pre-training, pinhooking, Ready To Run Sale prep as well as training a team of runners. Having already notched up 11 winners from 36 starters, including a stakes win in the Listed Rotorua Cup with $500 bargain-buy Poser, Kurtis is a trainer on the rise.

 

Raised within the industry, Kurtis trained his first winner in November and the success has continued to flow. With both a racing-base and a pre-training farm in Matamata, Kurtis is kept busy with a very 'hands-on' approach. A former successful rodeo rider, his well-rounded horsemanship skills comes to the fore throughout his work and the future looks bright!