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What is a Trainer?
A Thoroughbred horse trainer is a professional responsible for preparing and conditioning Thoroughbred racehorses for competition. Their role is central to a horse’s success on the racetrack, combining training expertise, horse care knowledge, and strategic decision-making.
Some of the key responsibilities of a Trainer include:
- Designing training programs
- Horse health & wellness
- Race planning & strategy
- Supervising staff
- Communicating with owners
A Thoroughbred horse trainer is the head coach of the racehorse’s career. They blend horsemanship, athletic training, business acumen, and racing strategy to get the best performance out of each horse—while also ensuring its health and safety.
Trainers are ultimately responsible for everything that affects the horse’s performance, from feeding and workouts to race placement and post-race recovery.
Steps to becoming a Trainer
- Class A Trainer’s Licence
- Class B Trainer’s Licence
- OR International Licence Trainer
- Level 4 Certificate in Equine Racing Assistant Trainer
- Level 3 Certificate in Equine Racing
- Own/have access to training facilities
- Prior relevant horse/industry experience
- Horsemanship skills
- Deep understanding of Thoroughbred behavior and physiology
- Strategic thinker with knowledge of racing rules and conditions
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to make quick decisions, especially under pressure
- Physical stamina for long, early days
Anna Furlong
It’s the love of horses that led Anna Furlong into a career as a racehorse trainer.
Starting at Champagne Racing Stables as a 17-year-old, Anna spent time working in the stable environment before a stint at the Canterbury Equine Clinic and completing her Vet Nursing qualification. Shane Kennedy offered Anna an opportunity to train in partnership and she’s never looked back! Valachi Downs and Kevin Hickman have played a pivotal role in her career and have provided the stable with a number of special winners.
Anna leads a passionate and youthful team who all have a common love for the horse which shines through!