Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Developing Objectives and Strategies Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
•   Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working Life

Flat and National Hunt Jockeys

Jockeys can be licensed to ride in either Flat racing or National Hunt racing, with each discipline having different requirements and race conditions.

Flat Jockeys

A jockey holding a Flat licence is permitted to ride only in Flat races run under the Rules of Racing. Flat jockeys are required to maintain a low riding weight and a high level of physical fitness to meet the demands of the sport.

National Hunt Jockeys

A jockey holding a National Hunt licence is permitted to ride in National Hunt races governed by the rules of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (INHSC). As the minimum riding weights in National Hunt racing are generally higher, National Hunt jockeys can typically ride at a heavier weight than their Flat racing counterparts.

Key Difference

The main distinction between the two disciplines is the weight requirement. Flat jockeys usually need to maintain a lower body weight, while National Hunt jockeys benefit from higher minimum riding weights, allowing for a broader range of body types within the profession.

Main Duties

• Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals;
• Train, prepare, and ride horses for professional competitions;
• Consult with trainer to develop Race strategies;
• Receive instructions from trainers prior to Race meetings;
• Study and assess past performances of their rides identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance;
• Represent horse racing, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events.

Physical Environment

Sport professionals have to train regularly and have to follow strict advice about diet and lifestyle. Most sports professionals spend a considerable amount of time travelling.

View the equuip brochure here for more details on careers in the Irish Horse Racing & Breeding Industry.
 

 View equuip for more information on becoming a Jockey.

Industry Summary

The Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing sector contributes €2.46 billion annually to the Irish economy through direct and associated economic activity. The industry also supports more than 30,000 jobs, many of which are based in rural communities throughout the country.

Ireland is recognised internationally as a world leader in thoroughbred breeding. Irish-bred horses compete at the highest levels of racing worldwide, while bloodstock sales attract significant international investment each year.

In 2025, the value of bloodstock sales at Irish public auctions reached €225.4 million, representing a 14% increase on the previous year and highlighting the continued strength of the sector.

Irish racecourses hosted 390 fixtures in 2025, attracting more than 1.3 million attendees, an increase of 6% year-on-year. Major festivals such as Punchestown, Galway, Leopardstown, Listowel, and the Irish Derby Festival continue to generate substantial spending on accommodation, hospitality, transport, and local services.

Careers exist across breeding, racing, equine care, business, media, and event management.

Racehorse Training

Ireland is a global leader in thoroughbred racehorse training. According to Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) licensing statistics, there were approximately 392 licensed trainers and 208 restricted trainers in Ireland at the end of 2025.

More than 8,500 horses were recorded as actively in training during the first half of 2025.
Training operations range from internationally renowned yards to smaller family-run businesses.
The sector provides a wide range of career opportunities across equine care, racing, management, and support services.

Horses in Training

Ireland continues to maintain a large population of horses in training. In the first half of 2025, Horse Racing Ireland reported 8,594 racehorses classified as Racing Active, representing a 2.4% increase on the previous year. A further 2,888 horses were registered as Racing Inactive while remaining under the care of licensed trainers.

Source: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) Licensing Statistics, 2025/2026; Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

Click on the equuip brochure for more details on careers in the Irish Horse Racing & Breeding Industry.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.
• Maintain equipment used in a particular sport.
• Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.
• Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.
• Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.
• Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
• Receive instructions from coaches or other sports staff prior to events and discuss performance afterwards.
• Represent teams or professional sports clubs, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events.
• Lead teams by serving as captain.

Further Information

• Jockey- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Becoming a jockey requires dedication, training, and a strong commitment to the sport. 

Professional athletes are highly trained physically and mentally from a young age to prepare them to deal with all the challenges they face over the course of a career. 

Apprentice and conditional jockey's are employed by a Racehorse trainer under a 3 year contract, before going on to be self-employed.

Equuip's Jockey Pathway provides jockeys with access to a comprehensive range of professional support services designed to enhance performance, wellbeing, and career development. Participants can benefit from one-to-one sessions with experienced specialists, including a career advisor, dietitian, physiotherapist, sports psychologist, and strength and conditioning coach.

Delivered from the RACE     campus in Kildare Town, these services are tailored to the individual needs of each jockey, helping them develop the skills, resilience, and support network needed to achieve long-term success both on and off the track.

Experience

To become a jockey you need passion and determination, having talent is just the beginning; forging a long-term career takes time and a lot of training. Professional athletes are highly trained physically and mentally from a young age to prepare them for their career.

Certification

Professional jockey's are required to attain a flat or national hunt licence from the I.H.R.B., some jockey's have both.

Apprentice Jockey - Flat 

How to Become a Licensed Apprentice Jockey

To apply for an Apprentice Jockey Licence for the first time, applicants must meet a number of eligibility and training requirements.

Licence Requirements

• Applicants must not weigh more than 9 stone (126 lbs).
• The licence application must be submitted jointly by the apprentice jockey and their trainer.
• Trainers must be able to provide a guarantee of rides for the apprentice.
• Before a licence can be issued, applicants must be assigned a Minimum Riding Weight (MRW)

Minimum Riding Weight (MRW)

The MRW assessment takes approximately six weeks to complete and includes two consultations with an IHRB dietitian. This process helps ensure applicants can safely achieve and maintain their riding weight.

Induction and Assessment

All first-time applicants are required to complete a two-day induction course at RACE. The course includes a riding assessment on the afternoon of the first day.

Applicants who have previously held a jockey licence, are licensed Qualified Riders (Amateurs), or have graduated from RACE may be exempt from the riding assessment. However, they must still complete all other elements of the induction programme.

Interview and Licensing

Following successful completion of the induction course, both the apprentice and their trainer must attend an interview at the IHRB office. Once approved, the Apprentice Jockey Licence will be issued.

Newly licensed apprentices enter into a three-year apprenticeship agreement with their employer, with the terms and conditions set out in a formal Deed of Apprenticeship.

Apply Early

The two-day induction course is typically held every two months, so prospective apprentices should begin the application process well in advance of when they intend to start riding.

Key Points 

• First-time applicants must weigh no more than 9 stone (126 lbs).
• Applications must be submitted jointly by the apprentice and trainer.
• A trainer must guarantee riding opportunities for the apprentice.
• Obtaining a Minimum Riding Weight (MRW) involves a six-week assessment process.
• Completion of a two-day RACE induction course is required.
• Both apprentice and trainer must attend an IHRB interview before a licence is issued.
• Apprentices are contracted to their employer for three years under a Deed of Apprenticeship.
• Apply early, as induction courses are only scheduled every two months.

Professional Jockey Licence (National Hunt)

Riders applying for a Professional Jockey Licence (National Hunt) for the first time must demonstrate the experience, competence, and support required to ride professionally.

Licence Requirements

Applicants must be supported by at least two licensed trainers who can confirm their riding ability and provide a guarantee of riding opportunities.

Induction and Assessment

All first-time applicants are required to complete a two-day induction course at RACE. The course includes a riding assessment on the afternoon of the first day.

Applicants who have previously held a jockey licence, are licensed Qualified Riders (Amateurs), or have graduated from RACE may be exempt from the riding assessment. However, they must still complete all other elements of the induction programme.

Interview and Medical Requirements

Following successful completion of the induction course, applicants must attend an interview with the Licensing Committee, or its designated representative.

Applicants are also required to complete:

• A medical examination
• A baseline concussion assessment

Further details on these requirements are provided as part of the licence application process.

Licence Restrictions for New Jockeys

Newly licensed National Hunt jockeys may be subject to restrictions while they gain experience. These restrictions may include being limited to riding for their employer and/or being prohibited from riding in steeplechases initially.

To become eligible to ride in Beginners' or Novice Steeplechases, jockeys must first ride in three Handicap Steeplechases.

Apply Early

The two-day induction course is typically held every two months, so applicants should begin the process well in advance of when they intend to start riding professionally.

Key Points 

• First-time applicants require support from at least two licensed trainers.
• Trainers must verify the applicant's competence and guarantee riding opportunities.
• Completion of a two-day RACE     induction course is required.
• Some experienced riders may be exempt from the riding assessment.
• Applicants must complete an interview, medical examination, and baseline concussion test.
• Apply early, as induction courses are only scheduled every two months.
• New jockeys may face riding restrictions until they gain sufficient race-riding experience.
  
  

View equuip     for more information on becoming a Jockey.

Career pathways in Horse Racing 

Sample Education and Training Pathways

A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: animal care, equestrian international instructor, BHSAI, horse, stable.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: equine studies, animal science, equine.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Farriery, Stud Farm Assistant Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

See the equuip Jockey Pathway     (an athletics' programme developed to assist professional jockey's to attain and maintain their peek physical and mental well-being).  Many sporting professionals have finished their sporting careers by the time they are in their late 20's and early 30's. The jockey pathway provides a career coaching service to assist jockey's develop a dual career or provide a career pathway at the end of their sporting careers.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

See equuip     for Jockey Coaching and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €100k

Jockey’s earnings include riding fees, prizemoney, and sponsorship. Horse Racing Ireland set the rate for riding fees at €184.59 for riding in a jump Race and €161.47 for a flat Race, however from those fees a number of automatic deductions are made to cover costs. 

Riders also get performance-related pay in the shape of a percentage of any prize-money their mounts earn. The average jockey earns €30,000 after tax and expenses are factored in.

Data Source(s):
Glassdoor/ Equuip/ ISSA/ IHRB/ HRI/ Indeed

Last Updated: June, 2026

Horse Racing Ireland: Social & Economic impacts report 2023

The Irish Breeding and Racing industry supports 30,350 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in total. This includes 9,400 jobs directly related to the industry. Over 40% of these (c.3,950 FTEs) work in breeding operations, closely followed by c.3,000 FTE stable-staff, trainers and point-topoint handlers (c.800), caterers (c.350), jockeys, agents and valets (c.300) and racecourse staff (c.300). A further c.7,000 jobs are attributable to directly related employment. This includes individuals in equine-related roles like veterinarians and farriers, as well as those working in related agricultural, and leisure roles. Total non-betting employment was 24,800 in 2022, up c.8% when compared to the 22,900 supported by the industry in 2016.

Secondary employment is estimated to total c.8,400 and includes roles that are supported by further spending in the Irish economy (the ‘ripple effect’). This supports jobs in the likes of the travel and accommodation sectors and the bar and restaurant trade. Furthermore, the betting sector in Ireland is intrinsically linked to Irish racing, and many fewer individuals would be employed should racing cease to exist.

The sector is estimated to employ c.5,550 FTEs, across individuals working in LBOs and the Head Offices of betting operators.Given that Ireland has a large proportion of its population residing in rural communities, agriculture holds a high level of significance, with the Breeding and Racing industry being a significant  contributor to agricultural employment. It also supports jobs in farriery, horse transport and veterinary/equine health.

Directly related employment relates to those jobs that whilst being heavily reliant on the Breeding and Racing industry, also serve other industry sectors and sub-sectors. These can include equine-related roles such as veterinarians and farriers, as well as roles in agriculture, leisure, and hospitality. This is estimated to total c.7,000 in 2022.

View the equuip brochure here     for more details on careers in the Irish Horse Racing & Breeding Industry.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Horticultural trades, Gardeners and landscape gardeners, Groundsmen and greenkeepers, Skilled workers in horse racing and related industries, Agricultural and fishing trades n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment growth was below average for this occupation, with little growth between 2023 and 2024. Almost half were employed in the administrative services sector with the remainder primarily employed in agriculture and other NACE sectors.

A relatively high share (37%) of persons employed in this occupation were employed part-time. This occupation also had a high share employed who were aged 55 years and older which will likely lead to higher replacement demand in the coming years and job opportunities even in the absence of employment growth.

Coillte’s commitment to promoting the use of wood products to facilitate an increase in the level of timber-framed homes from 20% to 80% by 2050 has the potential to lead to increased demand for skilled workers in the forestry and wood processing sector, although likely to be small in number.

• Careers & Racing Education (CARE)

  • Horse Racing Ireland Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland, R56 XE37
  • (045) 455 455
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE)

  • Curragh House, Dublin Road, Kildare
  • +353 (0)45 522 468
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here