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Trainers Course

 

Assessment Day Requirements

Prior to being accepted onto the Pre-Trainers Course, applicants are required to successfully complete a day of assessments to establish prior knowledge. This knowledge will be measured through practical and oral assessments, followed by a written exam. The exam consists of 22 questions, at least 20 questions must be answered (an exam reader can be provided once prior notice is given). The information listed below is to assist and prepare applicants for these assessments.

 

Areas that may be assessed in the practical assessment. 

Fit a bridle with any variety of martingale and noseband, including identification and the reason for their use.

Fit a saddle with breast plate / breast girth.

Prepare a horse for the parade ring, including additional equipment as requested from the assessor e.g., Lead cloth, Tongue Tie, Blinkers, Cheek Pieces, Sheepskin noseband, Paddock sheet, Roller.

 

Oral and Written Assessment

You will be required to answer questions across all areas outlined below to demonstrate your knowledge.  

Areas of prior knowledge 
Health and Safety Feeding
Applicants should familiarise themselves with the main rights and responsibilities of employers and employees as listed in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, particular attention to Part 2 Chapters 1 and 2. A copy of the act is available for download at the following address: http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/acts/2005/a1005.pdf
  • Understanding how to assess body condition
  • Understand the different feed plans for a variety of horses eg Horse just in from grass; Horse in full work; Horse on box rest
  • Be able to explain feed rations (Forage:Concentrates)
Grooming and Clipping

Horse Health

  • Understand the fundamentals of grooming horses and equipment (Applicants may be required to fully groom a horse)
  • Explain how to pull a mane correctly
  • Knowledge on how to clip – considering health and safety of both horse and handler
  • Know the different types of clips and why to choose each type of clip. (Applicants may need to dismantle and re-assemble clippers)
  • Understand how to identify and treat different types of wounds:

Cut

Puncture

Laceration

Bruise

Graze



  • Explain how to take a horses Temperature, Pulse and Respiration (TPR) and be able to
  • state the normal ranges for each  
  • Be able to describe the symptoms, treatment, and control measures of a Worm burden, Lice, Mange, Ticks and Ringworm. 
Grassland Management

Transportation of Horses 

  • Be able to explain how to manage grassland over a 12-month period
  • Explain how to identify good and bad grazing
  • Understand common grassland management terms e.g. poaching, horse sick
  • Know what equipment to use when preparing a horse for travelling
  • Applicants may be required to dress a horse for travelling
  • Understand how to load and unload a horse, considering both handler and horses safety
  • Know how to assess a box/lorry safety for transport
Horse Clothing and Bandages

Saddlery

  • Know the different types of rugs available and the reason for use 
  • Understand the different types of exercise boots used and how to apply them.
  • Know how, why, and when to fit a stable bandage
  • Know how, why, and when to fit an exercise bandage
  • Explain how to apply and why a Robert Jones bandage may be used. 
  • Applicants may be required to correctly fit a set of boots or bandages to a horse 
  • Applicants may be required to correctly fit and assess fit of a bridle Applicants should be able to identify and fit different martingales, nosebands and state the reason for their use 
  • Applicants may be required to correctly fit and assess fit of a saddle Applicants should be able to identify and fit a saddle with breast plate or breast girth
  • Applicants may be required to tack up a horse ready for the parade ring. Items may include: Racing Saddle, Saddle Pad, Lead Cloth, Number Cloth, Girth, Surcingle, Bridle, Breast plate, Martingale, Tongue tie, Roller, Paddock sheet, Blinkers, Cheek pieces. Sheepskin noseband etc.
ShoeingExercising and Working Racehorses
  • Know the parts of the horse’s foot and be able to explain the function of each part
  • Be able to explain what might happen if a shoe is left on for too long
  • Understand common foot ailments and how to treat them e.g. Thrush, Bruised sole, Corns, Brittle feet
  • Understand a variety of reasons a hoof poultice may be used
  • Describe how to apply a hoof poultice
  • Explain the different methods to get a horse race fit
  • Be able to identify increased fitness in a horse
  • Understand the fundamentals of lunging for exercise
  • Explain the reasons for lunging
  • Be able to identify the equipment for lunging and know its use
  • Explain how to prepare a horse for the races 

Please note 100% attendance is required for the Pre-Trainers Course to be eligible for Licence approval.


Any queries in relation to the Trainers Licence should be directed to the IHRB Licensing Department. Any grievances will be dealt with by the Licensing Department Manager. 


Any queries relating to the preparation of the assessment of the pre-licence course should be directed to the Training Manager, R.A.C.E., Co. Kildare. Telephone No 045 522468