How to become a trainer

Question
Hello,

I was wondering if you could tell me how to become a licensed trainer. I live in DE and have worked with horses for the better part of my life, and soon I will be leaving for college, majoring in Equine Studies. I've always wanted my own barn and my own horses, I just feel like strictly training would be a better way to go before trying to own/train racehorses. I lack the physicality to be a groom (I can lift and pull, I just push to hard and get hurt#, but I have been one before and was well liked by the rest of the staff. I used to observe #when I could) the methods of one of the barn's older trainers. I feel like I could be come a good trainer, I just don't know where I would go to take the tests or to get my licensed

Answer
Hello Dani,

You will first have to go to the stewards and ask to start the testing process. You may even have to have horses to train before they will test you. If Delaware is like Maryland and Virginia, they may require you have at least three trainers vouch for your experience on the track before considering giving you your test. Sometimes they may even require you to work at the track for a specific amount of time under an experienced trainer. If you are signed off to take the next step, then you may have to do a practical and oral exam given by a designated trainer. He may have you put a bridle together, bandage legs, name common feeds and identify type of hay and racing bits, for example. He may ask you a series of questions regarding common injuries, average temperature of a horse, types of horseshoes and parts of the body. It all depends on the trainer. The questions are usually very random. If you pass this part of the exam, then you go to the stewards. They will interview you and determine if you have the proper knowledge to continue the testing process. If you are allowed to take the written test, it's typically 1 point per question with 100 questions including some essay questions that could be about race conditions or how to treat specific injuries and such. If you know your stuff, it can be pretty easy. I hope it goes well for you and good luck in your new career.

Christopher Crocker

http://CrockerRacingStable.com

Crocker Racing Stable and Thoroughbred Horse Racing Partnerships