Olds College: Professional Racetrack Groom Course

Olds College in Olds, Alberta is offering a new racetrack groom course from February to July, 2020. Grooming racehorses is a learned skill and in three segments, the students will learn everything about being a successful groom for racehorses.

What can you expect from this course?
Horse Racing Alberta and Olds College introduce the new “Professional Racetrack Groom” Course! The Professional Racetrack Groom Course is a “Learn and Earn” concept program that will give you the confidence and skill to become a professional licensed Groom at Alberta Horse Racing Tracks! This unique program has a blended approach that will allow you to study online, learn from and practice your skill with industry professional instructors, all while allowing you to earn a wage working in the industry! You will acquire the skills you need to provide intensive professional care to elite race horses. With support from Horse Racing Alberta and industry professionals you will receive your hands on training at the new Century Mile Racetrack in Nisku Alberta.

What will you learn?
Upon successful completion of this program you will be able to understand horse behaviors, explain the workings of the horse racing industry, develop personal career skills, demonstrate practices for barn safety and cleanliness, demonstrate horse handling techniques for high powered horses, identify and apply horse racing tack, identify equine anatomy and related lameness, apply stable and exercise bandages, perform race day procedures, execute regular health checks on horses, follow protocols for equine medical emergencies, and explain Equine Nutrition!

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This course is being offered with a one-time introductory tuition of $250.00! The remainder of the fee is covered by Horse Racing Alberta to provide professional equine grooms to the Horse Racing industry in Alberta.

Program at a glance
Credential: Non-credit

Delivery: Olds Campus

Program Dates: February – July

February 18 – March 13, 2020: Online (instructor guided in Moodle)

March 16 – March 27, 2020: Face-to-face at Century Mile Racetrack in Nisku (includes chores and classtime, 8+ hrs per day, plus chores on the weekends)

March 30 – July 3, 2020: Earn and Learn with trainers at Century Mile Racetrack in Nisku. Face-to-face classes three afternoons per week until April 24th, then two classes per week during race season, until June 19)
Applications Open: Registrations are accepted as long as seats are available, however it is recommended that you register early as this class is limited to a small number of students to ensure your safety and an optimal learning experience

Fees: $250

Required Materials: Appropriate footwear (no running shoes) and clothing suitable for working with horses and variable weather.

Admission Requirements: This is an employment-driven program where Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) is making a commitment to training and hiring professional grooms. Students are expected to maintain a minimum 70% average in order to be licensed by HRA and work in the industry. Students should also be aware that this is a physically demanding program, representative of what would be expected with any subsequent employment in the industry.

Prerequisites: Applicants are asked to submit a Letter of Introduction and intent, outlining the following: