The RSDP was launched in February/March 2019 after various pilot activities. Supported by the Racing Foundation, RSDP was created to provide a range of training opportunities based on developing the horsemanship and horse management skills of racing’s workforce.
The aim of the Racing Staff Development Programme is to create an efficient localised model of staff development, encouraging progression within the industry to increase the quality of staff, address skills shortages and retain experienced staff for the benefit of the industry.
RSDP has matured into an established and respected programme across the racing industry. In 2023, 101 employers (Racehorse Trainers) supported the programme, with over 894 individual staff participating in at least one professional development event. In addition, four online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses were developed, further increasing access to flexible learning opportunities.
The programme now delivers regular regional training events, horse management events, webinars, mentoring, and virtual learning activities. While the programme was previously reliant on Racing Foundation funding, it is now funded through central funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) and Prize Money deductions, ensuring continued sustainability and reach.
RSDP is also proud to have established the rider coaching and work rider training programmes nationwide over the past few years. Following their success and expansion, these programmes will be delivered by the British Racing School from 2026, allowing RSDP to focus on the growth of other demand-led training opportunities across the industry.
The ongoing success of the programme and demand for more accessible, flexible and responsive training provided an opportunity to re-brand the programme as the Racing Staff Development Programme in Autumn 2022, with an enhanced framework for delivery and scope to reach all of racing’s workforce. The new programme title gives a clear indication of the programmes renewed purpose which has scope to extend its reach even further in the near future.
After a successful programme of events in 2022, RSDP has focused on refining its approach and developing a clear plan of delivery, showcasing all aspects of the programme. This aligns with the Horse Welfare Board’s recommendation to create, “an improved and more aligned focus on training, education and CPD programmes across the industry, to ensure best practice” (The Horse Welfare Board Strategy – February 2020).
In March of 2019, The Regional Staff Development Programme was launched after various pilot activities. Supported by the Racing Foundation, RSDP was created to provide a range of training opportunities based on developing the horsemanship and horse management skills of racing’s workforce. RSDP has now matured into an established programme. Although previously reliant on Racing Foundation funding, the programme is currently being funded by central funds from the HBLB and Prize Money deductions. The ongoing success of the programme and demand for more accessible, flexible, and responsive training provided an opportunity to re-brand the programme as the Racing Staff Development Programme in Autumn 2022, with an enhanced framework for delivery and scope to reach all of racing’s workforce
The RSDP course facilitator discussed the ways horses can get into trouble and how we can help. Her wealth of experience and that of her colleagues meant the information was delivered meaningfully and from real life. It was great to see so many other racing professionals attend who also shared their experiences.
North Farm Stud Equestrian, Oxfordshire
I really enjoyed the mixture of classroom and practical, it was really engaging and an enjoyable day, thank you.
Olivia Wild, Assistant Trainer
Great course, I learnt lots. It’s the second RSDP course I have done; I highly recommend.
Tiegan Alexander, Racing Groom
Fantastic course, I now feel very confident in removing a shoe and applying a medical bandage. It was a very interesting and enjoyable day.
Ellie Errington, Head Groom
After 30 odd years of struggling to make much sense of scans in particular, so many things are all now so much clearer to me. We are lucky to have these webinars with hosts who are so experienced and knowledgeable
Carrie Ford, Racing to School Education Officer (North) and Level 3 Racing Coach
Thank so much for tonight, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the webinar – a great help, and loads of food for thought moving forward too.
Carrie Ford, Level 3 Racing Coach
Please could we book seven Rider Development slots, our staff found it so beneficial last time we would like to encourage more of our team to take part.
Dylan Cunha, Trainer
Thank you for the time you spent with our staff, they really enjoyed it. We have a few more staff that would benefit from it and look forward to your next visit
Dean Ivory, Trainer
We had a fab day learning lots from Emma and Lauren our coaches. The benefit from having them visit is brilliant and it was free! We looked at tightening up our positions, what we did well and some small improvements. The whole team enjoyed it, thank you.
Edworthy Racing, Point-to-Point
Another successful visit from the RSDP team. The staff love it and it maintains our high standards of riding and skills. When can we book again.
Jeremy Scott, Trainer
I was worried about coming to a session as I felt like I had gone backwards with my riding a bit after yearlings and fresh horses over the winter and didn’t want to feel like I was being judged. The session helped me remember what I am good at and the coach showed me small corrections I can make to give back the confidence in myself about my riding. Any tips or ideas I can be given is a big help.
Jordan (Middleham) – Rider Coaching
We really enjoy the simulator drop-in sessions, they are fun. We haven’t been able to see how we look before or go through it with anyone on a one-to-one basis. We find the coaches easy to chat to and feel better about our riding.
Georgi and Phoebe (Middleham) – Rider Coaching
I thought I would drop you a message to update you on my riding progress. I’m working for Andrew Balding now and have been riding 4-5 lots a day. I have Leanne here as my Racing Coach. I have been doing the exercises you gave me and been able to do more than 10 squats with ease on the hedgehogs. The last video is Here Comes When, he was a tricky ride but helped with my confidence.
Noemi (Kingsclere) – Rider Coaching
It was a pleasure to be down there and I’m ready to believe. I did benefit from it nicely and I will be working harder on it as well, thank you for everything, I will let you know when I have upcoming rides
Hakan (Newmarket) – Rider Coaching
Sessions are really useful especially the video feedback
James (Newmarket)
I tried that technique you said to do in our previous session when riding that keen mare and it worked
Taylor Jones
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