Frequently Asked Questions

The training is delivered by experienced professionals who are specialists in their field, all of whom have experience within the racing and equestrian industries. This ensures the training is practical, relevant, and easy to relate to real workplace situations.

In addition, our team includes a dedicated tutor who can provide extra support for learners who may find theoretical learning more challenging in a practical-based industry, as well as those with learning difficulties or additional learning needs. Our supportive delivery team is committed to helping every learner achieve their full potential.

Our understanding tutors and team will provide support and guidance to help you achieve the qualification. We also have a (SEN) support tutor available to offer additional guidance and assistance as needed.

Our courses have a smart-casual dress code. Remember, you want to be comfortable, but you may also be representing your employer or yard. When handling horses practically, you must wear appropriate yard boots—trainers, Crocs, or deck shoes are not permitted. Hats and gloves are recommended but worn at the candidate’s own risk.

Although dogs are not allowed in teaching spaces during the day, planned breaks will provide an opportunity to care for them. Please be mindful of leaving dogs in hot cars during the summer. Some venues may have a strict no-dog policy, so it’s always worth checking with the team beforehand.

Please check the course details. Most of our courses include lunch, but we may not be able to cater for all allergies, so please always confirm with the team when booking.

At a bespoke cost, we may be able to offer our courses and training to a team of staff or a riding club. Please get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements.

Our courses are offered to the wider equestrian community at a competitive price, and the content is applicable across all equestrian sectors. However, they are heavily subsidised for racing industry staff. Please see the course details for equestrian fees.

Our courses are designed to upskill and support staff of all ages and experience levels. To complete a qualification, the minimum age is 16. For courses such as webinars, there is no age limit.

For the Equine Emergency First Aid course, however, mature students aged 14–16 with good horse experience may participate for endorsed learning rather than a full qualification. This can serve as a stepping stone to gain experience prior to college or an equestrian career. In such cases, we can provide a reference and attendance letter. Please contact the team to apply.

Unfortunately, we cannot fund accommodation for our courses. However, we may be able to offer local recommendations, so it’s worth asking the team.

All our courses are inclusive at the price stated at the time of booking. If a referral is made during assessment, a small additional fee may apply. Once you are registered for a qualification, your fee is confirmed. You may be able to transfer to another regional course if you need to cancel, at the discretion of the programme manager. However, if you fail to attend the course without notice, or if a second reattempt is missed, your fee will be forfeited.

Yes, our qualification days are more than just courses—they are accredited by governing bodies. You will receive a certificate and a full qualification that has been quality assured.

All of our courses are subsidised in some form for Racing industry staff, helping to make learning and progression more affordable. Course costs vary, as fees are tailored depending on the funding available to each programme. For full details on current costs and funding options, please contact the team for the most up-to-date information.

No, the training is inclusive and diverse to suit the needs of the whole team irrespective of age and experience.

No, although the National Horseracing College delivers the programme, all staff within the racing industry are supported. You do not need to be rerolled with or have an association with the British Racing School, the Scottish Racing Academy or the National Horseracing College. If you work for a BHA-licensed racing yard you qualify. Training requests from Point-to-Point yards are also welcome (funding dependent).

You can enrol onto our courses by contacting our team at hello@rsdp.co.uk, or by visiting our events calendar, searching for your preferred course, and following the booking link.

The training can cover a wide range of practical and developmental activities, tailored to the needs of your team and workplace. In addition to our core course offering, our team can provide bespoke yard-based training, focusing on horsemanship, leadership, and skills development. This flexible approach allows training to be designed around your environment and goals, supporting both individual progression and overall team performance.

We understand that working in a busy industry means schedules can change at short notice. Our online training sessions and webinars are recorded, allowing you to stay involved even if you are unable to attend live. Recordings are available on request, so you won’t miss out on key learning.

For face-to-face training days, attendance is required. If you are unable to attend, your registration fee would be forfeited, or alternatively you may be transferred to another course date later in the year, subject to availability.