How to become a Track Rider
Also called: Exercise Rider, Trackwork Rider
Exercises thoroughbreds to condition them for racing by riding the horse at varying speeds.
Main tasks
- Rides thoroughbred horses at varying speeds to condition them for racing
- Exercises horses according to the instructions of a horse trainer
- Observes and assesses the horse's performance and behaviour during exercise, and reports on progress to the horse's trainers and owners
- Monitors the horse's physical condition and reports any signs of injury or illness
- Assists with the grooming and care of the horse, including feeding and stable maintenance
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) (RGR30518); Certificate IV in Racing (Harness Race Driver) (RGR40318); Certificate IV in Racing (Jockey) (RGR40221)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- About 28,300 people work in this job group now, and about 28,900 are projected by 2035. (+1.8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Track Rider?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider); Certificate IV in Racing (Harness Race Driver).
Is a Track Rider a growing career in Australia?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2035: about 28,300 people now and 28,900 later (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Track Rider?
Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider); Certificate IV in Racing (Harness Race Driver).
Will AI change the work of a Track Rider?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04