Racing Services

Stablehand

A Stablehand, often referred to as a Strapper, is a person who attends and grooms racehorses.  In a racing stable, a Stablehand may be responsible for caring for a number of horses at any one time.  Duties include grooming, feeding, tidying horse boxes/yards and attending races.  Duties at the races include looking after the horse whilst at the races, ensuring it is safe and remains calm and also leading the horse around prior to and after it has raced.

There are full- and part-time Stablehand positions in both Thoroughbred and Harness stables.  Many people enter stables with no formal training and learn on the job.

Most careers in racing start with a period of working as a stablehand to gain the skills and knowledge required to work with racehorses.

Formal Training: Certificate III Racing (Advanced Stablehand)