How to work in racing in the USA?

  • Travel tips
  • Published on February 15, 2023

1) APPLY FOR A VISA OR WORK PERMIT


For Canadian and Mexican citizens

Citizens of Canada and Mexico can benefit from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which makes it easier for certain types of workers to obtain visas for temporary employment in the US. They can apply for the TN NAFTA Professional visa.


All non-US citizens will require a visa to work in the US  ✈️

The type of visa you will need to work in the horse racing industry in the United States will depend on your home country. Here are some of the most common types of visas for workers in the horse racing industry:


  • H-2B Visa: If you are from a foreign country and are seeking temporary non-agricultural employment in the United States, you may be eligible for an H-2B visa. This type of visa is commonly used for workers in the horse racing industry, such as grooms, hot walkers, and farriers.
  • O Visa: If you are an internationally recognized athlete, coach, or trainer, you may be eligible for an O visa. This type of visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, and it can be used by horse racing industry workers who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • E-3 Visa: If you are from Australia and are seeking temporary employment in the United States in a specialty occupation, such as a trainer, you may be eligible for an E-3 visa. This type of visa is specifically for Australian citizens and is similar to the H-1B visa for workers in specialty occupations.


It's important to note that these are just a few of the most common types of visas for workers in the horse racing industry, and the specific visa that you will need will depend on your individual circumstances and the type of work you will be doing in the US. I recommend that you consult an immigration attorney or a professional visa service for specific advice on the best type of visa for your situation.


2) FIND A JOB

WorkinRacing is the first international recruitment platform dedicated to the horse racing industry.


  • Find all job offers available in the USA > click here.
  • Find all job offers available in the USA in “Training” > click here.
  • Find all job offers available in the USA in “Stud farms” > click here.
  • Find all job offers available in the USA in “Racecourse/Training center” > click here.
  • Find all job offers available in the USA in “Auction/Bloodstock agencies” > click here.
  • Find all “other” job offers available in the USA > click here.

Feel free to add more filters in job type (full-time, part-time, etc.) and more precision on the localisation where to work then apply !


3) SEEK FOR ACCOMMODATION


Here are some more specific tips for finding accommodation in the United States as a worker in the horse racing industry:


  • Accommodation provided by employers: read carefully the descriptions in the job offers because employers can provide accommodation for the workers or don’t hesitate to ask for help when applying for a job.
  • Determine your budget: Before you begin your search for accommodation, it's important to determine how much you can afford to spend on rent and other expenses. Be sure to factor in utilities, transportation costs, and any other expenses you may incur.
  • Check online rental listings: Websites such as Zillow, Craigslist, and Apartments.com are great resources for finding available rental properties. You can narrow your search by price, location, and other factors.
  • Work with a real estate agent: If you're having trouble finding a place on your own, consider working with a local real estate agent who specializes in rentals. They can help you find properties that meet your specific needs and budget.
  • Be prepared to provide documentation: Landlords in the United States will typically require proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns, as well as references from previous landlords or employers. Be prepared to provide this documentation when you apply for a rental property.

I hope these tips are helpful in your search for accommodation in the United States. Good luck!


4) TAKE CARE OF HEALTH INSURANCE


Here are some tips on how to sort out insurance before working in the horse racing industry in the US:


  • Determine your insurance needs: Before you start shopping for insurance, it's important to determine what type of coverage you need. This will depend on your specific job in the horse racing industry, as well as any personal needs you may have.
  • Look for insurance providers: There are many insurance providers in the United States that offer coverage for individuals working in the horse racing industry. You can search online or ask for recommendations from colleagues or your employer.
  • Check with your employer: Your employer may offer health insurance or other types of insurance coverage as part of your employment package. Check with your employer to see what coverage they offer and what additional coverage you may need to purchase on your own.
  • Consider purchasing a travel health insurance plan: If you are not a US citizen and are coming to the US for work, you may want to consider purchasing a travel health insurance plan. These plans can provide coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and other travel-related issues.
  • Consider purchasing disability insurance: Depending on your job in the horse racing industry, you may be at higher risk for injury or disability. Consider purchasing disability insurance to provide coverage in case you are unable to work due to an injury or illness.
  • Consider purchasing liability insurance: If you work as a trainer or other type of horse industry professional, you may want to consider purchasing liability insurance to protect you in case of accidents or other issues that may arise with the horses you work with.
  • Compare prices and coverage: Once you have determined your insurance needs and have found potential insurance providers, be sure to compare prices and coverage to find the best option for your needs and budget.

As always, it's important to consult with a licensed insurance agent or other qualified professional for specific advice and guidance on your insurance needs.



5) LEARN ABOUT THE UNITED STATES


The horse racing industry is a major part of the sports and entertainment landscape in the United States. There are over 100 tracks in the country, and the industry employs thousands of people in a variety of roles, including jockeys, trainers, grooms, exercise riders, and more.


The industry is centered around a few key events and races that draw large crowds and international attention. Some of the most well-known events in the US horse racing calendar include:


  • The Kentucky Derby: This is perhaps the most famous horse race in the world and takes place each year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds and is known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
  • The Preakness Stakes: This is the second leg of the Triple Crown and takes place two weeks after the Kentucky Derby at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
  • The Belmont Stakes: This is the final leg of the Triple Crown and takes place three weeks after the Preakness at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
  • The Breeders' Cup: This is a two-day event featuring some of the best horses from around the world. It takes place at a different track each year and includes a variety of races across different distances and surfaces.


Day-to-day life as a worker in the horse racing industry can be demanding, but also rewarding. Depending on your role, you may spend long hours at the track caring for and exercising horses, working with trainers and jockeys, or managing administrative tasks.


Many workers in the industry begin their day very early in the morning, as horses need to be exercised and fed before the races begin. Depending on your role, you may work with a specific horse or group of horses, providing them with care and training to prepare them for races.


Working in the horse racing industry can be physically demanding and require a lot of time on your feet, as well as the ability to handle and work with large animals. However, for those who are passionate about the sport and love working with horses, it can also be a deeply rewarding career.