A former jockey with a wealth of experience in the racing industry has been recruited by a North East training company to deliver an innovative new apprenticeship for stable staff.

Empentis Training Solutions is launching the Equine Groom Apprenticeship Level 2 (Racing Route) to help trainers overcome challenges with recruitment, retention, and staff development.

And the Newcastle-based company believes it has backed a winner by appointing Rhona Pindar as its first training officer.

Rhona, raised in the Scottish Highlands, has been around horses since being given a pony for Christmas when she was four.

She competed in eventing before joining Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell’s team at 16 and taking out her point-to-point licence.

Rhona later joined Sandy Thomson in the Borders before moving to Karl Burke’s powerful yard in Leyburn.

She rode for Burke as an apprentice jockey, riding her first winner on Star of Zaam at Windsor in 2018, and went on to ride 15 winners.

Rhona said: “I had a fantastic job at Karl’s, riding some fantastic horses, but when this opportunity arose with Empentis, it was too exciting to turn down.

“They’re aiming to provide something new, that’s specific to the racing industry, and it fits my experience and skillset perfectly. It’s badly needed within the industry and will open up new horizons for racing staff.”

(Image: Peter Barron)

 Rhona was approached by Empentis Business Development Manager, John Neilson, whose involvement in racing stretches back to 1982 when he started a 13-year stint with legendary Bishop Auckland trainer Denys Smith, who won the 1968 Grand National with Red Alligator.

John became second head lad before switching to Howard Johnson, then riding track work in Florida. As well as being part of Empentis, he is also now a jockeys’ agent.

He said: “Racing contributes over £8bn to the British economy and it’s an industry close to my heart, so we are delighted to be launching this much-needed qualification, and to have someone of Rhona’s calibre delivering the course.

“The sector faces challenges in recruitment and retention, and we passionately believe that reducing staff turnover through development programmes like this, will be crucial to the industry’s sustainability.”

The Equine Groom Apprenticeship Level 2 course – launched during National Racehorse Week – allows learners to choose either the Exercise Rider or Yard-Based (non-riding) apprenticeships.

The 12-month course is available to full-time or part-time staff, with employers receiving a £1,000 Government incentive for 16-18-year-olds. Delivered within racing yards, during normal hours, it has no impact on the normal working day.

Rhona visits participating yards monthly, tutoring the learners in modules covering all aspects of life in a racing yard. Each learner will also need to include functional skills in Maths and English at minimum Level 1.

Rhona has already signed up her first learners with trainers Paul Robson, at Hawick, and George Bewley, in Cumbria – so she’s off and running!