Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Fox-Barnett

Leyburn,North Yorkshire

Summary

I am an experienced horseracing professional and qualified British Horse Society Assistant Instructor (BHSAI) with over 25 years' experience within the horseracing and equestrian industries. One of my greatest professional strengths is my extensive knowledge of horse husbandry, equine welfare and stable management, developed through many years working within professional racing yards. I am passionate about maintaining the highest standards of horse care and welfare and about sharing that knowledge to help others develop the practical skills, confidence and professionalism needed to build successful careers within the racing industry.

Throughout my career I have enjoyed coaching, mentoring and supporting people of all ages and abilities. As a qualified riding instructor, I have taught individuals and groups of all ages and abilities within riding schools and equestrian centres, including delivering British Horse Society instruction and teaching Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) riders. These experiences have enabled me to become a patient, approachable and adaptable instructor, able to tailor my teaching style to meet different learning needs, build confidence and create a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment where every learner can achieve their full potential.

In my current role at Johnston Racing where I was promoted from Assistant Yard Manager to Yard Manager, I combine my practical industry knowledge with the leadership, coaching and development of staff within a busy professional racing yard. I particularly enjoy helping individuals develop their skills and confidence, supporting them to achieve high standards of horse care, welfare and professional practice.

Alongside my practical experience, I hold a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and Management and have continued to broaden my knowledge through professional development, including the British Racing School Yard Managers Course, Assistant Trainer Course, Regional Work Rider Training Event with Yogi Breisner and Level 1 Racing Coach training with the Scottish Racing Academy.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of racing professionals and believe my combination of industry expertise, teaching experience, leadership skills and commitment to learner development would enable me to make a positive contribution as a Roving Tutor with the National Horseracing College. I am committed to continuous professional development and would welcome the opportunity to work towards the teaching and assessor qualifications required for the role.

Overview

1
1
Certification
9
9
years of post-secondary education
40
40
years of professional experience

Work history

Yard Manager (Promoted from Assistant Yard Manager)

Johnston Racing
Middleham, North Yorkshire
2012.07 - Current
  • Promoted from Assistant Yard Manager to Yard Manager in recognition of the performance, leadership and commitment to maintaining high standards.
  • Lead, motivate and develop a team of 12 staff within a large racing operation of approximately 100 employees and 170 racehorses.
  • Oversee the welfare, care, training and day-to-day management of up to 40 racehorses, ensuring the highest standards of horse husbandry, equine welfare and stable management.
  • Continue to ride out daily, leading strings on the gallops and coaching riders to develop safe riding practices, confidence and professional standards.
  • Coach, mentor and support new and existing staff from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and experience levels, adapting my communication and practical instruction to meet individual learning needs while promoting best practice in horse husbandry, equine welfare and stable management.
  • Deliver staff inductions, support Personal Development Reviews and annual appraisals, providing constructive feedback to encourage continuous learning and professional development.
  • Organise daily workloads, allocate resources and prioritise tasks to ensure the smooth, safe and efficient running of the yard.
  • Maintain accurate electronic records relating to horse welfare, medication, training programmes, race entries and staff development using internal database systems and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Liaise professionally with trainers, owners, veterinarians, farriers, racing office staff and other industry professionals to coordinate horse care and daily operations.
  • Chair team meetings, communicate operational updates and ensure staff understand procedures, welfare standards and health and safety requirements.
  • Maintain compliance with racing industry regulations, health and safety legislation and welfare standards while promoting a positive, supportive and inclusive working environment.

Work Rider / Assistant Head Lad

Brian Meehan Racing
Manton, Marlborough, Wiltshire
2009.05 - 2012.07
  • Assisted Head Lad in supervising staff and managing daily yard operations, ensuring smooth workflow.
  • Mentored junior staff, allocating workloads to optimise team performance and enhance training.
  • Exercised racehorses and performed stable duties, ensuring high standards of welfare and stable management.
  • Administered prescribed medication and assisted vets and farriers during visits.
  • Accompanied horses to UK and overseas race meetings, ensuring their well-being and readiness for competition.

Equestrian Centre Manager / Instructor

St Ives Equestrian Centre
Bingley, West Yorkshire
2005.08 - 2009.05
  • Oversaw operations of riding school and livery yard, ensuring excellent horse welfare standards and health and safety compliance through detailed risk assessments.
  • Generated new centre income by strategically introducing BHS lessons using existing RDA ponies.
  • Planned and delivered lessons for BHS and RDA riders.
  • Adapted teaching methods for different ages, abilities and confidence levels.
  • Organised promotional events for RDA, increasing community engagement and awareness of services offered.

Work Rider / Stable Staff

John Gosden Racing
Manton, Marlborough, Wiltshire
2002.01 - 2005.08
  • Exercised racehorses, performed all stable duties and travelled to race meetings in the UK and overseas.
  • Monitored horse health, fitness and behaviour, reporting any concerns to senior staff.
  • Worked as part of a team to ensure all training schedules and yard routines were completed efficiently and safely.

Finance Clerk

HM Forces
Sennelager, Germany
2001.02 - 2001.12
  • Managed pay accounts and calculated claims, safeguarding confidential financial information to confirm accuracy and compliance.
  • Resolved complex pay and allowance enquiries ensuring accurate policy interpretation and timely resolution.

Pupil Assistant Trainer

Geraldine Rees Racing
Preston, Lancashire
2000.07 - 2000.12
  • Assisted trainer in the day to day management of horses in training, ensuring high standards of welfare and care.
  • Supervised and supported staff and helped to coordinate daily routines.
  • Office administration duties, including maintaining records and handling enquires and correspondence.

Riding Instructor

International Riding Camp
New York, USA
1999.06 - 1999.09
  • Instructed groups of young riders in riding techniques and stable management, fostering skill development and confidence.
  • Assessed student progress and adjusted lesson plans accordingly.

Riding Instructor

Ponyland Riding Centre
Larnaca, Cyprus
1998.06 - 1998.09
  • Delivered riding lessons and guided hacks for adults and children, fostering skills and confidence in riders.
  • Ensured high standards of horse welfare, customer service and health and safety.
  • Supervised staff and assisted with bookings, customer enquiries and general administration.

Work Rider

Roger Charlton Racing
Beckhampton, Wiltshire
1997.02 - 1997.09
  • Work riding and stable duties.
  • Accompanying horses to race meetings.

Work Rider

Hazelwood Stud
Queensland, Australia
1996.04 - 1997.01
  • Riding and care of racehorses, including work riding on the track.

Dressage Groom

Danzig Trakehner Stud
New South Wales, Australia
1996.01 - 1996.04
  • Maintained the well-being of dressage horses through daily care and management.

Stud Groom

Northfields Stud
Auckland, New Zealand
1995.09 - 1996.01
  • Stud duties and yearling preparation.

Revenue Officer

HM Inspector of Taxes, Sheffield
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
1992.01 - 1995.09
  • Maintained PAYE records, managed confidential information, and responded to customer enquiries.

Temporary Administrative Clerk

Rotherham College of Nursing and Midwifery
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
1991.09 - 1992.01
  • Provided administrative support, maintained and updated records and handled correspondence, telephone enquires and general office communications.

Part-time Riding Instructor

Carlton Forest Riding School
Worksop, Nottinghamshire
1991.07 - 1991.09
  • Teaching riding and stable management to groups of young riders.

Sewing Machinist

SR Gent Plc
1987.01 - 1989.09
  • Operated sewing machines to assemble garments and ensure quality standards were met.

Racing Trainee

National Horseracing College, Doncaster
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
1986.09 - 1986.12
  • Completed the foundation course in horse care and riding.

Education

BSc (Hons) - Equine Science and Management

Bishop Burton College
Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
1997.09 - 2000.06

BTEC Professional Development Certificate - Management Studies

Bishop Burton College
Beverley

RSA Integrated Business Technology II -

Bishop Burton College
Beverley

BHSAI (British Horse Society Assistant Instructor) -

Brackenhurst College
Southwell, Nottinghamshire
1989.09 - 1991.06

BTEC National Diploma - Business and Finance

Brackenhurst College
Southwell, Nottinghamshire

RSA Typewriting Skills Stage II -

Brackenhurst College
Southwell, Nottinghamshire

EMFEC Practical Word Processing Level 1 -

Brackenhurst College
Southwell, Nottinghamshire

9 GCSE/CSEs -

Brinsworth Comprehensive School
Brinsworth, Rotherham
1981.09 - 1986.07

Skills

  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Riding instructor qualifications
  • Yard management experience
  • Staff training and development
  • Equine welfare management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Workload organisation
  • Record keeping and administration
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and database systems
  • Liaison with trainers, owners, veterinarians, farriers and external stakeholders

Certification

  • Level 1 Racing Coach (2024)
  • Regional Work Rider Training – Yogi Breisner (2016)
  • British Racing School Yard Managers Course (2016)
  • British Racing School Assistant Trainer Course (2014)
  • RDA Group Instructor Badge (2007)
  • Certificate in Conflict Management (2006)
  • Basic Health and Safety Certificate (2000)

References

  • John, Martin, Veterinary Inspector, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, jmartin@gmail.com, +353 862195164
  • Michael, Flory, HR Manager, Johnston Racing, Michael@johnston.racing, 01969 622237

Timeline

Yard Manager (Promoted from Assistant Yard Manager)

Johnston Racing
2012.07 - Current

Work Rider / Assistant Head Lad

Brian Meehan Racing
2009.05 - 2012.07

Equestrian Centre Manager / Instructor

St Ives Equestrian Centre
2005.08 - 2009.05

Work Rider / Stable Staff

John Gosden Racing
2002.01 - 2005.08

Finance Clerk

HM Forces
2001.02 - 2001.12

Pupil Assistant Trainer

Geraldine Rees Racing
2000.07 - 2000.12

Riding Instructor

International Riding Camp
1999.06 - 1999.09

Riding Instructor

Ponyland Riding Centre
1998.06 - 1998.09

BSc (Hons) - Equine Science and Management

Bishop Burton College
1997.09 - 2000.06

Work Rider

Roger Charlton Racing
1997.02 - 1997.09

Work Rider

Hazelwood Stud
1996.04 - 1997.01

Dressage Groom

Danzig Trakehner Stud
1996.01 - 1996.04

Stud Groom

Northfields Stud
1995.09 - 1996.01

Revenue Officer

HM Inspector of Taxes, Sheffield
1992.01 - 1995.09

Temporary Administrative Clerk

Rotherham College of Nursing and Midwifery
1991.09 - 1992.01

Part-time Riding Instructor

Carlton Forest Riding School
1991.07 - 1991.09

BHSAI (British Horse Society Assistant Instructor) -

Brackenhurst College
1989.09 - 1991.06

Sewing Machinist

SR Gent Plc
1987.01 - 1989.09

Racing Trainee

National Horseracing College, Doncaster
1986.09 - 1986.12

9 GCSE/CSEs -

Brinsworth Comprehensive School
1981.09 - 1986.07

BTEC Professional Development Certificate - Management Studies

Bishop Burton College

RSA Integrated Business Technology II -

Bishop Burton College

BTEC National Diploma - Business and Finance

Brackenhurst College

RSA Typewriting Skills Stage II -

Brackenhurst College

EMFEC Practical Word Processing Level 1 -

Brackenhurst College
Rachel Fox-Barnett