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To be a trainer in any state, you must have a license to be a trainer for two consecutive years in that state as one of the following. Pony Rider, Groom, exercise rider, assistant trainer, owner, or jockey. The assistant trainers test is basically the same as the trainers test, and you still have to licensed in something else for two years before you can get that license.

Every state has a list of rules and regulations that you need to learn during that two year period. Get to know the anatomy of a horse such as it's legs and hooves and be able to name bones or anatomy in a diagram of the legs, hooves. Learn how to tack a horse in proper racing equipment. Learn how to wrap legs properly and know what a ridgeling is. Know the drug rules of your state and what they allow. Know how to train a race horse as you must provide an essay. Know what to do and how to handle a sick or injured horse. Know all the titles of jobs at the track and what their job involves such as clerk of sales, placing judges, etc.Know how to enter a horse in a race under certain conditions. Whoever you worked your two years, will teach you most of what you need to know. You can always find someone on the backside who will be happy to answer questions for you and what you can expect on the test.

Once you have learned as much as you can and studied yourself into a frenzy, then go to the Stewards and tell them that you would like to take the trainers test. They will be happy to schedule it for you. The rest is up to you, and the stewards will be happy to guide you in the right direction. Good luck

Nice answer by Vicki J as always.

As Vicki stated, you need to take a trainer's test and have a license to become a trainer or assistant trainer. But the one thing a trainer needs above all is experience training and contacts in the horse industry if they are to be successful.

The best way to gain any type of experience is by doing. If you have the horse skills, then join a trainer at the track or get hired by a training facility. You will likely start by walking hots and working your way up the ladder, but it is imperative that a trainer be able to do every job in the stable.

The best horse people are the ones who take the time to learn not only their job, but the jobs of their staff. Successful trainers also have a working knowledge of pedigree and conformation in order to place their horses in the optional spots to win.

Being a trainer means you wear many different hats. You have responsibility for both the horses in your care, your staff, plus knowing what duties to delegate and the ones you should handle yourself. You have to have a rapport with owners, jockey agents and the jocks. A trainer might be good, but if their staff either isn't reliable or treated well, the horses will suffer (this in no way implies that the horses are mistreated in any fashion). Horses pick up on the mental mood of the humans near them, so a sour or negative state in the barn will transmit to horses under-performing in their races.

Above all, training horses is a 7 day a week, 365 day a year job. You'll be at the barn 1st thing in the morning (unless you're Bob Baffert which in that case you'll come strolling in around 10). You'll be one of the last people at night to leave. Your first commitment will be to your stable, but if you have the dedication and passion, it won't feel like a job.

Good Luck!