November 4, 2026, Olds, Alberta
Statement issued jointly by Horse Racing Alberta and Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.
The Professional Racetrack Groom Course is returning in 2027 through a long-standing partnership between Horse Racing Alberta and Olds College of Agriculture & Technology’s Industry Training & Continuing Education (ITCE) division, reopening a pathway to employment for people looking to build careers in Alberta’s horse racing industry.
For more than 24 years, this partnership has helped develop skilled professionals for the horse racing industry, producing knowledgeable, experienced grooms and industry experts who have built careers in Alberta and around the world. The program’s return drives a shared commitment to developing the next generation of racing professionals.
“We are excited to work with our partners at Horse Racing Alberta to once again offer the Professional Racetrack Groom Course,” says Dalin Bullock, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Olds College. “Through Industry Training & Continuing Education, we collaborate directly with industry partners to deliver flexible and specialized training. Building on our strong history of delivering high-quality, hands-on education, we look forward to continuing our support for the horse racing community.”
The employment-focused program combines online learning, in-person instruction on Olds College Campus and a hands-on practicum at a Horse Racing Alberta-licensed racetrack. Using a “Learn and Earn” model, students develop practical skills while earning a wage working in the industry.
“The return of this program is an important step in creating employment opportunities and developing the skilled workforce our industry needs,” says Kent Verlik, CEO, Horse Racing Alberta. “By combining education with paid hands-on experience, we’re helping prepare people for careers in horse racing in Alberta.”
Students receive training in racehorse handling, equine health and nutrition, barn safety, racing equipment and race day procedures — preparing them to provide professional care to racehorses of all breeds.
Program Schedule & Intake:
- Online Instruction: Feb. 24 – March 10
- On-Campus Training at Olds College: March 15 – April 9
- Hands-on Racetrack Practicum: April 15 – April 30
Alberta’s horse racing industry is an important contributor to the provincial economy, supporting nearly 1,900 jobs and generating more than $260 million in economic output in 2025. The return of the Professional Racetrack Groom Course helps build the skilled workforce needed to support the industry and create career opportunities for Albertans.
Class sizes are limited to support a quality learning experience and applicants are encouraged to register early.
For program details and registration information, visit OldsCollege.ca or TheHorses.com.
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About Olds College of Agriculture & Technology: Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is known for high-tech, hands-on agriculture education and innovative applied research that lays the foundation for solving real-world problems in farming, food and land. The College offers programming in Agriculture, Horticulture, Land and Environment Management, Animal Science, Food Production, Business, Trades and Apprenticeships. Olds College Centre of Innovation and Smart Farm are accelerating the development and adoption of technologies and practices that result in improved productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food industry through industry-driven applied research. Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges by Research Infosource. As Canada’s smart agriculture college, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is working to achieve its social purpose of advancing agriculture for a better world.
About Horse Racing Alberta: Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation operating under the authority of the Government of Alberta through the Horse Racing Alberta Act. The regulation of horse racing in Alberta has a long provincial history, with HRA assuming responsibility for the industry's regulation in 1996 as the successor to the Alberta Racing Commission. Formerly known as the Alberta Racing Corporation, the organization adopted the name Horse Racing Alberta in 2002. Today, Horse Racing Alberta governs, regulates, develops and promotes Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse racing across Alberta, overseeing industry standards, licensing, equine welfare and racing integrity while supporting the long-term sustainability and economic contributions of the province's horse racing industry.
For more information contact:
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
Communications Department