Growing up in a renowned racing family, Fern O’Brien has already made a name for herself in the sport – riding winners, recently riding her first double, and now achieving a Distinction in her Level 2 Racing Groom apprenticeship with Haddon Training.
Based at the highly respected Fergal O’Brien Racing, Fern has been balancing a busy riding career with her apprenticeship, supported throughout by her Haddon Training Trainer Coach, Macey Ballard. Fern shares her journey throughout the apprenticeship, how it feels to achieve a Distinction, and her aspirations for the future.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in racing?
My parents are both very horsey and trained point-to-pointers before I was born, with my mother being a successful amateur jockey and my father now training racehorses, so it was a very natural process to follow them into the industry.
What have you enjoyed most about the Level 2 Racing Groom apprenticeship?
I’ve loved the experience of getting to learn about things that are relevant to my life now, whereas in school I was learning about things that I wasn’t really interested in.
You recently achieved a Distinction in your apprenticeship – how did that feel? Are there any other achievements you’re particularly proud of?
If I’m being completely honest, I was surprised to get a Distinction as I wasn’t able to put as much time into the apprenticeship as I would have liked, being busy with racing – but I had a fantastic Trainer Coach in Macey Ballard.
How has your experience been as an apprentice with Haddon Training?
I’ve had a lovely experience as an apprentice, as Haddon has been so easy to deal with and also very understanding when I haven’t been able to make it to sessions.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspirations would be to ride out my claim as a professional jockey and make it as far as I can in that area. Also, to do some form of psychology degree/qualification for when I retire as a jockey.
Are you interested in a future career in racing? You can find out more about our racing apprenticeships here.
If you have any questions about our apprenticeships or if you’d like to hire an apprentice for your business, please get in touch here.
