We ensure that all our Trainer-Coaches have true life experience in their areas of expertise, to enable them to offer support and advice to our learners and employers with a detailed understanding of what it takes to achieve. Here we speak to Michael Legg, one of our amazing equine racing Trainer-Coaches about his experience in the industry.
“My family have always been involved with horses. My father and grandfather were both accomplished horsemen and rode as amateur jockeys. I grew up around horses and began riding and attending Pony Club from an early age, but I didn’t really enjoy it until I was about 14. Then I caught the racing bug, and it was clear to me then that I wanted to have a good go at becoming a jockey!
I started riding out in my school holidays and at weekends for Colin Tizzard. Colin and his family supported me and taught me so much and I rode for them as an Amateur Jockey for several years. I then moved to Harry Fry’s as an amateur and eventually became his Assistant Trainer alongside continuing my race riding for several years.
I was very lucky to ride some top-class horses throughout my riding career. My biggest success was winning the Grade 2 Silver Trophy chase at Cheltenham in April 2016 on a horse called Voix D’eau, trained by Harry Fry.
I have honestly seen first-hand the importance of well trained and knowledgeable staff throughout my time in racing. During my time as Assistant Trainer we had a number of staff members enrolled on racehorse care apprenticeships. It was brilliant to see them develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence as they progressed through their apprenticeship.
When I retired from race riding I knew that I wanted to use my years of experience to help develop and train the next generation of staff within racing and the wider equestrian setting. Racing will always be a part of my life and I still enjoy riding out and schooling horses, but it was a very natural progression for me to become a Trainer-Coach.
I am so excited to watch our apprentices at Haddon Training grow in confidence throughout their time on programme as they develop in their abilities. Ultimately this training enables them to have a successful and enjoyable career working with horses and it is a pleasure to be part of that journey.”
If you would like to find out more about our racing apprenticeships follow the links below or simply contact our friendly team to discuss.
Racing Apprenticeships –England
Racing Apprenticeships – Wales