Korea Racing Authority Accepting Applications for National Horse Industry Qualification Exam Until May 2: Horse Trainer, Farrier, Equine-Assisted Therapy Instructor

The Korea Racing Authority (Chairman Jung Gi-hwan) will accept applications for the '14th National Horse Industry Qualification Examination (Level 3) Written Test' from April 23 until 5:00 p.m. on May 2.

The National Horse Industry Qualification Examination is an official certification system designed to foster professional talent in the horse industry, covering three fields: 'Horse Trainer,' 'Farrier,' and 'Equine-Assisted Therapy Instructor.' Horse Trainers are responsible for training horses to improve their abilities according to their intended use. Farriers handle hoof care and horseshoe making. Equine-Assisted Therapy Instructors guide individuals in using horseback riding to treat physical and psychological disabilities.

The exam is open to anyone interested in the horse industry who is at least 17 years old (born on or before May 31, 2008). Applications can be submitted online through the 'Horsepia' horse industry portal website. The written test will be held on May 31, followed by practical exams for each field from August to October, with the final list of successful candidates to be announced in December.

Since its inception in 2012, the National Horse Industry Qualification Examination is now in its 14th year and has produced a total of 1,257 successful candidates to date (696 Horse Trainers, 105 Farriers, and 456 Equine-Assisted Therapy Instructors), contributing to the enhancement of professionalism in the domestic horse industry.

The Korea Racing Authority has been entrusted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to operate the National Horse Industry Qualification Examination and is working to establish a fair and safe professional qualification system for the horse industry. In addition, the authority continues to offer various support programs aimed at improving the job competency of field personnel, such as providing practical, case-based continuing education for those who have obtained certification.

Jung Gi-hwan, Chairman of the Korea Racing Authority, stated, "We hope that by deploying certified professionals whose abilities have been verified through the National Horse Industry Qualification Examination, we will strengthen the competitiveness of the horse industry and further contribute to improving the quality of life for the public."

More detailed information about the National Horse Industry Qualification Examination can be found on the Horsepia portal website operated by the Korea Racing Authority.