TRAINERS

1. (a) In addition to the general licensing requirements set forth in Chapter 185 (relating to occupational licenses—temporary regulations), an applicant for a license as a Thoroughbred trainer shall comply with the following:

   1. (1) Be at least 18 years of age;

   2. (2) If not previously licensed as a trainer, the applicant must provide evidence of:

      1. (i) At least 2 years of experience as a licensed assistant trainer, or comparable experience in other equine disciplines, or college-level education in equine science and/or horsemanship;
      2. (ii) Submission of two written statements from trainers currently licensed in this Commonwealth or other jurisdiction as to the applicant’s character and qualifications and one written statement from a currently licensed owner stating intent to place one or more horses with the applicant, when licensed; and
      3. (iii) Shall be required to pass a written examination, oral interviews with the Stewards and the Commission Veterinarian and demonstrate practical skills.

2. (b) A trainer licensed and in good standing in another jurisdiction, having been issued within a prior period as determined by the Commission, may be accepted if evidence of experience and qualifications are provided to the Stewards. Evidence of qualifications, as determined by the Stewards, shall require passing one or more of the following:

   1. (1) A written examination;
   2. (2) A demonstration of practical skills; or
   3. (3) An interview with the Stewards.
3. (c) Upon timely request to the Stewards due to disability or other factors affecting the applicant’s ability to effectively complete the trainer’s test (for example, illiteracy or language barriers), reasonable accommodations may be made for the applicant including, but not limited to oral administration of the examination, use of a pre- approved translator, and aid from pre-approved assistant where deemed appropriate by the Stewards administering the examination.
4. (d) If established or adopted by the Commission, as an ongoing condition of licensure, trainers shall be required to attend continuing education classes or programs specifically designed for trainers.