News

HTBA Irish National Stud Scholarship Applications Open

8th Oct 2015

HTBA News - Wednesday, 7 October 2015

Applications for the 2016 Irish National Stud Course Scholarship are now open

The Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association annually sponsors a young Stud worker to attend the prestigious Irish National Stud Breeding Course.

The aim of this course is to educate young people for a career in the breeding industry. Graduates have also been prominent in race horse training, bloodstock sales, insurance and the media. Many of the best-known studs locally and worldwide are owned and managed by its graduates.

Content
The practical aspects of the breeding industry are demonstrated as students rotate around the yards on a weekly basis, spending time in the stallion barn, foaling unit and laboratory. In the evening, lectures are given by the stud staff and others involved in the bloodstock industry and cover a variety of topics from yard management to business administration.

The syllabus covers all aspects of the science and art of horse breeding. In the latter part of the course, visits are arranged to other stud farms, racing stables, sales companies etc, and students are encouraged to interact with their personnel to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of each business area. Written, oral and practical exams are held at the end of the course and successful candidates receive the Irish National Stud certificate which is recognised throughout the bloodstock world.

Location
The Irish National Stud is set on approximately 1000 acres of land, just outside of Kildare town, which is 40 miles south west of Dublin. The stud and adjoining Japanese Gardens are a popular tourist destination, attracting almost 120,000 visitors each year. Kildare town is a thriving market town with a major retail village. Buses and trains connect directly to Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Just a few miles away lies Newbridge, home to The Curragh Racecourse which hosts the Irish Derby as well as an extensive program of major race days. Students are encouraged to engage in local events associated with horseracing throughout the year.

Course Life
January to June 2016, Students start at 7:30am, working with INS staff directly. Duties may include feeding, leading out and mucking out stables. Examinations of stock, coverings, farrier and veterinary work will then commence, enabling students to learn firsthand about every individual animal and its course of treatment as necessary.

Breakfast at 10am then back out into the yard to continue with the day’s program which revolves around different yards, until lunch at 1pm.

Afternoon duties will vary depending on the time of year, but will encompass afternoon stables (feeding and handling), stud maintenance (blowing yards, trimming) and other associated tasks.

Applications
Please send your Application letter (include your nominating HTBA Member/ Stud) and current resume to:

Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association
Attn; Mike Thew
PO Box 538, Scone NSW 2337 or by email to careers@htba.com.au

Applications should be submitted by Friday 23rd October 2015. Final interview selection will take place the following week announcement will be made during our EquiStart first graduation evening.

For Further information please contact Julianne Christopher 0488 150 133