Applications Open for 2017 HTBA Irish National Stud Scholarship

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

The 2016 HTBA Scholarship student Ms Kate Curran of Vinery Stud joined a select number of students from around the world to participate in the highly respected Irish National Stud breeding course in Kildare, Ireland and achieved this year's Silver Medal honors on her graduation. 

The HTBA congratulates Kate and looks forward to having Kate hand the baton to the next fortunate scholarship recipient later this year.

Course Life
From January to June each year the 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.

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 horse racing throughout the year.


Applications
Please send your Application and current resume to:

Mike Thew, Education Sub-Committee Chairman,
Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Assoc Inc,

PO BOX 538, SCONE NSW 2337
Email: careers@htba.com.au

Applications must be submitted by 12 October 2016 and comply with all application criteria, including those stipulated below. Applications can be downloaded click here or from the HTBA website www.htba.com.au. Final interview selection will take place in mid to late October and announcement of the successful 2017 HTBA INS nominee will be made late October. This scholarship is open to staff of Financial HTBA Farm Members. On completion of the course the selected scholarship recipient is required to return to the employment of the farm from which they were nominated and employed by prior to attending the course.

For further information please contact Mike Thew of the HTBA careers@htba.com.auor call HTBA office 0488 150 133 (Mon to Fri, 10am – 2pm).