Irish National Stud

Breeding Course

The first Thoroughbred Breeding course was held in the Irish National Stud in 1971 and it remains the best-known equine training programme to this day.  The aim of the course is to educate young people for a career in the thoroughbred industry, and many graduates have been prominent in stud farms throughout the world, racehorse training, bloodstock sales, insurance and the media.

Unlike University based programmes, our training is mainly of a practical nature and is designed to provide students with a hands-on approach to every aspect of horse breeding. The course is full-time residential and starts in February each year.  It involves yard work during the day and a lecture each evening, culminating in exams and prize giving in July.

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 varies slightly from year to year, but generally 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.

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 is 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 racedays.  Students are encouraged to engage in local events associated with horseracing and the YITBA run a program of events throughout the year.

Accommodation
All students are accommodated in the student lodge on the farm (twin rooms), with meals provided in our own canteen by professional staff.  There is also a TV room, pool table, tennis court and badminton hall. Wifi Access available.

Qualifications/Job Prospects
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.

A small number of students may be employed by the stud at the end of each course and some of these go on to become yard managers. There is always a huge demand for graduates of the course from other studs in Ireland and abroad and while job placement is not guaranteed, we can usually help to find employment within the industry.

Applications
An application form is available for download ApplicationForm or can be obtained from the stud, with details and fees which may be payable. Completed forms should be submitted by November 1st and final selection takes place in December for the following January/February.

Fees
Will include accommodation, meals, equipment and tuition.  Students also receive weekly allowance.  Contact Sally Carroll for further information. scarroll@irish-national-stud.ie

English Language Proficiency
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must include an IELTS result certificate (academic test) with their application. The required level for selection for the Irish national Stud Breeding Course is IELTS 5 which is described as follows:
"Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express himself/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices".
For information on English proficiency consult the website: www.ielts.org

Please e-mail for further details: scarroll@irish-national-stud.ie