Irish National Stud

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Thoroughbred Breeding Course?
A. It is a practically based course designed to give students a good overview of the thoroughbred industry. Students gain experience in all aspects of the daily routine associated with a busy commercial stud farm. In addition, students gain theoretical knowledge with lectures given by senior stud personnel and leaders from within the industry. Students are required to complete assignments and exams throughout the Course.

Q. What are the benefits of completing the Thoroughbred Breeding Course?
A.  The course is an introduction to a career in the Thoroughbred Industry worldwide.

Q. What are the admission requirements for the Course?
A.  Minimum Leaving Certificate or equivalent. And previous practical experience in the thoroughbred industry is desirable.

Q. What is the age profile of selected students?
A.  Students should be over 18 years; the age profile is generally 18-26 with some exceptions.

Q. What are the selection criteria for students?
A. Students are selected by a panel based on education, previous experience, references from employers and character references.

Q. What are the characteristics of successful course graduates?
A. 100% commitment, good work ethic, good horsemanship skills

Q. Are students required to work weekends?
A. Generally students work every second weekend. During the busy part of the season students may be required to work every weekend.

Q. What is a weekend off typically?
A. A typical weekend off is from 12.00noon on Saturday until official starting time on Monday.

Q. If a student is scheduled to work for the weekend is the routine the same as a weekday?
A. All the routines associated with a busy stud farm must be carried out with the exception of mucking out on the Sunday.  

Q. How many hours a week are students required to work?
A. Students are required to work approx. 39 hours and if they are scheduled to work the weekend the hours will increase depending on the workload in the stud.

Q. What time is allowed for lunch breaks?
A. Official lunch break is from 1pm – 2.15pm.each day. Students are required to be back in the yards at 2.15 pm sharp.

Q. What does night duty entail?
A.  Night duty commences at 6pm until 7am the following morning. Students are required to check all the foaling mares and assist at foaling, post natal care of mare and foal and if the need arises, assist with intensive care and fostering. Basically students carry out all tasks as requested by the foaling manager. Students generally complete 3-4 nights on duty at a time and are required to complete an assignment related to the foaling.

Q. What is the typical daily routine for a student at the Irish National Stud?
A. Each student is expected to rise early enough to have a proper breakfast, sign the attendance sheet and arrive on time in their assigned yard.  Yards rotate weekly.  The yard manager gives out the tasks on the first day and each subsequent day. Mares are fed, checked and teasing commences. Some mares may be kept in for vet, farrier work or other reasons but all other mares and foals will be turned out in the paddocks subject to weather conditions. The daily tasks of mucking out and bedding down takes a considerable amount of time and energy. Students are readily involved in the care of and handling of all the mares and foals, and wil assist the vet and farrier and help out in the breeding shed.

Q. What is the visa requirement for a Non E.U. selected student?
A. Non EU applicant’s visa requirements vary from one country to another.  The Irish National Stud applies for a student visa for each Non EU National student selected.  This visa is issued for the duration of the Course subject to approval by: The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Ireland).

Q. Do students receive any wage for the duration of the Course?
A. A weekly subsistence allowance is paid to each student.

Q. Are students liable to any additional expenses for the duration of the Course?
A. Students should have sufficient funds for the duration of the course to cover incidental expenses and any personal expenses that may occur.

Q. Are students required to obtain insurance cover for the duration of the Course?
A. Students are insured on the Company Policy for occupational injury and any incident/accident that may occur during work. It is a requirement for all Non EU Nationals selected to have full private medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Ireland and details of this policy must be presented at Immigration on arrival to Ireland. It is recommended that all students have private medical insurance.

Q. Do students have the opportunity to visit other stud farms and associated facilities during the Course?
A. Visits are arranged subject to the work schedule and most visits take place in the latter part of the Course.

Q. Is the INS near any racecourses?
A. The Curragh (home of the Classics) is approx four miles from the INS. There are three racecourses in County Kildare. For further information check out www.hri.ie or  www.goracing.ie

Q. What is the cost of living in Ireland?
A. It is relatively expensive, for example it costs €55 to visit a doctor. Restaurant prices vary but expect to pay €20 for an average three course meal. Department stores are competitively priced and some of the chain stores have good bargains. Public transport is reasonable.

Q. Are students required to have their own transport while completing the Course?
A. Some students have cars but during working hours students are ferried with the environs of the stud by company transport; bicycles are also provided for students for internal transport on the farm.

Q. What is the criteria for applicants that may not have English as their first language?
A. Applicants should have an IELTS minimum score of at least 5. For further information visit:  www.ielts.org