Student Blog from Niamh Carr (Ireland) & Harvey Williams (UK)

Harvey and Niamh here and over the past week at the Irish National Stud we have attended many interesting lectures as part of the course, our first was with Cathal Beale, he shared his backstory and the steps he took in order to get to where he is today and then we all took turns telling him our stories, it was really nice to hear the different paths every had taken to get to this point. He then discussed with us which qualities and values are vital to have to succeed in this industry based off some of the attributes of the biggest names in the industry.

We had a lecture on the reproductive system of the mare from Ernan O’ Donnell which was very informative. We also had a guest lecture from Alan Creighton who spoke all about biosecurity and how yards are designed and tested to prevent spreading of diseases, this was interesting as its not something you really think about when working in a yard, so it puts a new perspective on things.

We also had a lecture from Master Farrier Martin Leahy, this was more of an introductory lecture explaining the history of farriery and the nature of horses. The combination of working and attending lectures really helps to put what we learn into practice and fully grasp what it is we’re being taught in the classroom. Continue reading to hear all about our week working on the farm and how we put what we learned to use!                                                                                                                                                                              

Harvey

This week I worked at the Blandford, Black Cherry and Legends yards. My main duties involved feeding and caring for the yearlings. On a day-to-day basis, we fed the paddocks and ensured all of the yearlings were fit and healthy.

Throughout the week, I also assisted by holding horses for the vet while he carried out X-rays on the yearlings. This was particularly interesting, as vet Ernan O’Donnell gave me a valuable insight into the process and explained the different things he looks for during examinations.

At the Legends yard, we cared for the stud’s living legends: Faugheen, Beef Or Salmon, Hurricane Fly and Sizing John. This was very enjoyable, and during the week we also had to dress up Faugheen for a birthday photo.

On Thursday, Alan Creighton visited to give the class a lecture on biosecurity. The lecture was very informative, as Alan explained the various countermeasures that can be put in place to help prevent the spread of harmful diseases and bacteria throughout studs and racing stables.

 

Niamh

In the early hours of Monday morning, I assisted in a foaling in which a beautiful Mehmas colt was born. There’s nothing more special than helping bring racings future stars into the world and it never gets old. After the foal was born, we tied up the amniotic sack with twine to help the mare pass the placenta quicker by weighing it down, this also keeps it off the ground to prevent the mare standing on it. We then washed the new mammy anywhere the foal can touch her as his little immune system isn’t very strong yet and we want to make sure he doesn’t come into contact with any dangerous bacteria on the mare.

Our lecture from Alan Creighton later in the week mentioned this practice and why it was put into place, which was really interesting, it’s always nice to know why we’re doing the things we’re doing! Once she passed the placenta, we assessed it for any tears and made sure it looked healthy, all was good thankfully and we were able to feed the mare and leave her to bond with her baby.

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