Student Blog from Elle Sorensen (Ireland) and Claire Dilger (U.S.A)

Elle Sorensen

This week began with birthday celebrations at Irish National Stud with stallion, Phoenix of Spain celebrating 9 years and the happily retired, legend, Invincible Spirit turning the amazing age of 28. To celebrate these birthdays the Irish National Stud gave the chance to two exclusive public tours to visit and see these incredible stallions.

We had several lectures this week, ranging from equine breeding to perception of the industry. Both equine breeding lectures were held by Dr Kevin Corley, covering the care of the foal after birth, highlighting when bottle feeding or bowl feeding, and how to measure the amount of milk against the body weight of the foal. His second lecture gave us insights into the possible diseases and signs to look out for between the first 1- 4 weeks of birth.

Our second module was held by Anne Channon covering the current perception of the industry. The topics were discussed within groups first and then discussed openly giving everyone the perspectives from classmates of different backgrounds and nationality.

This week’s guest speaker was Alex Cairns the marketing manager of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM), where he touched on the importance of the business to promote Ireland as the leading country to buy, breed and own thoroughbreds. The advertisement of the breeding industry is vital to attract foreign investment to the industry where statistics show that horses sold at thoroughbred sales are exported to over 30 countries in the world.

Overall this week has given me great insights into the industry and I can’t wait to learn more!

Claire Dilger

What an exciting week! Each day has brought new and exciting learning opportunities here at The Irish National Stud. Starting Monday, I went to Maddenstown for my rotation alongside four of my classmates. Our maiden and barren mares live in this yard, who are either going to have their first baby next year or are not yet in foal, respectively. We started each day teasing, to see where each mare was in her cycle, how she responded to our teaser stallion, and if she was close to ovulation. Having never teased before, this brought a challenging yet rewarding couple of days while learning more about the mare’s oestrus cycles during daily vet visits. I also really enjoyed visiting the stud’s two favorite minis, Bart and Homer, who love their carrots!

On Tuesday, we traded our usual breeding lecture for a group discussion led by Anne Channon, our Education Development Manager, to reflect on common misconceptions of the industry. Most of our lectures are currently focused on foaling as we head into the busy season, so having a conversation and getting to explore other ideas was a great exchange. Having seven nationalities represented in the class of 2025, I found our conversation incredibly insightful while listening to my peers’ perspectives from their own experiences around the world. With industry scrutiny being a global issue, I think we have all learned a thing or two about how we can create positive change back in our home countries. As we begin our careers in the industry, it’s imperative to stay up to date with current events on a local and global scale while leveraging the knowledge, ideas, and background that each student on the course contributes.

Following rotation and lecture on Wednesday, our class gathered in the Japanese Gardens Restaurant for a fun-filled pizza night! It was lovely being able to gather at one table for dinner and enjoy a meal together, whereas we usually each tend to our own schedule following the workday. Thursday brought another exciting guest lecturer, which we are fortunate to have throughout the course. Alex Cairns, the marketing director of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, took time out of his schedule to present the inner workings of Horse Racing Ireland, including its subsidiaries and racing bodies. With my background based in thoroughbreds at home in Kentucky, I found it fascinating to see how the company takes responsibility for the governance, development, and promotion of the Irish thoroughbred industry on a national level. Despite each company having its own distinct mission and operation, they come together seamlessly to address each facet of the industry in an efficacious way.

Beginning Friday evening, Sarah and I were scheduled for night watch, bringing us both nerves and eager anticipation as we waited to assist the mares as they welcomed their foals into the world. Nothing will ever compare to the feeling of delivering my first foal; a happy, healthy, and safe delivery of a perfect little filly. I found myself in absolute awe of nature, and the beauty and strength of these animals. Over the weekend, we foaled five little fillies and colts, which will return home in a few days or head to the Kildare Yard here at the Irish National Stud.

Without a doubt, the past five or so weeks have been some of the best in my life. I cannot wait to continue learning and experiencing everything that Ireland’s thoroughbred industry has to offer!