Career Pathways in the Thoroughbred Breeding Industry

1. Career Pathways in the Thoroughbred Breeding Industry July 2010

2. Introduction If you know someone that likes working with horses then the horse breeding sector will interest them. Horse breeding involves the care, mating, raising, marketing and management of very valuable bloodstock. The horse breeding industry is spread throughout Australia and creates many dollars and career opportunities in both rural and urban communities. The annual breeding cycle of the industry enables Australian workers to obtain exciting opportunities in the northern hemisphere during the Australian off-season. The skills and expertise of the Australian horse sector workforce are highly sought after overseas. The export of live horses is comparable in value with live cattle and sheep. Many go to New Zealand, Asia and South Africa. The sector requires competent and skilled workers, including stable hands, strappers and farriers to care for horses, supervisors to oversee stud operations, and managers to run business operations. WagesPay rates for trainees and apprentices in Rural Industries are set out in Federal and State industrial awards and agreements. Pay rate swill be dependent upon the arrangement which is in place each employer and his or her employees.

3. Entry Level – Stud Hand Unlike the racing industry the breeding sector doesn’t insist on the 4am starts, but the starting time for employees differs depending on the particular season. • Stud hand positions are usually the beginning of a career in the horse breeding industry. Duties may include: Basic horse handling duties including feeding and handling; cleaning and maintaining stables, paddocks and equipment; maintaining property improvements; operating machinery and equipment. • Certificate I in Agriculture (Horse Breeding)

4. Senior Stud Hand A senior stud hand is likely to be involved in a wide range of tasks, working under only limited supervision. Tasks may include: performing daily horse routines including administering first aid and medications; caring for foals and young horses; operating machinery and equipment; maintaining property improvements. • Certificate II in Agriculture(Horse Breeding)

5. Stud Groom • A stud groom is a skilled farmhand and is likely to be involved in coordinating a wide range of horse breeding activities such as: caring for and foaling-down broodmares; carrying out mare mating procedures; handling and care of stallions; establishing and conserving pastures and crops. • Certificate III in Agriculture (Horse Breeding)

6. Stud Supervisor • A stud supervisor has responsibility for a number of workers and a range of horse breeding activities including: carrying out stud stable management duties; supporting artificial insemination procedures; preventing and treating equine injury and disease; supervision and training of staff. • Certificate IV in Agriculture (Horse Breeding)

7. Stud Manager • A stud manager is likely to have significant responsibilities in managing horse breeding activities. Their duties may include: managing livestock production and physical and natural resources; business administration; staff management and training; supporting the marketing of livestock. • Diploma in Agriculture(Rural Business Management)

8. General Manager • A general manager has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the horse breeding enterprise is successfully managed. These responsibilities may include: whole property planning and management; managing livestock production systems; marketing of livestock; business planning. • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture(Rural Business Management)

9. Other Occupations • Bloodstock Agent: Often classified as the glamorous job in the industry the BA will travel from sale to sale inspecting horses for their clients and will receive a commission on the purchase of horses, usually between 3-7% of the purchase price. BA’s will generally be qualified pedigree specialists with years experience in the industry, having worked for a sales company in the pedigree research department or as an assistant to a leading trainer. • Sales Companies: Australia has two sales companies, Inglis & Magic Millions, who employ people in a range of areas such as: Administration, Marketing, Public /Client Relations, Pedigrees, Auctioneers, Insurance Brokers, Accountants. Roles in these companies are highly sought after and are well remunerated. • Breeding Associations: Each state in Australia has an Association that looks after marketing and promotion of the thoroughbred within that area both domestically and internationally. In addition to the admin/marketing skills required the Executive Officer will also oversee membership to the Association: For example – Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria has 500 members which are serviced via a variety of benefits