Equine Studies

Arkle, the greatest National Hunt horse of all time was Irish. The equestrian industry in Ireland has long been regarded as being at the forefront of international racing and show jumping and continues to grow from strength to strength, making it a great time to get involved.

Equine careers usually fall into two brackets; first of all is becoming an apprentice jockey, which calls for a lot of training, dedication and a considerable amount of talent for a successful outcome.

The second option would evolve from taking a course in equine studies. Graduates often use their qualification to get into horse breeding and training or other related fields.

Equine careers rarely fit into office hours and require lots of hard work. However, for those who show dedication and talent there is a chance of fame and riches as a champion jockey or as part of the team caring for a Derby or Grand National winner.

Education
There are two equine science/equine studies courses available through the CAO – the four-year degree in Equine Science at the University of Limerick, and the two-year higher certificate in Business (Equine Studies) at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT). The CAO points are about 300 and 150, respectively. Apprentice jockeys can learn their trade at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) in Kildare.

The University of Limerick’s course combines science and business subjects (including Equine Anatomy and Physiology, Equine Health and Disease, Equine Business Management and Foreign Language). Third year students specialise in either Equine Business Management or Equitation. There is also a semester of practical work experience with a trainer or yard.

The AIT course is offered in association with Gurteen Agricultural College. Subjects include Equine Business Administration, Financial and Cost Accounting, Horse Health and Husbandry, and Equine Veterinary Skills. Students undertake two twelve-week periods of work experience. It is possible to continue from the certificate for a further year and gain a Bachelor of Business Studies degree.

The RACE course lasts for 42 weeks, and covers practical modules such as riding and stable management – mucking out, grooming, tacking up and general yard routine. Trainees also take subjects such as IT, Maths, Communications and Racehorse Care and Exercise. Apprentice jockeys generally start between 15 and 18 years of age, and their Leaving Cert is not required.

Options after Qualification
Equine studies/science graduates have job opportunities in horse breeding and training, equine administration, riding centre management and other areas such as the media and the civil service.

Each graduate of the RACE course is placed in a job with a racehorse trainer. Some go on to be top professional jockeys, while others find work as grooms and trainers within the horse racing industry.

The Work
Grooms care for horses, making sure they are healthy and in good condition. This can mean mucking out stables, exercising horses, preparing feed and accompanying horses to races. Many grooms want to move on to become a jockey or trainer.

Equine scientists work in horse breeding and husbandry, or research animal health and disease. They can work as inspectors checking horses’ living conditions, or for trainers ensuring that horses are properly prepared for races, which can include the production of individual feeding or training programmes for each horse.

Jockeys ride horses – either in races, competitions, training or in equestrian centres. They are also heavily involved in preparing horses for competition.

Equine managers look after the business side of the equine industry. They can run stud farms, racing yards or equestrian centres and be involved in managing staff, purchasing equipment and horses, paying bills and other general business tasks.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
Experience with horses is preferable for those interested in equine studies. Those who love horses but have had no real contact with them are often not suited to the profession. A decent ability in science or business subjects is useful. Jockeys have to be physically small.

The equine work environment ranges from the laboratory to the office to the yard, depending on the area you choose. People working with horses should be physically fit and be prepared to get their hands dirty. There can be a good deal of travel and long hours involved.

The Money
There is currently plenty of money in the Irish horse racing industry, but gaining access to it depends on hard work, natural talent and a certain amount of luck. Jockeys’ salaries go up and down depending on the prize money they win. Equine science and business graduates might start on around €22,000 a year, with progression depending on the experience gained and success within the industry. Successful stud owners and trainers can become very wealthy.

Jargon
Schooling: The warm-up session prior to each rider's round in which they jump practice fences in the schooling area
Clean Round: When a horse completes the prescribed jumper course within the time allowed without incurring jumping faults
Dressage: The art of training a horse in obedience and precision of movement
Mucking out: Cleaning the stables 
Thoroughbred: A racehorse belonging to a breed that originated from a cross between Arabian stallions and English mares

Job Titles
Jockey
Trainer
Stud/Equestrian Centre/Yard Manager
Equine Scientist
Groom

Further Resources
Horse Racing Ireland
Thoroughbred County House
Kill
Co. Kildare
Phone: 045 842 800
Web: www.hri.ie 
Email: info@hri.ie 

Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE)
Curragh House
Dublin Road
Co. Kildare
Phone: 045 522 468
Web: www.racingacademy.ie
Email: enquiries@racingacademy.ie

The Turf Club
The Curragh
Co. Kildare
Phone: 045 445 600
Web: www.turfclub.ie
Email: info@turfclub.ie

Gurteen College
Ballingarry
Roscrea
Co Tipperary
Tel: 067 212 82
Web: www.gurteencollege.ie
Email: info@gurteencollege.ie

International Equine Institute
Block 2 International Business Centre
University of Limerick
Limerick
Phone: 061 202 430
Web: www.iei.ul.ie
Email: iei@ul.ie