Last week New Zealander Alice Wilkinson and 27 fellow students graduated from the internationally recognised Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Management course, which she attended on the annual NZTBA-managed Keith and Faith Taylor Family Equine Scholarship.
“My time at the Irish National Stud has been incredible, this course has helped me grow professionally and personally by allowing me to network and connect worldwide with people in the industry,” Wilkinson enthused when RaceForm caught up with her.
For more than 30 years the NZTBA has managed the scholarship for students to attend the elite course at the famous Tully, Co. Kildare institute. Since 2006 the scholarship has been generously funded by the K.I.A. Taylor Charitable Trust and Trelawney Stud’s Taylor family.
“In Ireland, they have a completely different way of running their farms that I had not been exposed to in New Zealand,” Wilkinson said. “This exposure has been extremely beneficial and I would love to incorporate some of these methods into my future employment.”
There were 28 talented and motivated participants – comprising 16 male and 12 female students from around the world – on the course who have become like family to Wilkinson and will remain valuable contacts in the thoroughbred industry. The course offered endless learning opportunities, trips to studs and racing stables, lectures from a wide range of industry experts as well as the chance to work alongside some of the best bloodstock managers in the business.
She particularly liked working in the foaling unit and stressed the importance of handling foals at a young age, something she hopes to put into practice at Trelawney Stud, where she will be indentured for the next six months as part of the scholarship.
“I think handling foals from their first few days of life makes a big difference once they get to weaning and yearling sale preparations,” she said.
“I treasured my time in the foaling unit, specifically doing night shifts and learning the biosecurity methods the stud has in place and why they are so important. Although I did have foaling experience in New Zealand, foaling in boxes was completely different.
“The large number of mares the Irish National Stud foals down every year allowed me to see many different foaling scenarios such as red bags, dystocias (abnormal presentation) and NI (Neonatal Isoerythrolysis) mares.
“Being allowed to assist with such a large number of foalings has given me so much more confidence in my ability to detect issues with the foaling process and with young foals in their first few days of life.
“I also saw first-hand why biosecurity is so important and I will be sure to bring my newfound knowledge back to New Zealand.
“I have learnt so much in both the classroom and the yards that will improve my ability to manage horses in a way that provides them with outstanding care, attention and the best chance to succeed in their racing career as well as life off the track.
“I want to thank the Taylor family as well as the NZTBA for making this amazing course a reality for me. I am so grateful to have been chosen to go to Ireland to represent our country at the Irish National Stud.”
More information about the Keith and Faith Taylor Family Equine Scholarship is available on the NZTBA website, and applications for the 2025 course will be called for in October.
