Keith & Faith Taylor Equine Trust Scholarship recipient George Chittick gives an update on his time in Ireland.
We have now entered the final 6 weeks of the Irish National Stud Course of 2022, and I'm confident in saying we did not waste any time or miss any opportunities in the last month.
The season slowing down meant that we were able to go on more trips and experience other thoroughbred businesses throughout Ireland. Some places we visited were Tally Ho Stud, Kildangan Stud, Giltown Stud, Ballylinch Stud, Jessica Harrington Racing Stables, Johnny Murtagh Racing Stables and more.
It was fascinating visiting all of these places seeing how different each establishment was, viewing their incredible horses and facilities and meeting the people behind these great operations.
Foaling was completed with the farm birthing a total to 320 foals over the season. Getting stuck in to things in the Sun Chariot foaling unit would have been one of the many highlights working on the stud. I loved working with the new born foals and getting them to a stage where they are happy and healthy. As stressful as it was sometimes foaling the mares, I would definitely say I learnt a lot in these situations and how to deal with matters in a calm way while protecting the mare, foal and others around me.
I was then back working between Blandford and Kildare yards with the older foals which saw me get more experience working with the younger stock and seeing them develop and become less dependent on their mothers.
I enjoyed working with the farrier over this time, working on the foals making small corrections, minimising any imperfections the horses may have. I really enjoyed watching the farrier at work and asking questions on what he was doing and why.
Over this time we started our exams. There were four exams to complete based on what we had learnt over the course; these were Equine Breeding, Equine Anatomy & Physiology, Horse Care and Management and Equine Business.
After my 2 weeks in these yards I packed my bag and headed to London to meet with my sister Charlotte who had just arrived from Sydney. I picked up my top hat and tails ready for two amazing days at Royal Ascot.
We were very kindly invited on Thursday by legendary kiwi Sir Peter Vela and his family. We met in the car park for the pre race picnic where I met some of Peter's life long friends. The racing was incredible and this day was definitely a highlight of my time away.
It was an absolute privilege to attend Royal Ascot with the Vela family.
Friday was spent adventuring around London with Charlotte then back to the races Saturday with some on the crew from the National Stud. This was another great day out and was such a unique experience as there were so many people there, everyone was so well dressed and I was very lucky to see some world class racing take place.
Arriving back in Ireland where we started the last week of the course. This involved cleaning up in the yards preparing for the 2022 course to finish, completing the last exam, packing my bags, graduation and a few celebratory beers in between.
It was sad to leave the crew but we had a great graduation day and it was awesome to think over all the amazing memories we had made over the past 6 months. I loved my time at the Irish National Stud and would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn, make life long contracts and mates and have a once in a lifetime experience all within the horse industry.
From the INS it was back to the UK to stay with industry great Lady Tavistock, The Dowager Duchess of Bedford, Henrietta. Charlotte and I had an unreal experience here with Mother Hen running around the Woburn estate looking at deer, horses, historic sites, getting caught sneaking in to hang out with the elephants and monkeys and the opportunity to meet Formula 1 Scottish racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart.
Henrietta and I also made the trip to Newmarket for a few days of the July sales at Tattersalls which were a few great days. I loved going to the July Cup with all my mates from the National Stud for one last race day and a few drinks before I went back to NZ.
Overall it was an unbelievable six and a half months.
Thank you,
George Chittick.
