So I went along to a thoroughbred sale today as I had the day off and wanted to catch up with mates from TAFE. It’s a great way to keep in touch with those in an industry that I aim to stay a part of, even when I take short breaks from it.

It’s also a great way for someone to get their foot in the door in a particular industry. If you’re frequenting events, you’re getting your face known and hopefully getting to know others and how they are placed in the industry.

Horse sales can be a great way to get to know who provides a service, sells horses; who is looking to buy horses and race them; who provides transport for horses to and from sales, etc. If you’re interested in getting into the Thoroughbred industry, keep on top of when sales are and attend some. So much in relation to employment in this industry is who you know, rather than what. That can be in your favour as long as who you know, is aware of your dedication to the industry.

So maybe Thoroughbreds aren’t your scene, but if horses are, look into attending special events – Equitana, the Scone Horse Festival, horse shows or even rodeos if Quarter Horses are more your thing.

Another great way to get contact with horses and meet others who are obsessed and may also be in the industry, is to volunteer for certain horse related events or even sports such as Riding for the Disabled.

If you’re interested in a certain horse field but don’t know where to start, consider getting yourself known by attending social events relating to that field!

Horse Sales:
Magic Millions
William Inglis
Tattersalls
Tattersalls Ireland
Doncaster Bloodstock Sales
Keeneland Sales

“You Know You’re A Horse Person When… your mouth waters at the sight of a truck full of hay.”

tag: thoroughbred

Finally found my information relating to flying with horses! As someone who is eager to travel often, it was pointed out that sometimes it’s possible to find your way to your desired country while fulfilling the requirements for another job.

Example: Wanting to work in England for the Thoroughbred Breeding Season. Why not fly over with stallions that are shuttling from Australia’s just finished season to England for the upcoming season? There can definitely be benefits from working in an industry that follows seasons and is prevalent in both hemispheres.

Although I haven’t done this, I was curious to find out what might be involved in being qualified to travel via air with equines.

Two main sites of interest for this may be the Animal Transportation Associate and International Racehorse Transport. AATA actually has information regarding being accepted as an AATA Animal Attendant. Check out http://www.aata-animaltransport.org/assessment/criteria.htm.

My only dilemma in regards to this criteria is you must have proof of having previously flown with horses in order to be able to do so. Seem a catch 22? So if anyone could inform of other transport places where you are able to gain this experience, I’d be interested to hear! The only other possibility I can think of is being a stallion handler or groom for a particular racehorse that is being flown somewhere and due to being that horse’s particular handler, you may have access to fly with them and hereby gain experience in this area.

Take a look at:
IRT.com – International Racehorse Transport
AATA-animaltransport.org – Animal Transportation Association

“The wind which flows between a horse’s ears is the air of heaven.” – Rolf Kopfle

tag: horse stud, job benefits, thoroughbred stud season, flying with horses