Dr Natasha Hamilton has a unique science horse related role.  She is the director at the Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre and has kindly answered some questions about her profession.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
This depends on how you classify relating to horses. 100% of what we do revolves around horses; however because we perform laboratory work we don’t actually get to work WITH the horse, only their samples (we extract DNA from their hair).

However, most of us in the lab have a ‘horsey’ background. My second post-doctoral job (after graduating with my PhD) was based on studying sheep genetics, but my boss used to tell me they were just small woolly horses to try and keep my attention!

What is it exactly that you do?
I oversee the day to day running.  This is as well as long term planning and development for the Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre. Our core business is to perform the DNA based parentage verification for the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. We also perform parentage verification for many other horse studbooks in Australia.  This is as well as diagnostic DNA tests for genetic diseases and traits of interest (such as coat colours and patterns). While we are just starting up we are focusing on developing the procedures to carry out these tests with the highest possible level of accuracy and as efficiently as possible.

Once we have the procedures fully developed and tested, we will also perform genetics research. I am interested in anything to do with genetics and horses.  However, I am particularly focused on the impact genetics has on racehorse soundness and durability, as well as any other factor that might impact welfare in racehorses. Our staff also have different research interests which we would like them to develop as they work here.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
This job is more of a laboratory position that happens to be in horses, so it is certainly possible to make a living doing this job; but positions like this are very difficult to come by. I feel incredibly lucky to have been given this opportunity by Racing Australia.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
I think the most important step is to gain relevant scientific qualifications. My first degree was a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, then I completed a PhD in horse genetics. There was very little practical horse work during my studies.  But I still found this fascinating because it was focused on horses.

Luckily, I was also able to get involved with some teaching of Veterinary Students in horse handling.  So I was still able to get my horse fix doing that. My PhD involved doing lots of laboratory work.  So I could develop the practical skills I needed for my current position; in addition to the research side of things – learning how to find and critically evaluate information and develop a research idea into a peer-reviewed paper. Genetics research has come a long way in a short time, so in the future less laboratory skills are required.  And instead a better understanding of how to analyse large amounts of biological data, such as whole genome sequence is more important.

Favourite horse memory?
So how do you pick just one??!! I have also worked at the racetrack as a swab collection official for over 20 years so I get to know racehorses a little better than most. I have been lucky enough to see such horses as Octagonal, Tie the Knot, Lonhro & Sunline, as well as Black Caviar & now Winx.

Because I am a huge horse racing fan my favourite horse memories are racing related.  And often they relate to the personalities of the horse in question. About 15 years ago I was a huge fan of a horse called Clangalang because he was just the sweetest colt you could ever come across. Him winning the Australian Derby was amazing. When Red Cadeaux visited Sydney, I got to meet him and feed him carrots – one of my favourite memories.

I also just purchased a very small share in a super cute little filly last year. Her winning her first race as an early 2 year old late last year is one of my best horse experiences yet.  But I hope there are more to come with her!

Future goals?
To own lots more fast racehorses 😊.  Professionally, I would like to contribute to our understanding of how genetics influences a horse’s soundness and career length. I would also like to do more to promote the Thoroughbred as an all-round great breed of horse. Thoroughbreds are kind, generous, brave, athletic, tolerant and generally well exposed to many of the day to day husbandry procedures that other horses get upset about (e.g. getting their teeth & feet done, floating).

At the ripe old age of 42, I am currently learning to ride on off-the-track TBs.  And they will do everything they can to stop me from falling off (and I am quite bad!). I understand that while some TBs do have personalities that make them unsuitable for beginner riders like myself, there are very few that can’t turn their hand to anything with the right training.  It is the rider that limits these amazing animals, not the horse.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
Everyone is always talking about horses.  Whether it be the performance of their own racehorse at some country track, or the latest Winx demolition job. Also, our lab is based in Scone NSW – horse country. It’s an absolutely beautiful place to go and work, although some rain certainly wouldn’t go astray.

Alicia works as the Academic Coordinator and an instructor at the North American Racing Academy.  She has kindly taken the time to answer some questions about her role with BCTC – NARA.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I am very fortunate that my position involves daily interaction with horses through our laboratory, hands-on courses.  This is particularly the Racehorse Care and Racehorse Care Lab.  These are the first two hands-on courses that students take as part of our Equine Studies program. One of the many unique features about the North American Racing Academy is the amount of hands-on experience students get within their 1^st or 2^nd semester (depending on when they start).  Over the course of 16 weeks, students will spend over 120 hours hands-on in our barn.  This is located at a public Thoroughbred training center.

I spend roughly 2 – 4 hours of each workday in the barn working with students who are learning about the care and management of Thoroughbred racehorses. Students are fully immersed in the real working environment of a Thoroughbred racing stable.  They learn everything from basic handling to the application of training bandages, tack and equipment, restraints, etc. Being a part of a student’s introduction to the Thoroughbred industry is an extremely rewarding aspect of my job.  It is such a pleasure to watch students develop their horsemanship skills throughout the program.

What is it exactly that you do?
I am an Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator with Bluegrass Community & Technical College’s (BCTC) Equine Studies program, the North American Racing Academy (NARA). My role within NARA is to carry out the instruction and development of equine studies classes  I prepare and facilitate all class materials for laboratory, lecture, and online classes, and advise students on course selections in order to complete program requirements.

The majority of my instruction revolves around our first-year students.  I teach many of the courses required during the 1^st year of enrollment such as Basic Equine Physiology, Introduction to the Racing Industry, Racehorse Care Lab, Racehorse Care, Equine Nutrition, Equine Health & Medications, and Equine Legal & Business Principles.

As a faculty member with BCTC, I also serve on committees to promote the college’s mission and values.  I am also active in the greater equine community around Lexington, KY.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Teaching, whether it be at the secondary or post-secondary level, affords one a full-time position and livable wage. In regards to the Thoroughbred industry, this is a topic I spend a great deal of time on with my students in our Introduction to the Racing Industry course.

As a two-year Associates degree program, time passes very quickly, so it is important to introduce and discuss all of the positions available in the Thoroughbred industry.  This is whether it be at the racetrack, farm, sales, or even administrative or veterinary settings. Jobs in the Thoroughbred industry range greatly in pay, travel, stability, etc. so it is important to be upfront about each job’s characteristics.  A student that does not want to travel for work may want to reconsider certain positions within the industry, such as working sales or being an exercise rider. There are many positions, both hands-on and hands-off, that can provide full-time work and livable income but one must consider a multitude of factors, such as housing, travel, insurance, etc.

Certain positions in the Thoroughbred industry may come with “perks”, such as free housing, which can skew wage information. The opportunities are there for an individual who has passion and a strong work ethic.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
For teaching, one must acquire a bachelor’s degree and potentially a master’s degree depending on the institution they are looking to gain employment with. I obtained my Bachelor of Professional Studies in Management, Equine Business Management at Cazenovia College and am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education, Instructional Systems Design at the University of Kentucky.

For my particular program, industry experience was necessary. Prior to working for NARA, I was a licensed Assistant Trainer in the state of Kentucky, Indiana, and Minnesota and I worked in the support sector of the equine industry with an equine nutritional supplement company and nutritionist. I also spent many years working in the Sport Horse side of the equine industry, particularly with dressage, show jumping, and event horses. I am very fortunate to have had a wide array of experiences both hands-on and in the support sector of the equine industry.

For an individual looking to get involved in the Thoroughbred industry, experience is key. Having developed and well-rounded horsemanship skills, as well as passion and a strong work ethic, are beginning steps to pursuing a career with Thoroughbreds. Being a part of NARA has been a wonderful way to give back to the industry.  And to provide students the knowledge and support needed for successful careers.

Favourite horse memory?
It is hard to pick just one! One of my most favorite horse memories has to be my first win as an Assistant Trainer. To watch a horse that you spent countless hours with reach the wire first is just unbelievable,.  It is hard to put into words. To make it even better, my first win was also a new track record.  So that day is pretty hard to beat!

Honestly many of my most favorite memories were just enjoying being around the horse.  That is, having the opportunity to work with one and having a moment where everything just “clicks”.  That breakthrough whether it be on the ground or under saddle, forming a partnership.

Future goals?
Professionally, future goals would involve continuing the success of NARA and our students.  This is through reaching out to new populations about our program, and supporting the Thoroughbred industry with a qualified and quality workforce of horsemen and riders. I am also looking forward to finishing my Masters! I would also like to continue my personal riding ventures, which involve dressage and eventing.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The best things about Thoroughbred racing and my role as an educator is the horse. Truly these animals make the long days worth it.  And seeing the partnerships formed among the individuals involved is a unique feature of our industry.