AS I begin my internship with the ITBA Next Generation, I couldn’t imagine a more fitting first placement than at Rossenarra Stud near Kells in Co Kilkenny, under the guidance of John McEnery and his daughter Fiona.

During my time at Rossenarra, I am learning about preparing yearlings and foals for the sales, as well as the meticulous art of showing young horses to the best of their ability.

John and Fiona have great horsemanship skills and knowledge and they look after the horses to a very high standard, with a great attention to detail in the rearing of their bloodstock. I am so lucky to get the opportunity to work with and learn from them.

I have always been involved with horses and the equestrian sport. My father is a vet in the thoroughbred industry and I have fond memories of attending the races with him both on and off duty, as well as visiting studs early in the morning before school.

In September, I achieved the A Test as a member of Kildare Hunt Pony Club. The A Test is the highest award of the Irish Pony Club and is a comprehensive examination in practical horsemanship and the training of young horses.

Upon completing the test, I began my career in the bloodstock industry with the management of young horses, thanks to the ITBA Internship Scheme. Having recently graduated from Economics, Maths and Statistics in UCD, I was looking for the opportunity to learn more about the thoroughbred industry and to gain hands-on experience working with thoroughbred horses.

I am excited by the prospect of honing my skills in evaluating conformation, understanding pedigrees and identifying the qualities that make a horse stand out.

This placement promises a wealth of knowledge that I believe will be invaluable as I continue my career.

Whilst at Rossenarra Stud, I have direction on every stage of handling horses from foals to newly-backed youngsters, as well as learning about pasture management, and the upkeep of a stud farm.

The daily routine is usually exercising the horses, mucking out and turning out in the fields, grooming, rugging and feeding.

Some days include presenting horses for the farrier and the vet to do jobs such as shoeing, scanning mares and scoping yearlings. Currently, we are busy preparing horses for showing at the sales and presenting them in the sales ring.

I look forward to my placements in the new year and a massive thank you to ITBA and my hosts for this opportunity.