AFTER more than a decade working full-time within the racing/breeding industry, my career has veered in a slightly different direction of late.

Although I remain closely involved with horses, I recently graduated with a degree in human physiotherapy, so will be employed in that area going forward. However, at some point, I also hope to merge my knowledge of equine physiology, so that I am qualified to treat both humans and horses.

The first in my family to take an interest, with the help of Sandra O’Donnell, I learned how to ride at Moycullen Riding Centre in Galway. As I enjoyed spending time with horses, from the age of 13 I stayed on after lessons to lead beginners in their classes, or muck out a few boxes.

While I didn’t get paid, the extra lessons I received more than compensated. I was fortunate in that my secondary school had an equestrian club, so that allowed me to compete in inter-school competitions.

Sandra very kindly loaned me a couple of young horses, which I helped educate through the aforementioned events. I also did a bit of cross-country during those late teenage years.

After doing my Leaving Certificate, I went on to attain my BHS exams in teaching at Grennen College, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.

It was while studying for a two-year certificate in equine science at UL that I first became acquainted with the racing/breeding industry.

Placement

Initially, I had intended to do the full degree, but later decided against that. Part of my course found me back in Thomastown completing a six-month work placement at Ballylinch Stud, which covered everything from foaling and yearling prep to covering. In 2016/’17, I spent a season down in Australia working for Coolmore Stud. Upon my return, I was employed full-time on the main farm in Tipperary over the following seven years.

While I was primarily responsible for looking after mares and foals, during the off-season, I switched to yearlings, dry mares and weanlings. Throughout that time, I mostly oversaw horses which were owned by one particular client of the stud.

Switch careers

Around five years ago, having arrived at the realisation that I had climbed the ladder within racing/breeding as far as I could, I decided to switch careers and get a degree in physiotherapy.

I was very lucky to have the support of Coolmore, who allowed me to study while also being able to keep my job. I believed that given my extensive background working with horses since my early teenage years, I could eventually combine the two, working to improve the physical well-being of both humans and horses.

Having qualified to treat humans, I am currently looking into studying for my masters in equine physiotherapy. While I am due to start a new job in the coming weeks, I have kept my foot in the door within racing/breeding by doing many of the recent sales.

Over the past few months, I have done everything from showing, grooming, vet work, cards and client liaison for established consignors including Baroda, Barton, Boherguy and the English National Stud. I also did some work for a friend of mine who ended up enjoying a very successful sale.

Premature foal

In terms of my personal highlights during my time working in racing, there are at least a few that stand out.

One in particular, helping to nurse a very weak premature foal gave me huge satisfaction. Too weak to stand, the foal had to be bottle-fed, which required me to do 12-hour night shifts to make sure he got the attention he needed.

An equine physio also showed me a set of exercises that I was able to do with the foal to help build him up. Although he didn’t go on to make a name for himself on the racecourse, just the fact I played a part in helping to save his life was incredibly satisfying.

I also worked closely with the Niarchos family horses during my time at Coolmore, so to see the likes of Alpha Centauri, Alpine Star and Circus Maximus reach such heights was wonderful. At one time or another, I would have looked after all three.

At a different level of the industry, I got a great thrill from seeing a Sioux Nation filly my friend paid just €10k to sell for €85k at the recent Sportsmans Sale at Goffs.

In a year or two, I’d definitely love to pinhook a few foals with friends. Up until now, I have always been on the selling side of the game but it would be good to test my ability having garnered plenty of experience over the last decade.

Corporate side

Most people, either passionate about racing or directly involved in the industry, go racing primarily to see the horses. However, in more recent years, both the corporate side and best-dressed competitions have become increasingly popular.

During my time working for Coolmore, I would often receive tickets for race meetings the stud sponsored. I really enjoy getting all dolled up as it is such a difference from the everyday job!

Being from Galway, where Ladies’ Day and the festival in general is such a big thing, I had also grown up with that side of racing. Taking part in Best Dressed competitions opened up a whole new circle for me.

In doing so, I met a whole different bunch of people; many with no interest in the actual racing at all. I’ve kind of taken it upon myself to promote our sport the best I can, as I know that once people give it a chance, they will come to love it. One woman I got to know through the Best Dressed competitions had zero interest in racing, although her partner is a trainer.

Since opening herself up to the excitement the sport provides, not only is she now a keen racegoer but together with friends she set up a syndicate to have a horse in training.

I find that given my background in racing, I am in a position to give people a better understanding of a sport that can sometimes be subject to negative views.

I have been so lucky to have been afforded so many opportunities in this industry; I am excited for this next chapter of my racing life.

Louise Byrne was in conversation with John O’Riordan