2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the world-renowned Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course. Over 1,400 students from 35 countries have now passed through the iconic gates at Tully and many of these graduates are now prominent figures in the thoroughbred industry. The course has recently undergone a rigorous validation process and testament to the quality of the programme has been awarded accreditation on the National Quality Qualifications Framework.

The six-month residential course which commences in January each year runs for the duration of the breeding season and the small group of students form friendships and professional contacts which are often maintained for a lifetime. The core aim of the programme is to equip learners with the skills and knowledge to carry out a range of practical and managerial activities in equine enterprises and, as a result, to enable them to apply managerial principles in an evolving equine industry.

A particular strength of the programme is the emphasis place on applied and practical skills which are offered through work-based learning. The aim is to ensure graduates have a practical and comprehensive understanding of the thoroughbred industry.

The Irish National Stud is the only provider in the country offering a dedicated programme in Thoroughbred Breeding which revolves around the development of a range of transferable skills. Students also develop in-depth knowledge of the global thoroughbred industry through all stages of the programme.

Thoroughbred sales preparation course

For over 50 years, equine education and innovation has been very much part of the I.N.S ethos, with initiatives such as primary school tours, Irish Racehorse Experience, The Equine Innovation Hub and collaborations with various industry educational projects.

Educational offerings at the stud are always evolving and developing and in 2022 the INS will launch a four-month residential Thoroughbred Sales Preparation course which will provide students with the practical in-depth knowledge of sales preparation.

The practical elements of this course will be complimented with a serious of lectures provided by industry experts. Places on the programme are limited to eight participants and for more information please contact achannon@irishnationalstud.ie.

For further information on Educational Programmes at the Irish National Stud, visit www.IrishNationalStud.ie or email achannon@irishnationalstud.ie