This week, we catch up with Joe Moore, one of our Irish National Stud recipients of 2026 to hear more about his experience and journey since our last catch-up.
'I am now just under 4 months into the course with around 2 months to go. Over the course of time since my last blog I have had an incredible time continuing to learn, build connections, and most of all enjoy the experience of a lifetime.
Since my last update I have spent time all over the farm. From foaling mares in Sun chariot both throughout the day and whilst on 2 stints on nights as well is spend time in the mares and foals’ yards, and time with the dry mares.
Highlights of these yards have been continuing to build on the work and knowledge of foals whether it be handling techniques or different issues that come with foals growing. Also building on my knowledge of mare’s cycles and the different techniques used for different environments that Europe has compared to NZ has also been a highlight as I may need to use this in my future years for potentially tricky mares, tricky seasons, or for the early mares when the weather in NZ is similar to over here later in the season.
Currently I am back working with the stallions and loving it. I have been looking forward to returning back working with them as when I was with them last time, we were only doing practice jumps with test mares. To get a full week of covering has reminded me of the joy I have working in the covering shed and the excitement that surrounds working with the stallions. Working with the stallions has quickly reminded me the passion I have for breeding and the love I have for working with stallions. I have found the covering shed to be a great time and working closely with the stallion handlers here has reminded me how much I enjoyed my time as one back home and that I would love to go back down that path in the future.
Overall, the work has been thoroughly enjoyable thanks to the students and foremen at the yards making it an enjoyable yet productive time. Building these connections in the yards sharing stories and making new memories has been a part of the course that I have really enjoyed so far and look forward to continuing throughout the final 2 months on the course.
Outside of work I have had a great time in the classroom too. Continuing to improve my knowledge around not just the practical theory such as how mares cycle, but also great lectures on things like the importance of nutrients, as well as anatomy of the horse and how this can affect breeding and the offspring. I have thoroughly enjoyed the equine business lectures and already have found improvement in how I think about the breeding industry and how it can be done to maximize profits and success on the farm, in the sales ring, and most importantly on the track. I have also really enjoyed guest lectures from the likes of head Irish handicapper Gary O’Gorman, where I was able to learn more about the Irish and European handicapping system and the similarities and differences it has to the NZ one.
Not only have I enjoyed the classroom work, but I have also enjoyed the assignment side of things too. In my last blog I mentioned that I had just completed my first assignment around the Goffs February mixed aged sale and the results I got from that assignment I was really proud of. Since then, we have done a further 4 assignments. These included an assignment covering your countries thoroughbred industry, followed by a group presentation where my group talked about the stereotypes given around employment within the industry. This was great to do further research into and give me ideas on both things I could do to improve the industry in this regard as well as potential points to share to others wanting to learn more around this topic. We then did an assignment on a foaling in which we attended as well as recently completing one on biosecurity. I enjoyed the biosecurity assignment as I learnt a lot about the importance of good biosecurity and ways to improve it which will be vital throughout my future.
Classwork as well as practical work across the farm has been really enjoyable but I have also had major highlights off the farm. I have spent time in Limerick as well as attended many race days. A big highlight was Punchestown Festival where I both attended race days as a fan, as well as worked in behind the scenes getting a close up look at an international jump’s festival. A big highlight of that week was supporting fellow students in a charity race held on the final day. We have also spent time playing social rippa rugby on a Thursday which has been my rugby fix. It has been great to continue to play rugby all be it at a social level. Overall, the social aspect of the course has been incredible. I have made some really close mates and have absolutely loved every minute of it so far.
I really look forward to the final couple of months on the course but also look forward to returning home and implementing my gained knowledge and skills there. I have met mates I will keep for a lifetime and connections I will further tap into in the future too. Overall, the course has so far been an unforgettable experience, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to have come over here.
I would once again like to say thank you to NZTBA, the Taylor Family for the incredible opportunity and everyone supporting me back in NZ. I hope I am doing you guys proud, and I look forward to returning in the coming months'.
Cheers Joe Moore.
