Earlier this week, thirty-one students graduated from the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association promoted Primary ITO’s level three and four Equine breeding courses.
“On behalf of the NZTBA we congratulate all of the students that have gained an industry qualification,: NZTBA CEO Justine Sclater said. “Their graduation is a testimony of their dedication and hard work. The NZTBA places a lot of emphasis on promoting training within our industry as it can only enhance our future. We also acknowledge the efforts of Equine Tutor Sally Waters.”
A graduation ceremony, held at Cambridge Stud, provided the opportunity for the students to come together to pay tribute to two years of hitting the books alongside working on farm and the discipline and effort it takes to achieve this qualification.
NZTR Tutor Sally Waters emphasised how this graduation ceremony is very deserving for all involved, “I love seeing the students recognised for all their hard work,” she commented.
Janine Berrange, from Cambridge Stud, galloped to the top of the breeding course – where she was recognised with ‘The Most Outstanding Student Award.’
Her devotion and love for the horse industry began at the young age of six where she recalled begging her parents to ride. This passion for the equine industry continued to grow through her teens with holiday jobs wherever she was able to work around horses. After completing her Agricultural Sciences Degree, she realised stud life was her calling, and now Janine is full time at Cambridge Stud.
Even with a tertiary education qualification, Janine found the course very beneficial for her growth within the stud which shows the importance of industry training.
“It was very different from university with a more hands-on approach, and practical examples were invaluable to me,” she stated.
“This is where I found my passion for foaling- especially new-born foals. The course was amazing, with the highlight for me being the block course days.”
The block course days will begin this year with a student only day being held at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka complex and Haunui Farm on the 9th June. Member days will be held on the 23rd June and 7th of July with locations to be confirmed. Topics covered on these days will be based on welfare, sustainability, breeding and foaling.
“The block courses with the equine breeding courses provide a lot of knowledge in all areas of breeding for the employee and in turn allows our workforce to prosper going forward.” NZTBA Vice President Nick King said.
From stable hand to foaling manager- the Primary ITO’s Breeding Course encourages equine students to explore different avenues within Thoroughbred the breeding industry. The course offers students the opportunity to find the pathway they are passionate about.
“The thoroughbred industry is full of endless opportunities with many career pathways within the equine sector” explained King.
“It can be a journey with many rewards, if you have a passion for horses and are willing to put in hard work to succeed.”
- Madison Tims - NZTBA
2021 Graduates and Stud Farms include:
Alabar Farms: Joanna Dorothy Preston, Jamie Bartlett. Blandford Lodge NZ: Sarah Thompson. Cambridge Stud: Janine Berrange, Jordan Treweek. Clearview Park Stud: Barbara Racz. Club Med Lodge: Cindy Alexander. Curraghmore Stud: Eileen Bezuidenhout. Eurostables: Sharon Klijn. Grangewilliam Stud NZ: Merrin Jaquiery, Sarah Grace Taylor. Haunui Farm: Deborah Devlin. Kilmore Farm: Marc Sydney. Little Avondale Stud: Rachael Prout, Millie Guerin-Green, Emma Wilson. Long Acre Farms: Samantha Gordon. Nevele R Stud: Tessa Watson. Soloman Park Stud: Deanne Browne. Tullycrine Ltd: Lisa Dillion. Valachi Downs Stud: Annie Elfstrom, Hannah Davies- Lorenzen, Lauren Russo. Waikato Stud: Anna Poyhonen, Erin Millar, Hazel Treymane. Wellfield Botanic Gardens Holdings: Charlotte Wilcock. Westbury Stud: Sara Brown. Woodlands Stud NZ: Kelly Blakemore, Laura Griffin, Maddison Grayling
