IRISH NATIONAL STUD SCHOLARSHIP
Take your thoroughbred career to Ireland
The Keith & Faith Taylor Equine Scholarship gives one successful New Zealand applicant the opportunity to spend six months at the world-renowned Irish National Stud in County Kildare.
The scholarship covers the cost of completing the internationally recognised Thoroughbred Breeding Management programme, combining hands-on stud experience, classroom learning, industry visits and exposure to the Northern Hemisphere breeding season.
Open to applicants aged 30 and under who are looking to further their career in the thoroughbred breeding industry.
About the Scholarship
The Irish National Stud scholarship was originally funded by the Wellington branch of the NZTBA who sent students to the English and Irish National Studs.
The first recipients were Grant Hunt and Russell Rogers who are still employed in the thoroughbred industry today.
Since 2006 the scholarship has been generously funded by the K.I.A. Taylor Charitable Trust and Trelawney Stud’s Taylor family, and was renamed the Keith and Faith Taylor Family Equine Scholarship. The recipient is awarded with an all expenses paid trip to Ireland to attend the internationally recognised Irish National Stud Diploma Course that begins each year in the middle of January.
What is the Irish National Stud?
Located in Tully, County Kildare, the Irish National Stud is a world-renowned thoroughbred breeding operation with a history dating back more than a century. Formally established in 1946 and owned by the Irish Government, the Stud has played an important role in Ireland's breeding industry and has been home to influential stallions including Invincible Spirit.
Today, the Irish National Stud operates as a working commercial stud, standing stallions and managing broodmares, foals and youngstock, while also providing boarding and foaling services.
Education is an important part of the Stud's work. Each year it welcomes students from Ireland and around the world to complete its six-month residential Thoroughbred Breeding Management programme, combining practical experience on the Stud with structured learning and exposure to the wider Irish thoroughbred industry.
Graduates have gone on to establish careers throughout the international thoroughbred industry, making the programme a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills, industry knowledge and global connections.
About the Course
The Irish National Stud's Thoroughbred Breeding Management programme is an internationally recognised, six-month residential course designed to develop the practical skills, technical knowledge and industry understanding required for a career in the thoroughbred breeding industry.
Based at the Irish National Stud in County Kildare, students are immersed in a working thoroughbred stud throughout the Northern Hemisphere breeding season, combining hands-on experience with structured classroom learning.
Duration Six months
When January – June
Where Irish National Stud, Tully, County Kildare, Ireland
Format Residential, practical and classroom-based learning
Qualification Certificate in Thoroughbred Breeding Management
Accreditation South East Technological University
Class Size Approximately 25 students from Ireland and around the world
** Successful candidates will return to New Zealand after spending 6 months in Ireland and complete their scholarship by working at Trelawney Stud , carrying out this seasons yearling prep and wrapping the course up by attending the karaka 2027 sales in January next year!
How the Course Works
Throughout the six months, students rotate through different areas of the Irish National Stud, gaining practical experience across the breeding season while developing their knowledge through lectures, demonstrations, industry visits and assessments.
The programme combines hands-on stud work, classroom learning, continuous assessment, practical demonstrations, projects and final examinations.
Students work alongside experienced stud staff, veterinarians and industry professionals, while also learning from guest speakers and visiting leading thoroughbred operations throughout Ireland.
By the end of the programme, students leave with a much broader understanding of the breeding, management and commercial aspects of the international thoroughbred industry, as well as practical experience and industry connections that can support the next stage of their career.
WHAT WILL I ACTUALLY DO?
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Foaling
Work within the foaling unit during the breeding season, including foaling/night duties and mare and newborn foal care.
Stallions
Gain practical experience within the stallion unit and learn about breeding and reproductive management.
Mares & Foals
Learn practical mare management, teasing, reproductive cycles, veterinary procedures and foal care.
Lectures
Learn from Irish National Stud staff, veterinarians, farriers, bloodstock professionals and other industry experts.
Bloodstock & Pedigrees
Study pedigree analysis, genetics, conformation, bloodstock management and the wider commercial industry.
Industry Exposure
Visit leading studs, racing stables, sales companies and other major industry operations.
Exams
Complete exams on topics learned such as Equine Breeding, Equine Anatomy & Physiology, Horse Care and Management and Equine Business.
Weekly yard rotations and lectures, and recent student accounts describe foaling mares, night shifts, vet checks, teasing mares, reproductive scanning, pedigree work and visits to operations such as Coolmore and Ballydoyle.
Who Should Apply?
We're looking for motivated young people who want to build a long-term career in the thoroughbred breeding industry and are ready to take their knowledge and experience to an international level.
You should be:
30 years or under
A New Zealand citizen or resident
Experienced and confident around horses
Genuinely interested in the thoroughbred breeding industry
Hard-working, enthusiastic and eager to learn
Open to new ideas, practices and experiences
Comfortable with both hands-on and academic learning
Independent and adaptable enough to live overseas for six months
Driven to build a career in the industry and bring your learnings back to New Zealand
Individuals that are available to work at Trelawney Stud on their return to NZ and carry out the seasons yearling prep until Karaka 2027
Stud experience is beneficial, but not essential. Racing and other relevant equine experience is also welcomed, and school leavers are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
01 — CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Read the eligibility and scholarship conditions.
02 — PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
CV + cover letter + whatever else NZTBA requires.
03 — SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Email/application form,exact recipient, deadline & closing time.
04 — SHORTLIST & INTERVIEWS
Explain exactly who reviews applications, when shortlisted applicants hear and what the interview involves.
05 — SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE SELECTED
Explain when they're notified and what happens next.
What happens next?
Once applications close, all submissions are reviewed by the selection panel.
1. Applications Reviewed
Applicants are assessed on their experience, motivation, career goals and suitability for the scholarship.
2. Shortlisting
Selected applicants will be contacted and invited to progress to the interview stage.
3. Interview
Shortlisted candidates will meet with the selection panel to discuss their experience, ambitions and what they hope to gain from the opportunity.
4. Successful Candidate Selected
Following interviews, the successful recipient will be contacted and formally offered the scholarship.
5. Prepare for Ireland
NZTBA will work with the successful recipient on the next steps, including travel arrangements and preparation for their six months at the Irish National Stud.
