FOLLOWING on from the huge success enjoyed by both the Equine Summit and the many talks at the ITBA Expo recently, Teagasc and Horse Sport Ireland will be hoping to bring up a treble on Wednesday week, April 4th, with their Young Breeders Seminar.

While your first impression might be that this is not something for participants in the thoroughbred sector to be concerned with, you could not be further from the truth.

Indeed, the very first seminar, which I will chair, has a panel made up of the Irish National Stud CEO Cathal Beale, Godolphin Flying Start head Clodagh Kavanagh, Castledillon Stud owner and Tattersalls representative Timmy Hillman, and finally Guy O’Callaghan of Grangemore Stud.

The subject matter for discussion is Career Options and Pathways in the Thoroughbred Sector. All four panellists have trod a different path to their present positions and will hopefully offer some insights for young people planning to commit to the industry.

Working hands-on with horses, or in stud management, are not the only career outlets and the second session features some fascinating stories of innovation and invention in the business world, but with an equine focus.

Sport horse enthusiasts are also well catered for and again career opportunities will be highlighted by a panel that includes The Irish Field’s Judith Faherty. International showjumper William Funnell travels to speak on the day and he will be joined by a stellar panel of Irish speakers. Finally, four participants in the ISH Young Breeders Programme will share their experiences.

This is an event well worth giving up just half a day to attend and is sure to provide valuable insights into the worlds of the thoroughbred and sport horse, and the possibilities for making a career in either sector. That said, you need to plan to be there and registration is essential this week – by close of business on Thursday.

Why wait until the last minute? Go online today at https://teagasc.clr.events/ to book your place. The cost is just €20 and includes a light supper, and the venue is right in the heart of Ireland at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.

While the seminar is aimed at young people between the ages of 14 and 25, the content is sure to be of interest to parents and industry professionals who are keen to attract bright young people into the industry.