THE ITBA Apprentice Scheme is perfect for someone like me who feels like they haven’t got enough experience in certain areas of the industry.

All I ever knew was a racing yard and, even though my goal is to one day become an assistant trainer in a successful yard, I felt I needed to learn more about pedigrees and bloodstock.

My first placement, at BBA Ireland, has certainly helped in that regard. I want to be able to assess foals and yearlings, see their qualities and spot the faults.

The autumn months are extremely busy for BBA Ireland as the sales are in full swing. I was thrown right into the thick of it. The Goffs Orby and Sportsman Sale was around the corner and catalogues had to be prepared for the agents.

Leona Hughes, last year’s ITBA Next Generation apprentice, was there for the first two weeks to show me the ropes and mentor me through the process. Leona was such a great help to me and made me feel right at home and part of the team from day one.

Not all the agents at BBA Ireland are looking for the same type of animal, so we are advised to check with them in advance. “Just pick out the good ones,” quipped one agent, sending me into a panic! I guess we’ll see in 18 months’ time if I did a good job!

Before starting here my knowledge of pedigrees would have been limited but it has come on a lot since then. A close friend in the industry advised me to ‘keep your mouth shut and ears open’ and that’s exactly what I’ve done.

It’s very interesting just listening to the agents discuss horses or when I get to accompany them at sales and view bloodstock with them.

During the Open Yearling Sale I got to spend a couple of hours each day with Sarah Anne in the shipping office. She does a top job organising horses to be transported all around the world. Working from dawn to dusk, she also keeps Red Bull in business!

Once the sales quieten down I will spend time in the shipping department here at the office and learn more about what is involved in transporting horses within Ireland and also abroad.

Everyone here at BBA Ireland has been very welcoming and made me feel part of the team. Ines Malone and Richard Fitzsimons have taken the time out of their busy schedules to answer all my questions and help me whenever I needed it. I am very grateful for all their help.

I would like to thank BBA Ireland for having me and, of course, the ITBA for giving me this wonderful opportunity to broaden my knowledge in another area of the equine industry.