IN this strangest of years, it has felt reassuring to be back to a level of normality with resident trainees, industry training courses, outreach work with young people and farrier school activity all contributing to a busy calendar of events and an active campus.

However, looking at the RACE feature on RTE’s Nationwide programme in October (which was filmed pre-lockdown) was a reminder of how different the experience was for all involved and how we have grown accustomed to the Covid-19 restrictions, the social distancing and other protocols that are now part of the daily routine and have kept us safe and open for business.

The trainee jockey course commenced a few weeks later than usual following an improvised recruitment and selection process in response to the imposition of a Kildare lockdown which ruled out any residential trials.

Instead, a hybrid process was developed to include online assessment of video evidence plus conduct of interviews on Zoom along with practical assessments conducted in a safe manner at The Field Equestrian Centre in Co. Laois.

Following the collation of assessment materials and calculation of scores, places were offered to our maximum number of 27 participants given the more limited accommodation options.

The course commenced on September 21st and the group included 15 boys and 12 girls and was drawn from 13 different counties plus two from the UK.

Initial placements

Practical training was front-loaded so the group could advance their riding level quicker and this allowed us to proceed with the initial work placements at the usual time so a third of the group have been experiencing life in various Curragh yards over recent weeks.

The daily routine of riding and stable management work in the barn is augmented by a full schedule of classroom work in the afternoons as they work their way through seven QQI modules plus fitness sessions, mental skills development and personal development activities in the evening.

They undergo an intensive fitness and conditioning programme to get them ready for what lies ahead and while they have not been able to participate in the usual industry induction activities off campus, they have settled in well and are making the best of the circumstances and looking forward to what 2021 may bring. The past few months have provided ample opportunities for developing key qualities of resilience, self-discipline and patience and for those with a growth mind-set this will really stand to them in the future.