WHEN it comes to horses, there is absolutely no substitute for hands-on learning.

Learning the ropes from the top down has always been the way with horses among, of course, many other professions - not all of them in the animal or agri-sphere. Not surprisingly, journalism springs to my mind.

Horses can be a 24/7 job, you can be up all night with them if travelling to and from events; injury or sickness can strike at any time of the day or night, and at this time of the year, mares are foaling and every care is needed.

When it comes to horses, they are less of a job and more of a vocation.

If you don’t truly love them and understand all that they both bring and require, perhaps you would be as well to do something else.

An old mentor friend never tires of trotting out the line, “the only guaranteed thing about horses is that they are unguaranteeable.”

Right now the Workplace Relations Commissions (WRC) are trotting out inspections of their own throughout the Irish equine sector.

An independent, statutory body established under the Workplace Relations Act 2015, the WRC’s main remit is the inspection of employment rights compliance, the provision of information and the protection of young persons (employment) licences among mediation and advisory services.

Attendees at Wednesday’s ITBA’s information evening received advice on workplace practice, Employment Law and Health and Safety.

All employers must be aware of their legal duties to pay the minimum wage, keep meticulous records of hours worked including time off, breaks, PPS and PRSI details, as well as the names, address, dates of birth etc. of all workers.

In some cases, the WRC are hitting the sport horse industry fairly hard with significant back money being requested to be paid to work experience students and workers, albeit supplied with good standard living accommodation and all meals supplied on stud farms and yards as part of the deal.

One such case is understood to cover a 15-year time span and the projected pay-back involved is huge and an additional worry for those involved.

Some industry sources described the laws as “draconian” and “impractical” when it came to the practicalities of running a busy stud farm with all that it naturally entails.

The fact is, however, that the WRC have increased their staff numbers and their inspections can also be unannounced, especially if they receive a complaint.

WRC also has the power to serve issue Fixed Payment Notices and there may be court proceedings arising, some have occurred over the past year with fines of up to €2,000 imposed.

Visit www.workplacerelations.ie to learn more.

Don’t find out the hard way.