Stud Hand – The first step for anyone entering the thoroughbred industry. Daily tasks include mucking out stables, bringing horses in, providing basic first aid, assisting vets and farriers, and feeding horses. It’s a stepping stone into more senior roles and a great way to gain hands-on experience. TBA programs like Fast Track, Stud Start, and TBA Learning support this pathway.
Foaling Attendant – Like a midwife, a foaling attendant cares for pregnant mares and newborn foals. This includes monitoring late pregnancy, assisting with foaling, working with vets on complications, and supporting mare and foal after birth. These seasonal roles require 24/7 care from August to December and are highly rewarding. TBA Fast Track, Stud Start, and foaling modules on TBA Learning support this role.
Yearling Manager – A rewarding role focused on developing young stock. You manage feeding and exercise programs, teach yearlings to parade for buyers, monitor welfare, and assess conformation. Working with vets and farriers ensures horses are in peak condition for sales. TBA Fast Track provides essential skills and experience for this position.
Broodmare Manager – Oversees the care and reproductive management of broodmares. Responsibilities include monitoring pregnancies, assisting with foalings, and working closely with vets and farm staff. A year-round role needing strong horsemanship, attention to detail, and leadership, especially during foaling season. TBA offers courses providing essential skills.
Stallion Manager – Leads the team responsible for daily care and condition of some of Australia’s most valuable stallions. Oversees safe, efficient breeding operations during the busy season, managing stallion welfare. This role demands leadership, horsemanship, and a deep understanding of stallion behaviour. Many start as stud grooms or handlers. TBA Fast Track is a great first step.
Nominations & Sales – Attract breeders by matching mares to stallions based on pedigree and conformation. Duties include attending sales and races, managing client relationships, marketing, and hosting stallion parades or private showings. Most start in hands-on roles. Strong pedigree and commercial market knowledge is essential. TBA Fast Track and TBA Learning’s conformation module provide key training.
Stud Secretary – A key administrative role that supports the daily operations of a stud farm. Responsibilities include managing mare bookings, veterinary records, transport, accounts, and client communication. Stud secretaries work closely with the stud manager and often come from hands-on backgrounds, giving them a strong understanding of farm operations. Programs like TBA Fast Track and TBA Stud Start offer great preparation for those looking to move into this role.
Equine Vet Nurses – Play a key role in supporting equine veterinary care on stud farms. Duties include assisting vets with treatments and surgeries, maintaining health records, managing hygiene and quarantine protocols, monitoring intensive care cases, and handling medical supplies. TBA offers programs that help build the horse husbandry skills needed to pursue a career in equine veterinary nursing.
Bloodstock Managers – Oversee care, training, and sales prep of thoroughbreds for studs, trainers, or owners. Manage selection and preparation for racing or breeding. Strong organisation, pedigree knowledge, and horse care skills are essential. Many start as stud hands or sales assistants before moving into management. TBA offers courses and resources to build skills in bloodstock and breeding.
Bloodstock Agents – Experts in conformation and pedigree, bloodstock agents consult on selecting weanlings, yearlings, and mares, and manage breeding and racing portfolios. They attend sales across Australia and often travel internationally. Most start with hands-on roles to gain horse husbandry skills and industry knowledge. TBA Fast Track offers a strong foundation for those pursuing a career in bloodstock.
Freelance Sales Leader – Travels the sales circuit, preparing and presenting thoroughbreds to buyers. The Australian sales season lasts about six months, with many following the circuit internationally. Success requires strong horsemanship, work ethic, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Most start as stud hands. TBA Fast Track and Stud Start offer essential training and industry connections.
Auctioneer – Leads thoroughbred sales by calling bids and managing the auction ring. Requires confidence, fast thinking and deep knowledge of horses and pedigrees. Most start as bid spotters or consultants before progressing. The TBA Graduate Program offers a great pathway into this exciting role
Equine Dentists – Maintain horses’ health through regular dental care, helping them eat well and perform. Most start with equine science or dentistry courses, followed by practical training under professionals. They care for youngstock, racehorses, and breeding stock. Fast Track and TBA Learning offer strong introductions and hands-on experience.
Farriers – Play a vital role in horse health by trimming and shoeing hooves to keep horses comfortable and sound. Skilled farriers support horses on track, during development, and in breeding careers. Most start through apprenticeships or training, gaining practical experience and mastering hoof care. As skills grow, they provide specialised shoeing for racehorses, breeding stock, and youngstock. TBA Fast Track and TBA Learning help build essential skills.
Media Professionals – Share thoroughbred racing and breeding stories worldwide. They create content, manage public relations, and broadcast live events. Many start in content creation, social media, or assistant roles and move into journalism, broadcasting, or media management. The TBA Graduate Program offers valuable industry knowledge and connections.
Photographer – Captures racing action, behind-the-scenes moments, and sales excitement to tell the story of the thoroughbred industry. This career blends creativity, timing, and passion for horses. Work settings include media, studs, or racing organisations. TBA programs and industry connections help build skills and find opportunities.
Marketing & Media – Promote the thoroughbred industry through campaigns showcasing stallions, sales, farms, and racing success. Roles include content creation, advertising, event coverage, and client communication. Requires industry knowledge, storytelling, and digital marketing skills. Many have journalism or communications backgrounds. TBA Fast Track and Graduate Program offer training and networking.
