A stud hand position is the first step for any aspiring thoroughbred industry participant. Daily tasks could include mucking out stables, bringing horses in, providing basic equine first aid, assisting vets and farriers, and feeding horses.

A stud hand position is often a stepping stone into more senior roles in the industry and a great place to start to gain hands-on experience. TBA qualifications that assist with employment in this role include TBA Fast Track, TBA Stud Start and TBA Learning.

Much like a midwife, a foaling attendant is responsible for the care of pregnant mares and newborn foals. This includes monitoring mares during late pregnancy and assisting with foaling, collaborating with vets to manage difficult pregnancies, providing essential care for foals and supporting mares post-foaling.

These roles are available throughout the breeding season (August - December), where 24/7 care and observation are required on the farm and can be one of the most rewarding roles in the Thoroughbred industry.

TBA qualifications that assist with hands-on experience in this role include TBA Fast Track and TBA Stud Start. TBA Learning also offers dedicated modules on foaling.

A highly rewarding position, a yearling manager plays a key role in managing the wellbeing and development of our future stars of the track. This includes tailoring daily exercise and feeding programs, teaching the yearlings essential skills such as how to parade for prospective buyers, monitoring their welfare and regularly assessing their conformation. Additionally, you will work closely with veterinarians and farriers to guarantee that the yearlings arrive at the sales in peak physical condition.

TBA Fast Track is a great program to learn more about the fundamental skills and experience required for this role.

Broodmare managers play a key role in breeding operations, overseeing the care, health, and reproductive cycles of broodmares.

This hands-on role involves monitoring pregnancies, assisting with foalings, and working closely with vets and farm staff. It’s a year-round position that requires excellent horsemanship, attention to detail, and strong leadership—especially during the busy foaling season.

TBA offers courses that provide the fundamental skills needed for a career in broodmare management.

Australia is home to some of the world’s most valuable stallions, with some worth tens of millions of dollars. As a stallion manager, you will lead a specialised team responsible for their daily care, ensuring that the stallions remain in peak physical and mental condition. During the breeding season, the stallion barn is a fast-paced environment.

Your role involves overseeing operations to ensure safe and efficient breeding. This position requires exceptional horsemanship, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of stallion behavior.

Most stallion managers begin their careers as stud grooms or stallion handlers, gaining hands-on experience before advancing to senior roles. The TBA Fast Track program is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in pursuing this career.

Equine vet nurses play an important role in all aspects of equine veterinary care. Primary responsibilities include assisting the stud veterinarian with surgeries and treatments; keeping accurate health and welfare records; overseeing quarantine and hygiene practices; managing vet-related inventory and stores; and nursing horses in intensive care.

TBA offers several courses that assist with the fundamental horse husbandry skills required to pursue a career in Equine veterinary nursing.

Farriers are integral to the health and performance of thoroughbreds. By trimming and shoeing horses, they ensure the hooves are in optimal condition, which plays a key role in the horse's overall well-being. A skilled farrier is essential for a horse's success, not just on the track but also throughout their development.

Many farriers start with an apprenticeship or training program, gaining practical experience and mastering the technical aspects of hoof care. As they gain expertise, they work with top-level racehorses, providing specialised care. Their skills extend to corrective shoeing, ensuring breeding stock remain comfortable and youngstock grow with the correct conformation.

TBA offers programs like Fast Track and TBA Learning, helping aspiring farriers build hands-on skills and gain industry knowledge.