Exploring Career Pathways in the Australian Thoroughbred Industry

As part of our ongoing blog series, we turn our attention across the globe to the Australian breeding industry. Today, we hear from Maddy Tims, Education and Project Manager at Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), who has kindly shared details about the fantastic programmes available for those interested in the thoroughbred breeding sector in Australia.

A Thriving Industry

The Australian thoroughbred industry is a global leader, employing around 80,000 people nationwide. Australia ranks as the second-largest thoroughbred breeding industry in the world, only behind the United States. With over 21,500 mares and 700 stallions, Australia has a breeding operation that dwarfs those in other countries like the UK, Ireland, Japan, and New Zealand. The industry is not only a key driver of the economy but is deeply embedded in rural communities, providing employment and supporting local businesses.

At Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA), we represent over 4,200 breeders and industry participants. We support the continued development of the industry by providing educational programs designed to nurture the next generation of professionals in breeding, racing, and related fields.

Developing the Next Generation

TBA’s flagship is the Fast Track Program, a 12-month traineeship combining classroom learning with practical experience on stud farms. This program gives participants the chance to earn industry-recognized qualifications while gaining real-world knowledge. By the end of the program, participants are well-equipped with the skills needed to pursue a variety of roles in breeding, farm management, and horse care. The 2025 intake of Fast Track will be its eighth and shows no signs of slowing down.

The Stud Start Program offers a shorter, more focused introduction to the industry. This six-week course combines five weeks of online learning with a week of hands-on experience on farms. Participants are trained in areas like breeding practices, stallion management, and reproductive health, providing them with a solid foundation for entering the breeding industry. This program is perfect for those looking for a more flexible entry point into the thoroughbred world.

The Next Crop initiative is designed for young professionals under 36 who are interested in networking, mentorship, and career development. This free membership group offers opportunities to connect with peers, grow through educational programs, and lead by mentoring others entering the industry. It’s an excellent opportunity for young people to stay engaged and build lasting relationships within the thoroughbred community.

TBA Learning is another vital resource offered by TBA. This online platform provides training across various areas of the thoroughbred industry, including horse handling, customer service, and farm management. With over 1,000 registered users, the platform has become an essential tool for both new workers and experienced professionals looking to improve their skills. Many farms across Australia now use TBA Learning to onboard new employees, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills needed from day one.

For those in leadership roles, TBA’s Management Skills Workshops have become a crucial part of professional development. These workshops, delivered by expert coach Juliet Robinson, focus on improving leadership and communication skills. Over the past three years, more than 150 industry participants have attended, with over 90% of attendees recommending the program to others. The workshops are designed to equip managers with the tools they need to lead effectively and foster strong, cohesive teams.

Launching in January 2025, the Graduate Program will provide university leavers with a unique opportunity to dive into the thoroughbred industry. The program begins with a two-week intensive at Flemington, one of Australia’s premier racing venues. During this block, graduates hear from leading industry experts and gain insights into breeding, racing, and wagering. The program culminates in paid internships with prominent employers like Entain, Godolphin, Waterhouse and Bott Racing, and Inglis. This provides graduates with valuable hands-on experience and mentorship, preparing them for a long-term career in the industry.

Resources for Schools

TBA is also committed to fostering interest and understanding of the thoroughbred industry among the next generation. As part of this, we’ve developed a series of curriculum-aligned educational resources for primary and secondary students. These resources are aligned with the curriculum and cover subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Geography, and History. The materials help students learn about the thoroughbred industry, exploring topics such as horse biology, breeding processes, and the economic impact of the industry. These resources will soon be available through the TBA educational hub, further extending the reach of TBA’s educational offerings.

These programs reflect TBA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Australian thoroughbred industry. Whether you are interested in breeding, racing, or farm management, there are a variety of pathways available to help you succeed. Through hands-on experience, formal education, and mentorship, TBA is helping to shape the future of the industry.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about these programs, feel free to have a look at our home page here Thoroughbred Breeders Association.