Student Rob Moss is currently on the National Stud Diploma Course. He tells Racing Together about his journey into the thoroughbred world, how the course is going and his ambitions for the future.

I am 21 years old, and I am from Wigan. I began working in the thoroughbred industry in 2019 when I got a job at Eureka stud, while travelling Australia. 

The early days Down Under

I had previously worked with animals but had never had the opportunity to work with horses. In total I spent two years at Eureka stud in Australia and built my experience and knowledge up along the way. I was initially employed to do general farm work but soon grew a love and passion for horses and racing. I worked very closely with Scott and Angus McAlpine, who encouraged me to learn and helped me develop my horsemanship skills. I was fortunate to work the Magic Millions sales whilst in Australia, which gave me the opportunity to meet and work with some great horsemen and industry professionals.

I learned a great deal in the time I spent at Eureka stud and it was there that I was recommended to The National Stud diploma course by Angus, who had completed the course himself. He suggested I apply for the course to help me gain more experience and back up my knowledge with a qualification.  

Teamwork and the technical bits 

The first few weeks of the course have been great so far. I have settled into the farm and living accommodation with ease. There is a very good group of students who are all eager to work and learn. Everyone has different backgrounds, and some have worked in other areas of the industry, so it is very valuable to spend time together and learn off one another. The staff are very welcoming and happy to offer their knowledge as much as possible to help teach us. Along with the practical work, we also have evening lectures, with industry experts from all areas. I have specifically enjoyed the lectures from the vets who have explained, in detail, the mare’s oestrous cycle and the importance of preparing a mare and a stallion correctly for covering. 

Future plans

Once I have completed the course, I would like to be involved in a yearling prep for the upcoming Book 1 sales at Tattersalls. I also have an eagerness to work with stallions. The industry is worldwide, so I want to travel and learn different techniques from horsemen around the world to help grow my knowledge. My long-term goal is to be involved in the running of a successful stud farm and produce good quality horses that will go onto to win races. 

Attitude is all

My advice to anyone wanting to join the thoroughbred industry would be to have a good attitude towards hard work and a love for horses. The work can sometimes get monotonous and often involves manual labour and can be difficult, but if you have a genuine love for horses, it is all worthwhile.

To find out more about the National Stud and courses they run click here.