Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Working Life

Industry Summary

Breeding & Bloodstock

Ireland is one of the leading bloodstock producing nations in the world. It is the third biggest producer of foals, and Irish vendors are, by value, estimated to have been the second biggest sellers of bloodstock by public auctions in 2016 after the USA.  There are over 6,500 breeders in Ireland with over 60 farms standing stallions.  Irish breeders cover a broad range of operations – from some of the biggest global bloodstock operations with many of the world’s top stallions, to smaller breeders – 92% of the 6,777 registered breeders having fewer than five thoroughbred broodmares.

[Source: Economic Impact of Irish breeding and racing 2017]

Main Duties

• Prepare weanlings, yearling and mares for sale at horse sales;
• Prepare mares for entry to the serving barn during the breeding season;
• Preparing stock for veterinary checks and farriery visits;
• Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions;
• Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury;
• Provide general stable maintenance such as cleaning water troughs and small repairs;
• Implement pasture management plan;
• Review H&S risk assessments prior to commencement of work to ensure all work is carried out in accordance with safety rules and health and safety legislation;

Physical Environment

This role is primarily outdoors based.

Employers

Stud Farms;

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
• Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
• Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
• Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
• Do facility laundry and clean, organise, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
• Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
• Collect and record animal information, such as weight, sise, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
• Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
• Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
• Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Education & Further Development

While no specific qualification or training is required to begin a career as a Stud Groom, many new entrants to the industry have a qualification from animal care, equine, and horsemanship. 

Level 4 Horse & Stable Yard Routine (4N3125)

Level 5 Animal Care (5M2768)

Level 5 Horsemanship (5M3371) 

Level 6 Equine Breeding (6M3507)

To explore your FET centre/ Post leaving cert college full & part time options Search our FET CourseFinder.

Professional Development

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (I.T.B.A.) provides members with the opportunity to continue their professional development through a calendar of training and seminar activities on an ongoing basis.

Experienced stud grooms are highly sought after staff and it takes many years working with racehorses, broodmares, foals and youngstock to develop the necessary skills and experience, Equuip Horse Racing Careers.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €32k

Salaries vary based on employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience. Rates also vary in line with Subsistence & overnight for events around Ireland & abroad. 

Generally, the amount of pay you receive for working is a matter of agreement between you and your employer, these negotiations normally occur when you receive a job offer.  The racing industry have an agreed minimum rate of pay as well as other minimum conditions of employment for Irish stable staff including entitlements to sick pay and stable employee bonus scheme.  The agreement does not prohibit an employer from paying more favourable terms. Further information is available from the Irish Stable Staff Association.

Data Source(s):
Equuip/ IHRB/ HRI/ ISSA/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: February, 2024

Horse Racing Ireland: Social & Economic impacts report 2023

The Irish Breeding and Racing industry supports 30,350 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in total. This includes 9,400 jobs directly related to the industry. Over 40% of these (c.3,950 FTEs) work in breeding operations, closely followed by c.3,000 FTE stable-staff, trainers and point-topoint handlers (c.800), caterers (c.350), jockeys, agents and valets (c.300) and racecourse staff (c.300). A further c.7,000 jobs are attributable to directly related employment. This includes individuals in equine-related roles like veterinarians and farriers, as well as those working in related agricultural, and leisure roles. Total non-betting employment was 24,800 in 2022, up c.8% when compared to the 22,900 supported by the industry in 2016.

Secondary employment is estimated to total c.8,400 and includes roles that are supported by further spending in the Irish economy (the ‘ripple effect’). This supports jobs in the likes of the travel and accommodation sectors and the bar and restaurant trade. Furthermore, the betting sector in Ireland is intrinsically linked to Irish racing, and many fewer individuals would be employed should racing cease to exist.

The sector is estimated to employ c.5,550 FTEs, across individuals working in LBOs and the Head Offices of betting operators.Given that Ireland has a large proportion of its population residing in rural communities, agriculture holds a high level of significance, with the Breeding and Racing industry being a significant  contributor to agricultural employment. It also supports jobs in farriery, horse transport and veterinary/equine health.

Directly related employment relates to those jobs that whilst being heavily reliant on the Breeding and Racing industry, also serve other industry sectors and sub-sectors. These can include equine-related roles such as veterinarians and farriers, as well as roles in agriculture, leisure, and hospitality. This is estimated to total c.7,000 in 2022.

Jobs Board
The www.workinracing.ie website includes a Jobs Board with live opportunities available within the breeding, racing and administration sectors.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Horticultural trades; Gardeners and landscape gardeners; Groundsmen; greenkeepers; Skilled workers in horse racing and related industries; Agricultural; and fishing trades n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the employment growth over the five-year period was negative for this occupation, employment levels have remained static since 2020. At 37%, the share aged 55 years or older was almost double the national average of 19%.

A relatively high share of persons employed in this occupation were employed part-time. The administrative and support services sector accounted for the largest share of employment for this occupation at almost two-fifths.

• Horse Racing Ireland (HRI)

  • Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland, R56 XE37
  • (045) 455 455
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Careers & Racing Education (CARE)

  • Horse Racing Ireland Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland, R56 XE37
  • (045) 455 455
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM)

  • Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, Ireland, R56 XE37
  • +353 45 443060
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA)

  • Greenhills, Kill, Kildare, Ireland, W91 FY62
  • 045 877 543
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here