Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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

• Maintain all necessary stud records including - foal registration, breeding and insurance records;
• Communicate with clients about breeding dates, veterinary procedures, foalings and stallion bookings;
• Liase with key industry governing bodies on behalf of the stud;
• Provide PA and full secretarial and administrative support service, type reports and routine correspondence, make travel arrangements and receive visitors to the office;
• Make arrangements for any meetings required by the stud management team;
• Process payments and invoices, prepare payments and maintain financial records;
• Arrange the payment of staff salaries through the computerised payroll system;

Physical Environment

The role is mainly office based as primary duties include administration.

Employers

Stud Farms.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
• Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
• Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
• Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
• Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.
• Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.
• Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organisations.
• Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.
• Maintain scheduling and event calendars.
• Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.

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

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 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.

Previous work as a Stud Groom would help gain industry knowledge and experience. While qualifications or training vary is requirement to start a career as a Stud Secretary. You can View an Equine careers Map to support your career steps Horse racing Ireland Equuip

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: office procedures, business administration.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: equine studies, business administration, event management.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Stud Farm Assistant Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

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. See www.itba.ie for further information.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €36k

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.

Data Source(s):
Jobs.ie/ Indeed/ 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: Medical secretaries; Legal secretaries; Personal assistants and other secretaries; Typists and related keyboard occupations.

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

Employment in this occupation has been declining annually since 2019, resulting in a negative average growth rate for the five-year period. Combined, the education, health and professional activities sectors accounted for over two-thirds of employment.

A high share of workers was employed in part-time roles (45%) and almost 40% were aged 55 years and older. As demand for PAs and secretaries falls, those leaving these roles may not be replaced which may see a continued decline in employment levels for this occupation.

• 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 Breeders Association (ITBA)

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

• Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM)

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