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A day in the life of a Stud Hand

21 September 2015

Daniel Egan, a National Stud Apprentice completed his apprenticeship at Shadwell Estate Co.

Why did you decide on a career in your chosen industry, and when did you decide?
I enjoy working outside and with Thoroughbred horses. I decided that stud work was for me when I was about 15.

How did you get started in the industry? What qualifications and experience did you gain?
I did work experience on a stud when I was in Year 10 of secondary school, then I went to the National Stud to complete the Pre-Apprenticeship Course.

What is your current role and how did you get into it? What year did you start it?   
I am a Stud Hand at Shadwell and I started January 2014

What does a typical day involve? What are your key responsibilities?
All the horses get turned out and then mucked out. The vet also comes in the morning. In the afternoon all the horses come in and are fed. During the day mares get covered by our stallions, I go to the covering shed and hold the mares for covering.

Hard working, good horsemanship, enthusiastic, team player and enjoy working outside.

Describe the aspects of your job you find particularly rewarding.
Working with the foals, breaking yearlings and seeing them going well.

What are your future career plans?
I hope to work on stud abroad in the coming years and hopefully work my way up to management.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking a career in your sector/industry?
Listen to what experienced horsemen have to say.

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