Careers in the breeding industry are crucial for maintaining Tasmania’s racing sector by providing a steady supply of horses and greyhounds. With 262 registered breeders, ranging from large stud farms to hobby breeders, these careers help enhance the quality and diversity of racing stock. Through service fees, agistment, and sales, breeders contribute to the local economy and generate export revenue. A strong breeding sector is vital for a thriving racing industry, with both sectors relying on each other’s success.
Bloodstock Agent
A bloodstock agent specialises in the buying and selling of yearlings (young unraced horses), racehorses, broodmares, and stallions. They act as intermediaries between breeders, owners, and buyers, using their expertise to assess the quality and potential of horses for racing and breeding purposes.
Broodmare Manager
The main role of a broodmare manager is to oversee and prepare the mares for breeding, ensuring they are in optimal health and condition. They are also responsible for preparing the mares for stud parades, where potential buyers or breeders can assess them for breeding purposes.
Greyhound Breeder
Breeding greyhounds is no easy task; it requires extensive knowledge, dedication, and significant time commitment. Several factors must be considered when breeding greyhounds, including careful planning, research, and attention to detail. The process involves ensuring both the mother and the litter are in optimal health and condition, requiring ongoing care and monitoring throughout.
Greyhound Rearers
The early stages of a greyhound’s life are crucial for their development, with their early rearing environment playing a key role in building resilience. The rearing stage includes socialisation, regular galloping, human interaction, and the introduction to chasing. It is vital that young greyhounds have ample space to gallop, as this helps develop their muscle strength and aerobic capacity. As a result, rearers must provide appropriately sized rearing yards or a straight track of at least 40 meters to support the greyhounds' physical development.
Horse Breeder
Horse Breeders require significant knowledge of genetics, animal care, and racing requirements, as breeders must plan mating schedules, monitor the health of the mares, and ensure proper prenatal and postnatal care for the foals. Once the foals are born, breeders are involved in their early development, including training, socialisation, and preparing them for training or sale.
Stallion Handler
A stallion handler is a skilled individual with extensive horsemanship experience, often having a background as a stud groom. The primary role of a stallion handler is to care for and prepare stallions for breeding, ensuring they are in optimal health and condition. Additionally, they are responsible for preparing stallions for stud parades, where potential buyers or breeders can assess them. Stallion handlers also ensure that proper quarantine procedures are followed, safeguarding the health of the horses and maintaining biosecurity standards within the breeding environment.
Stud Groom
A stud groom is a skilled farmhand involved in various breeding activities. Their responsibilities include caring for and foaling down broodmares, assisting with breeding procedures, handling and caring for stallions, and maintaining the property. Stud grooms play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of the horses, as well as supporting the overall breeding operation with their hands-on expertise.
Stud Hand
A stud hand is typically an individual’s first job in the breeding industry. Their duties include basic horse handling, feeding, and cleaning, as well as maintaining stables, paddocks, and equipment. Additionally, they assist with property maintenance and operate machinery and equipment, providing essential support to the day-to-day operations of a breeding farm.
Stud Manager
A stud manager oversees and manages all breeding activities at a stud farm. Their responsibilities include the management of horses, business administration, staff oversight and training, and supporting marketing initiatives to promote the stud’s services. The stud manager ensures that breeding operations run smoothly, efficiently, and profitably, while maintaining the welfare of the horses and meeting the farm's business goals.