New Thoroughbred Breeders Australia learning modules

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) has released two new modules on TBA Learning – the Australian thoroughbred industry’s home for online education.

TBA Learning is free to access for both industry and non-industry participants at www.TBAlearning.com. The website features four courses comprised of 24 modules that encompass Foundation Knowledge, Horse Handling, Horse Health and Biosecurity.

TBA Learning helps farms onboard new staff and supports continuing education for employees seeking to expand their knowledge. It is also popular with people outside of the industry who want to learn, and or improve their horse expertise and horse handling skills.

Each learning module features an industry expert who presents their viewpoint on the learning topic. The experts are respected by their peers and have vast and practical, on-the-job knowledge.

“TBA Learning has been very well received by the industry and we credit that to the calibre of industry experts who have volunteered their time and expertise to help build a more knowledgeable workforce,” said Madison Tims, Education & Project Manager for TBA.

New people are enrolling in TBA Learning modules every week and we are seeing participants return to the platform to continue their education. Many farms are using TBA Learning as part of their onboarding process for new employees and for continuing education for existing employees.”

The development of the modules was funded by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program which invests in RD&E to improve the sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of the Australian thoroughbred industry.

The new modules available on TBA Learning are outlined below.

Selecting an Off The Track thoroughbred – focus on jumping & eventing, with four-time Olympian Shane Rose

Four-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medallist, Shane Rose, lent his expertise for a special learning module targeting people interested in either owning or, who already own, an off the track thoroughbred.

In this module, Shane gives insight into selecting a horse using key indicators including the horse’s temperament, the individual horse’s prior experience, the prospective owner’s level of experience and equestrian goals. Shane demonstrates riding a recently retired off the track gelding to show learners what to expect during their first ride and how to assess if the horse is a good match to the rider.

This module also contains a bonus interview with first time Olympian Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture—an off the track thoroughbred who raced under the name Hell On Wheels, who both competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Introduction to equine nutrition with Dr Caroline Foote

Dr Caroline Foote is an equine nutritionist with an all-star line-up of clients that include John O’Shea Racing, Chris Waller Racing and international dressage trainer and rider, Brett Parbery.

This dual-purpose module presents a learning opportunity for people at every level of the horse industry including experienced farm staff and people who own an Off The Track Thoroughbred.

From the farm staff’s point of view, Dr Foote discusses how nutrition impacts the horses from conception through to racing and spelling. From an off the track and performance horse perspective, Dr Foote explains the importance of meeting the horse’s nutritional requirements and appropriate fuelling of the horse.

Two other modules that were recently released target entry level employees and have a focus on working at thoroughbred sales.

Working At The Sales with Nick Taylor & Billy Brooks

Nick Taylor and Billy Brooks of Riverstone Lodge take entry level farm staff behind the scenes at the sales.

Nick gives insight into the horsemanship skills required to keep horses safe, the importance of teamwork for human safety, parading horses for buyers and, how staff can positively impact an individual horse and farm’s success at a sale.

Billy presents a day in the life of a leader, second groom, card person and manager at the sales. Billy also talks through the process of taking a horse from the stable to the parade ring, how a horse is lead through the sale ring including standing in the chute, how to safely enter and exit the sale ring and, returning the horse back to its stable.

This module provides mid-career staff with practical knowledge they will apply when working at the sales. It is also a valuable resource for people who aspire to work at the sales as it will enable them to set horsemanship goals that will enable them to achieve those ambitions.

Sales – the buyer’s perspective with Jim Clarke

Bloodstock agent Jim Clarke gives farm staff an understanding of the work a buyer does both before and at the sales and, how a buyer assesses horses. This module provides farm staff with insight into the wants, needs and challenges of one of their most important customers—the buyers.

This is important information for farm staff to learn to give them a more complete understanding of the industry they work in and the role they play in it.

To start these modules or find out more, visit TBA Learning here