Course News September 2007

It’s been an interesting month for Flying Start in both the northern and southern hemispheres. I visited the Darley Australia based trainees in mid September just as the “purple zone” in the Hunter Valley and the release of stallions from quarantine were announced. There was a palpable feeling of relief and of light at the end of the tunnel that had existed since EI had been discovered in parts of New South Wales.

The impact of EI on the trainees planned programme was such that we decided to bring forward their work placement from December to October this year and to base all of the placements in New Zealand. To that end, I spent three days in NZ meeting industry people, introducing Flying Start and agreeing goals for the trainees while they were at their placements. I received a warm welcome and everyone I met was knowledgeable and positive about the trainees arrival. They are assured of a wonderful learning experience and network of supportive industry leaders in New Zealand. At studs, stables, race trials and social events I was approached by people who were interested in finding out about the current trainees, or were interested in recommending young people they knew to apply for the course.

I also attended the first day of the trainees “Leadership” module at Sydney University business school at the end of September. This is a five day module with two assignments attached, and it focuses on trainees development personally and as leaders in the business world.

Our current new crop of trainees are based at Kildangan at the moment and are busy trying to come to grips with Irish pedigrees and racing. They were at Goffs at the end of September and early October accompanying bloodstock agents and trainers as they evaluated stock with a view to purchasing . This is a wonderful opportunity for the trainees, and we are very grateful for those industry professionals who helped them to learn about yearling sales. After the sales it was business as usual, with mornings spent assisting in the breaking of yearlings and afternoons in lectures at Kildangan. They are reaching the conclusion of their Anatomy, Physiology and Reproduction module at University College Dublin Vet school and the final exam looms large.
Recruitment time is nearly upon us again, we will accept applications in January and February 08, so if you are interested or know someone who might be, please email us for a brochure and DVD.

Clodagh Kavanagh