From Hunter Valley to Ireland: A Global Learning Experience

Sometimes the best career opportunities begin with simply backing yourself.

When Hannah Kelley received an email in 2024 to say she hadn’t been selected for the Irish National Stud course, it would have been easy to accept the disappointment and move on. Instead, with the encouragement of her manager Dave White from Vinery, she applied again.

Fast forward 2 years later and that decision would ultimately change the trajectory of her career.

Now, after recently graduating from one of the world’s most respected thoroughbred breeding programs, Hannah returns to Australia with a global network of industry contacts, new technical knowledge and an even greater appreciation for the opportunities that exist within the thoroughbred industry.

Growing up on a cattle property, horses had always been part of everyday life for Hannah, but it was a retired racehorse named Red Lord that sparked a fascination with thoroughbreds.

The Redoute’s Choice gelding had raced in the Melbourne Cup before beginning his second career in eventing and in following his pedigree she found herself becoming increasingly captivated by the racing and breeding industry.

That passion led to work experience at Tulloch Lodge while still at school before entering a full-time role with Arrowfield Stud in 2019, followed by three years at Cressfield Stud and then joining Vinery in 2023 where she has since worked across multiple areas of the operation.

With a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws already behind her, the opportunity to earn a qualification in something she was genuinely passionate about became a long-term ambition from early in her career and the Irish National Stud course offers the pinnacle of thoroughbred education, combining practical horse management with breeding, business and leadership studies.

“I knew it was something I wanted to do,” she said. “I’d heard so many people I respected talk about the course and the impact it had on their careers.”

While the practical education exceeded expectations, it wasn’t the lectures or even the famous farms that became the defining part of the experience, it was the people.

Working alongside students from Ireland, Britain, Europe, North America, Asia and beyond created friendships that will last a lifetime and a professional network spanning the global thoroughbred industry.

“You realise very quickly how connected our industry really is,” she said. “Whether I wanted to work in England, Ireland, France, America, New Zealand, Japan or India, I now have friends and contacts who are just a phone call away.”

The international environment also challenged preconceived ideas about horse management.

“Everyone has different ways of achieving the same outcome. Horses are individuals, so the more approaches you learn, the better horseman or horsewoman you become.”

Highlights from the course included meeting legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien during a visit to Ballydoyle, watching Classic winners at The Curragh and working with the Irish National Stud’s famed Living Legends all reinforcing why Ireland has earned its reputation as one of the world’s great breeding nations.

Being selected to lead champion steeplechaser Faugheen during the Legends Parade at the Punchestown Festival was another proud moment for Hannah.

The experience also highlighted practical ideas that can be applied back home.

Among the biggest takeaways was Ireland’s approach to handling foals from their very first day. Early education and regular human interaction produced calm, confident young horses that were easy to manage, demonstrating how small changes in early handling can deliver lifelong benefits.

Although she’s returned home, her journey is far from over.

Returning to Vinery for the breeding season, next on the to do list is a breeding season in Kentucky, with the hope of returning for another stint in Ireland, but Hannah’s long-term ambition is to continue climbing the ranks of stud management before one day leading a Hunter Valley stud farm.

For anyone considering a future in the thoroughbred industry, her advice is simple: don’t be afraid to invest in yourself.

“The Irish National Stud gives you practical skills, lifelong connections and a truly global perspective on the industry. If you have the opportunity to apply, do it.”

Applications for the HTBA Irish National Stud Course Scholarship are now open. Visit https://www.htba.com.au/htba-irish-national-stud for more details.