October Education & Development Opportunities

The thoroughbred industry is committed to developing the next generation through a wide range of education, training and professional development opportunities. See below opportunities across Australia and New Zealand thanks to The Straight’s Workforce Industry Newsletter.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Silverdale Academy Schools Program in Canberra | 23 October

Following the success of its first regional schools program in Wagga, Silverdale Academy is taking its industry education program to Canberra on 23 October.

Hosted at Thoroughbred Park and Main Lodge, the Canberra program will provide up to 40 students from schools across the Goulburn, Yass and Snowy Mountains regions with hands-on exposure to the thoroughbred industry.

The program is designed to introduce students to the diverse career pathways available across racing, breeding and equine education, while giving them the opportunity to see the industry in action and learn about the many roles that contribute to its success.

The Wagga program provided students with a first-hand look at the industry, and Silverdale Academy is continuing that approach in Canberra by connecting students directly with industry participants and showcasing the range of opportunities available beyond the racetrack.

Register your school’s interest in future programs

Silverdale Farm will also be participating in National Thoroughbred Week, opening its gates on Thursday 26 November.

Book tickets for the Silverdale Farm Open Day 

Thoroughly Schooled: An Immersive Pathway into the Thoroughbred Industry

Thoroughly Schooled is an industry-led five-day education and career development program for Year 10–12 students interested in the NSW thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.

Delivered in the Hunter Valley through a partnership between industry and education organisations, the program combines classroom learning, practical horse experience, workplace visits and direct engagement with leading thoroughbred businesses.

The 2026 program saw 13 students selected from 118 applicants, providing participants with first-hand insight into the wide range of career opportunities available across breeding, racing, veterinary services, horse care, administration, bloodstock and more.

The program helps students turn their interest in horses into an informed understanding of the industry, while connecting them with employers, training pathways and potential future careers.

Find out more about Thoroughly Schooled and future opportunities here.

VICTORIA

Young riders shine at Ride To Time State Championships

Twenty of Victoria’s most accomplished Pony Club riders converged on Southside Cranbourne on Grand Final Eve for the 2026 Pony Club Victoria Ride To Time State Championships. A grassroots initiative supported by Racing Victoria, the annual Ride To Time series combines rider development with valuable exposure to careers and opportunities within the thoroughbred racing industry.

Representing Pony Club zones from across the state, the 20 finalists competed in Maiden and Open divisions, with riders challenged to complete a 1000-metre course as close as possible to a predetermined optimum time. Congratulations to Bairnsdale Pony Club’s Jasmine Lynch, who claimed the Maiden title, and Yarrambat Pony Club’s Shenae Spratling, who was crowned Open champion after two outstanding displays of horsemanship.

Ride To Time and the State Championships are a key part of RV’s workforcedevelopment strategy, helping connect young horse enthusiasts with the racing industry through hands-on experiences at racecourses and training tracks. Many participants return to the program year after year, developing relationships with RV’s WorkforceDevelopment team and exploring future opportunities within racing. The growing use of Off The Track thoroughbreds by competitors also highlights the versatility of retired racehorses and the strong connection between Pony Club Victoria and the racing industry. 

The event was followed by RV’s annual Pony Club Rider Development Day, held at RV headquarters, where 20 riders took part in mechanical horse coaching, Victorian Institute of Sport strength and conditioning sessions, and education workshops focused on rider mindset and equine welfare. Accompanied by parents and guardians, the day provided another valuable opportunity for participants to learn more about the many pathways available within the racing industry.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Applications Open for 2027 Certificate II in Racing Industry Program

Applications are now open for the 2027 intake of the Certificate II in Racing (Stablehand), providing Year 11 and 12 students with a hands-on introduction to South Australia’s thoroughbred racing industry.

Proudly delivered by Racing Careers SA, the VET-in-Schools program offers SACE-accredited points and provides students with practical skills and knowledge across stable safety, industry terminology, sports turf and how the racing industry operates.

The program is an ideal starting point for students who love animals, enjoy hands-on work and are interested in exploring real-world career opportunities across the racing and broader equine industries.

Applications are now open for 2027.

NEW ZEALAND

The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association is calling for applications for the Sunline Scholarship. An all-expenses-paid, 30-week international experience for emerging New Zealand thoroughbred professionals looking to advance their careers, expand their expertise and gain invaluable experience within the global breeding and racing industry.

Find out more about the Sunline Scholarship

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is also accepting applications for the McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship, supporting the development of emerging leaders within the New Zealand thoroughbred industry.

Read more about the McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship

If you have an education, training or professional development opportunity you would like to share with the thoroughbred industry, please contact Madison at madison@thestraight.com.au or Horse Jobs Australia at info@horsejobsaus.com.au