The Irish National Stud scholarship was originally funded by the Wellington branch of the NZTBA who sent students to the English and Irish National Studs.  
 
The first recipients were Grant Hunt and Russell Rogers who are still employed in the thoroughbred industry today.  
 
Since 2006 the scholarship has been generously funded by the K.I.A. Taylor Charitable Trust and Trelawney Stud’s Taylor family, and was renamed the Keith and Faith Taylor Family Equine Scholarship. The recipient is awarded with an all-expenses paid trip to Ireland to attend the internationally recognised Irish National Stud Diploma Course that begins each year in the middle of January. 

The successful applicant will complete the five-month Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding Course, beginning in late January. 

The scholarship includes: 

• Return economy airfare 

• Fees for the National Stud Diploma course 

• Accommodation 

• Cash advance for personal expenses 
   

Criteria: Open to any person aged 25 or under (as at 31 December in the year of application) who is interested in furthering their career in the thoroughbred breeding industry. Ideally, the successful applicant will have previous work experience on a thoroughbred stud in New Zealand. Conditions apply. 
 
Written applications should be mailed to:  
Justine Sclater 
PO Box 1058 
Cambridge 3450 
 
Email: [email protected] 
Applications close: August/September interviews in October. 

In the early 2000s the Auckland branch of the NZTBA recognised the need to send motivated young people abroad to expand their knowledge and skill set. Several large international breeding operations were approached to host the scholarship winners, and the local breeding fraternity were canvassed for funding. 

A gala dinner was held to honour the achievements of Sunline, an Auckland bred mare, who was at the height of her stellar career. Stallion nominations donated by several major studs were auctioned off and the proceeds from the event were used to create the Sunline Trust that supports the International Management Scholarship. 

In 2012 the Queen celebrated her Diamond jubilee and another gala dinner was held at Government House hosted by the Governor General. Donated stallion services were again auctioned with the proceeds added to the trust fund ensuring the continuation of the scholarship for years to come. 

The International Management Scholarship aims to identify existing and potential managers within the New Zealand thoroughbred industry. It offers them an opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience and highlight the diverse career options available within the international 
bloodstock business.  
 
The successful applicant receives an all-expenses paid, bonded trip of 30 weeks to experience the operational infrastructure, systems and management of three of the Northern hemisphere's leading stud farms: Shadwell Stud (England), Coolmore Stud (Ireland) and Winstar Farm (America). 
 
Criteria: Applicants require a good general knowledge of the thoroughbred industry, and experience in the management and handling of horses of all ages. Suitable for those wishing to develop a long-term career within the New Zealand thoroughbred industry. 

*Scholarship was not awarded in 2021 due to COVID travel restrictions. The NZTBA have an amended version of the scholarship awarded in 2022. More details to come for the recipient of the 2023 award.  
 
Written applications should be mailed to:  
Justine Sclater 
PO Box 1058 
Cambridge 3450 
 
Applications close: August/September interviews in October. 

Godolphin Flying Start is a two-year full-time international management and leadership training programme for the thoroughbred industry. Founded in 2003, it is the brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum of Dubai. 12 candidates are selected annually to receive the scholarship which includes course fees, accommodation, transport, health insurance and a monthly allowance. 

Applications close: February.