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What is a Stallion Handler?
A Thoroughbred Stallion Handler is a highly skilled and experienced horseperson responsible for the daily care, handling, and breeding duties involving stallions on a stud farm.
Some of the key responsibilities of a Stallion Handler include:
- Safe Handling of Stallions
- Breeding Shed Duties
- Daily Stallion Care
- Health & Behavior Monitoring
- Public/Client Presentation
Stallions can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially during breeding season, so this role requires calm authority, expert horse handling, and physical confidence.
Steps to becoming a Stallion Handler
- Good communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions and report back
- In depth knowledge of horse care and welfare
- Good record keeping skills
- Competent at handling stallions
- Conscious of health and safety
- Great organisational skills
- Prior experience and a willingness to learn on job
- NZ Certificate in Equine Breeding (Level 3/4) – or willingness to work towards these
Grace Mcmillan
It's a busy time of the year for young gun Grace Mcmillan as a Stallion Manager at Windsor Park Stud, a key role within our industry. A role rarely held by a female, no two days are the same when it comes to helping produce our future racing champions!
BREEDING CAREERS
Gateway courses offering path into breeding industry
The Gateway programme introduces subjects outside of the general school curriculum, including trades, social work and agriculture. NZEET, a private industry-owned establishment, offers the New Zealand Equine Breeding Courses, commencing from a 13-month certificate, up to a professional apprenticeship.