For the second year, students from Korea have had the opportunity to travel to Australia to learn more about Australia’s Thoroughbred racing industry and to further their skills and knowledge of thoroughbreds and the racing industry.
Manager of Education and Training (Statewide) for Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges, Mr Roger Desailly, said they were delighted to again be a part of making the opportunity a reality for the eager students of Seogwipo High School.
Thoroughbred pre-training within the Australian racing industry was the focus of the vocational study program, with students completing four weeks of English language learning.
This was followed by two weeks of hands-on horse skills training at Kenallywood Stud, located at Coleychelle Farm, Mutdapilly, in conjunction with Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges (QATC).
At the graduation ceremony Mr Desailly reflected on how fantastic the program was for students, instructors, and the equine sector.
“We hope it will foster plenty of industry support, to provide these students with the best possible outcome in terms of their experiences, and in forging racing industry connections for their future careers,” Mr Desailly said.
In addition to racehorses, students were able to interact with Australian Stock Horses, Riding Ponies, warmbloods, and a range of other horses during the program.
This offered students a glimpse into the wider equine industry, including breeding and foaling out, breaking in, and rehabilitation.
QATC instructor and Coleychelle part owner Holly Perrin said the students took part in many activities around the farm including riding, grooming and stable duties.
“Being in October, the students witnessed handling foals, mare ultrasounds, inseminations, X-rays and swabbings,” she said.
“Due to the versatility of the farm, many different breeds were available for the students to handle including Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Australian Stock horses and riding ponies.”
The partnership between Korean High Schools and Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges was facilitated by Smart Education & Training Australia (trading as Smart Career Centre), with assistance offered by Trade Investment Queensland to continue to progress the scope of the program.
