Originally from Summerhill, Co Meath, Tara Carroll has no family connection to equine or agriculture. She did, however, have a strong passion for different sports, including football, athletics and horse riding. This meant she spent much of her childhood outdoors.
“I started with horses at a young age, and they quickly became a constant part of my life. I grew up doing pony club, where most weekends were taken up with eventing, tetrathlon and interschool show-jumping competitions.
“As I got older and more competitive, I progressed through Eventing Ireland. Through my early involvement with ponies, my interest in the equine industry naturally developed and it became more than just a hobby,” explains Tara.
After finishing school, Tara took a year out before college to gain practical experience in the thoroughbred industry. This gave her a strong understanding of the hours and discipline required in the managent of a racing yard.
“I worked full-time for flat trainer Sheila Lavery. This was a huge grounding for me and exposed me to the thoroughbred industry. I learnt to ride out, became familiar with pedigrees and had many opportunities to travel to the races with horses in Ireland and abroad. I was fascinated by all aspects of it.
“One of the great strengths of the industry is the opportunity to learn, work, and travel simultaneously, while also expanding your network and building valuable connections,” says Tara.
Knowledge and education
She later decided to further her education and studied agricultural science (equine) at University College Dublin.
“I found college extremely engaging and rewarding. The course offered a strong balance between scientific theory, practical learning, and business-focused modules. As part of the course I completed a placement at Springhouse Farm in Kentucky, USA, working for Spider and Aisling Duignan, which provided valuable insight into the breeding and commercial side of the industry. I had an unbelievable experience. I also attended the Kentucky Derby, Saratoga and Keeneland sales,” she says.
During her college life, Tara held roles in clubs including captain of the UCD Equestrian Club and vice chairperson of the UCD Horse Racing Society.
“Following college, I worked as a pupil assistant to trainer Francis-Henri Graffard in Chantilly, France. Here I gained valuable experience in a top-class racing operation. I had a job with increased responsibility and I was exposed to the management of a large, busy yard,” she explains.
Last year, Tara was awarded the Gerry Dilger Scholarship to participate in the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding and Management course in Co Kildare which further strengthened her understanding of breeding.
Tara Caroll, equine student.
“Here I was exposed to mares, foals, stallions, barren mares and more. The programme offered an excellent balance between practical work and academic study, with evening lectures delivered by veterinarians and experienced professionals working at the highest level of the industry.
“I was also awarded the Blue Hen Award for my essay, which promotes research into elite bloodstock, particularly broodmares with exceptional and consistent breeding success,” she says.
Godolphin Flying Start
All of these experiences combined have brought her to where she is today on the Godolphin Flying Start programme, an international leadership and management programme that combines academic and practical placements across major racing and breeding jurisdictions worldwide.
“Each year, 12 trainees are selected from different countries, and over the 22-month programme we complete placements across five countries, including Ireland, England, the USA, Australia and Dubai. The programme covers every facet of the thoroughbred industry. Practical training involves hands-on horse handling and day-to-day involvement in breeding and racing operations,” Tara explains.
This is supported by formal skill assessments in horse care and handling, veterinary and farriery, as well as academic modules in equine anatomy and physiology at University College Dublin, and equine nutrition at the University of Kentucky.
“My favourite part of the programme is the variety and level of exposure it provides. No two placements are the same, and the opportunity to work across different countries, disciplines and business models gives a very broad understanding of how the thoroughbred industry operates globally.
“The combination of practical experience, academic study, and leadership development has been invaluable,” emphasises Tara.
For Tara, promoting equine and agricultural careers to young people is essential because she believes many don’t realise how broad and diverse the opportunities within the industry are,” Tara continues.
“There is often a perception that these careers are limited to hands-on roles, when in reality there are pathways across management, business, breeding, nutrition, veterinary science, education and leadership, both in Ireland and internationally.
“It’s also important to address wider perceptions of the industry. Many people are not fully aware of the high standards of horse care and welfare that exists, or of the large number of skilled professionals involved behind the scenes,” she says.
Career in equine
Tara’s advice to young people considering a career in equine or agriculture is “never stop learning” and expose yourself to all aspects of the industry to gain a deeper understanding of all it entails.
“The industry is full of people willing to help if you are willing to put in the effort,” Tara points out.
Originally from Summerhill, Co Meath, Tara Carroll has no family connection to equine or agriculture. She did, however, have a strong passion for different sports, including football, athletics and horse riding. This meant she spent much of her childhood outdoors.
“I started with horses at a young age, and they quickly became a constant part of my life. I grew up doing pony club, where most weekends were taken up with eventing, tetrathlon and interschool show-jumping competitions.
“As I got older and more competitive, I progressed through Eventing Ireland. Through my early involvement with ponies, my interest in the equine industry naturally developed and it became more than just a hobby,” explains Tara.
After finishing school, Tara took a year out before college to gain practical experience in the thoroughbred industry. This gave her a strong understanding of the hours and discipline required in the managent of a racing yard.
“I worked full-time for flat trainer Sheila Lavery. This was a huge grounding for me and exposed me to the thoroughbred industry. I learnt to ride out, became familiar with pedigrees and had many opportunities to travel to the races with horses in Ireland and abroad. I was fascinated by all aspects of it.
“One of the great strengths of the industry is the opportunity to learn, work, and travel simultaneously, while also expanding your network and building valuable connections,” says Tara.
Knowledge and education
She later decided to further her education and studied agricultural science (equine) at University College Dublin.
“I found college extremely engaging and rewarding. The course offered a strong balance between scientific theory, practical learning, and business-focused modules. As part of the course I completed a placement at Springhouse Farm in Kentucky, USA, working for Spider and Aisling Duignan, which provided valuable insight into the breeding and commercial side of the industry. I had an unbelievable experience. I also attended the Kentucky Derby, Saratoga and Keeneland sales,” she says.
During her college life, Tara held roles in clubs including captain of the UCD Equestrian Club and vice chairperson of the UCD Horse Racing Society.
“Following college, I worked as a pupil assistant to trainer Francis-Henri Graffard in Chantilly, France. Here I gained valuable experience in a top-class racing operation. I had a job with increased responsibility and I was exposed to the management of a large, busy yard,” she explains.
Last year, Tara was awarded the Gerry Dilger Scholarship to participate in the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Breeding and Management course in Co Kildare which further strengthened her understanding of breeding.
Tara Caroll, equine student.
“Here I was exposed to mares, foals, stallions, barren mares and more. The programme offered an excellent balance between practical work and academic study, with evening lectures delivered by veterinarians and experienced professionals working at the highest level of the industry.
“I was also awarded the Blue Hen Award for my essay, which promotes research into elite bloodstock, particularly broodmares with exceptional and consistent breeding success,” she says.
Godolphin Flying Start
All of these experiences combined have brought her to where she is today on the Godolphin Flying Start programme, an international leadership and management programme that combines academic and practical placements across major racing and breeding jurisdictions worldwide.
“Each year, 12 trainees are selected from different countries, and over the 22-month programme we complete placements across five countries, including Ireland, England, the USA, Australia and Dubai. The programme covers every facet of the thoroughbred industry. Practical training involves hands-on horse handling and day-to-day involvement in breeding and racing operations,” Tara explains.
This is supported by formal skill assessments in horse care and handling, veterinary and farriery, as well as academic modules in equine anatomy and physiology at University College Dublin, and equine nutrition at the University of Kentucky.
“My favourite part of the programme is the variety and level of exposure it provides. No two placements are the same, and the opportunity to work across different countries, disciplines and business models gives a very broad understanding of how the thoroughbred industry operates globally.
“The combination of practical experience, academic study, and leadership development has been invaluable,” emphasises Tara.
For Tara, promoting equine and agricultural careers to young people is essential because she believes many don’t realise how broad and diverse the opportunities within the industry are,” Tara continues.
“There is often a perception that these careers are limited to hands-on roles, when in reality there are pathways across management, business, breeding, nutrition, veterinary science, education and leadership, both in Ireland and internationally.
“It’s also important to address wider perceptions of the industry. Many people are not fully aware of the high standards of horse care and welfare that exists, or of the large number of skilled professionals involved behind the scenes,” she says.
Career in equine
Tara’s advice to young people considering a career in equine or agriculture is “never stop learning” and expose yourself to all aspects of the industry to gain a deeper understanding of all it entails.
“The industry is full of people willing to help if you are willing to put in the effort,” Tara points out.
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