IN the hills around Eden Park the thunder of thoroughbred racehorses is heralding the success of the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE’s equine program.
The proud steeds and the students at NMIT’s Northern Lodge have been spared the impact of the Baillieu government’s TAFE cuts and the horse centre may grow, with the institute vowing to consider replacing any equine programs cut by four other Victorian organisations.
That news is great for student Trent Germaine, 18, who is studying the track riding course which has secured him a place in a Caulfield stable and, he hopes, a career as a jockey.
Like many trackwork students Germaine is city bred and had little experience with horses until he joined NMIT in February.
Now he is confidently working with retired thoroughbred racers which, at 500kg, dwarf his 54kg frame.
NMIT equine program co-ordinator Phil Jones says the 320-hectare farm in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range is unique, with breeding, tracking riding and farrier (horse-shoeing) courses that give students an edge in the racing industry.
Students could get work at stables but people were too busy to teach them such things as how to control a huge horse, Mr Jones said.
Apart from the 11 former racehorses at the centre there is a mechanical horse called Nellie to teaches students about riding positions, with
lessons filmed to show learners how to improve their stance.
Three minutes on the mechanical horse is the equivalent of riding a Melbourne Cup, with the device even replicating the sideways movement of a thoroughbred’s head.
Trackwork students include a Japanese racing journalist who came to Australia to learn the basics of the trade and a student from Thailand.
One of the trainers is Cameron Quilty, a jockey who recently rode at Moonee Valley and works at Romsey with Leon Corstens, one of Victoria’s top trainers.
Despite fears that the NMIT’s campus could face cuts, a spokesman confirmed it was safe.
“We anticipate continuing the delivery of our full suite of certificate, diploma and degree programs in equine studies, racing, horse breeding and farriery,” he said.
“We are also exploring the option of delivering additional equine programs should they be discontinued by other providers.”
