Supporting June Burgess and the pilot project at Ballygraffan is student placement Daria Fidgeon who recently completed a BSc Hons in Equine Management at CAFRE. Daria has worked at Gigginstown House Stud, and during her degree, she worked with racehorses. She also travelled to Kentucky, visiting the equine industries leading establishments there. Before her studies, she had no experience with Thoroughbreds but fell in love with them and their individuality. Daria is also an accomplished photographer and we are lucky enough to have her involved not only in the research but to document the project in pictures and help us with social media.
Daria goes on to Coolmore Stud in 2022 to continue her learning with horses. It has been inspiring for the team to watch Daria and the Thoroughbreds on the pilot grow and develop. Her consistency, care and attention to detail throughout the project under the guidance of June have provided valuable insight into the importance of the human and horse relationship for both welfare and retraining.
