WORKING with horses is ingrained in Camilla Whishaw's blood.
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The 27-year-old is the daughter of the late Denis Whishaw and his wife Robyn - renowned for their contribution to the thoroughbred industry through Carrick's Armidale Stud - and grew up interacting with mares and stallions daily.
Ms Whishaw has just graduated from a two-year international leadership and management scholarship specific to the thoroughbred industry, called the Darley Flying Start Program.
She spent time in Ireland, England, Kentucky in the US, Dubai and the Hunter Valley learning from the industry's best.
``We were involved with breeding and foaling with aspects of racehorse training and management, and also covered business modules, legal, veterinary and accounting modules,'' she said.
``I come from a strong practical background so my practical skills have been quite strong, but certainly in regards to business, pedigrees and global industry I have learnt masses.''
The program is fully funded by ruler of Dubai, United Arab Emirates vice-president and global horse breeder Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and only 12 people are chosen to participate every 12 months.
On her journey Ms Whishaw completed work placements with Dr Martha Rodgers in Kentucky, Vinery Stud in Australia and with Dubai farrier Rob Stevenson and at the Dubai Equine Hospital.
``I loved some countries, and other countries I found a bit of a cultural shock,'' she said. ``When I got to Dubai, I had a lot of learning to do very quickly.
``For someone that spends their summers in little shorts and singlet tops making the most of the sunshine, I soon learnt that you need to cover up and there were certain ways you did and didn't do things - but that's all part of it and makes for a really good learning experience.''