Working in the equine breeding industry as a stud groom, while highly rewarding, is incredibly hard work and requires huge amounts of dedication.
NRM and Kentucky Equine Research (KER) know how incredibly demanding jobs like this are, and wanted a way to recognise and reward stud grooms who were passionate about the industry and went above and beyond for the horses under their care.
In 2019 the very first Stud-Groom of the Year was launched, seeking men and women from across New Zealand who were working hard behind the scenes of the equine breeding industry. Entrants had to be dedicated, have excellent horsemanship and were willing to go the extra mile for the stud they worked for. The competition offered a unique development opportunity to learn from the world leaders in equine nutrition and a number of world class studs around Melbourne.
In 2019, Rebecca Sargent from Westbury Stud was announced as the winner.
“Stud Groom of the Year was an awesome opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of equine nutrition and see first-hand some of the amazing research that’s being done around the world by Kentucky Equine Research.
When I got the call about winning, I couldn’t believe it. I had heard the calibre of the entrants was exceptionally high, so I was blown away — and that’s what’s so great about the competition. It’s supporting the industry and encouraging people to look deeper into every aspect of what makes a healthy horse and how we can all contribute to more profitable studs throughout New Zealand.
The work we do is hard. Not everyone can get up at 5.30am and work until 5.00pm, so winning Stud Groom of the Year was amazing recognition for all the hard work put in and of course there was the trip to Australia. I got to see the stallions and assess the condition of the broodmares at Woodside Park Stud. Assessed feeding regimes at Glenelg Park and saw every part of the breeding industry at Godolphin, all with Peter Huntington – Head of KER in Melbourne.
I learnt so much from Peter and the trip has pushed me to pursue my career and made me realise exactly where my passion was in the industry and helped me see how to follow it.” – Rebecca Sargent 2019 Winner.
Entries for the NRM Stud Groom of the Year 2020 are now open, with applications closing on 29th February
This year’s winner will be recognised by both NRM and Kentucky Equine Research as New Zealand’s best Stud Groom and will travel to Melbourne, Australia to grow their knowledge of equine nutrition and best practice.
While in Melbourne, the winner will be escorted by the head of KER Australia Peter Huntington to world-class stud’s relevant to them, learn about the different research happening around the world by KER and given the opportunity to attend a short course at the Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital on Equine Reproduction*.
“If you’re even slightly interested in taking part in the competition, I highly recommend you just go for it. The passion, dedication and long hours you put into your job is worth it and Stud Groom of the Year is an amazing way to recognise that.” – Rebecca Sargent 2019 Winner.
To find out more about Stud Groom of the Year and to apply click HERE
*Short course will depend on timing of the trip and availability at the course.