“A SUCCESSFUL industry invests, mentors, develops, appreciates, values and recognises their key assets – their employees.”
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That was the message from Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (HTBA) president Dr Cameron Collins at Wednesday night’s annual awards ceremony.
“The HTBA Employee of the Year (administration) recognises an individual staff member who works in administration in or for the Hunter thoroughbred breeding industry who has demonstrated exceptional skills, loyalty or achievement that has added value to their employer’s business and directly or indirectly to the industry,” he said.
“The HTBA Employee of the Year (horsemanship) acknowledges an individual staff member who has shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability, an affinity with horses and who gives priority to animal welfare.
“Nominees must demonstrate a degree of success within the Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeding industry that has been borne out of their particular skill set.”
The 2018 HTBA Employee of the Year (administration) winner was Jean King of Widden stud.
She moved to Baramul in 1985, home of the famous Star Kingdom, and worked in the office of the late industrialist and thoroughbred breeder Sir Tristan Antico.
Like many before and after him, Sir Tristan Antico recognised the majesty and presence of the Hunter Valley as a great Australian breeding ground.
He and his team, including King, devoted themselves to building Baramul based on the best Kentucky studs.
In 1992, she met her future husband, David Merrick, and they both moved to Widden stud.
For the past 26 years, King has exemplified exceptional devotion and loyalty to Widden.
She’s performed all manner of administration and office duties and today applies her skills and experience in the fields of accounting, insurance and human resources.
Jean has a wealth of knowledge of our industry and the many participants in it.
The 2018 HTBA Employee of the Year (Horsemanship) winner was John Tiyce of Vinery stud.
He has a long and distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years in the industry working for Yarraman Park, Segenhoe and Vinery for influential breeders including Major Mitchell, Peter Flynn and Lionel Israel.
Tiyce first turned his hand to handling foals and young horses at Yarraman Park before moving to the historic Segenhoe Stud in 1979.
After a short 18-month sojourn away from Segenhoe Stud, he returned to Segenhoe/Vinery in the late 1980s managing feed runs and handling young horses – a role he retains to this day.
Whether it is his big frame or his gentle hands, Tiyce is well-known for his calmness and his ability to keep horses relaxed.
He is a natural horseman.
There would be very few horses turned off Segenhoe/Vinery Stud that Tiyce has not handled, fed, treated, weaned or educated.
He’s recognised as an exceptional horseman, a thorough gentleman, a mentor to young staff, a valued asset to Vinery and a very deserving winner of this year’s award.
“This year the HTBA received a huge number of nominations for both categories of the Employee of the Year awards – which is testament to the many talented and valued employees in our industry,” Collins said.
“The HTBA congratulates Jean King and John Tiyce for their exceptional contributions to the Hunter’s thoroughbred breeding industry.”
