Raising foals and raising children is what makes the world go round for this week’s candidate, who has found a fulfilling way of life that has led to a very successful business.
This week we find out more about Kristen Evans, who owns and runs HP Thoroughbreds at Hilldale in the Hunter Valley with her husband Anthony.
1/ Where are you from, and what got you involved in the thoroughbred industry?
I was born in Newcastle and loved horses as long as I can remember. I was involved in Pony Club when I was young and once I left school I completed my vet nurses degree. It was then I found out that thoroughbred studs had hundreds of foals each year and I knew where I had to go work.
I started at Baramul Stud and before long I was given the role of nine day manager where I was responsible for all the foalings and the care of all the newborn foals. After a few years I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland and work a season at Scarvagh House and spent some time working at Sir Henry Cecil's farm in England before returning to Baramul where I met my husband Anthony who was the yearling manager.
I then spent a few years at Widden Stud as dry mare manager and in 2013 we purchased our property and started up HP Thoroughbreds.
2/ What does a workday in the life of Kristen Evans look like?
It varies depending on the time of year but usually I'm up very early before the sun to feed and check all the horses on the property. I'll then wake the kids and get them ready for school and put them on the bus.
Then there's the usual jobs farrier, vet, mowing, maintenance and everything else associated with a working horse farm as Anthony and I do everything ourselves. In the afternoon we feed up again and get the kids of the bus.
Then there's foaling season where sleep goes completely out the window as I attend every foaling and think that meeting all the new foals is absolutely the best part of my job. Being able to share my love of horses and these precious moments with the three kids is what life is all about for me.
Throw in some yearling prep after foaling season and I am kept very busy all year round.
3/ Who is your favourite horse and why?
Lohnro, what girl wouldn't love a black stallion that races in pink!
4/ Tell us about the best day you had at the races or at the sales, and what made it memorable for you?
2020 Magic Millions we bred, prepped and sold an Exosphere colt for $280,000. He was a horse that changed our lives and enabled us to take that next step for our business.
He is a very special horse to our family and only recently we were lucky enough to be able to purchase back a small share in him.
5/ What is your favourite show on Netflix or TV?
Grey's Anatomy
6/ Now that travel has opened again where is the first place you will go?
Right before covid we were planning a trip to Hawaii for the kids so maybe that's where we'll go.
7/ What is your favourite cuisine and restaurant?
I'm a fairly plain eater but to be honest I do love a counter lunch chicken snitty and gravy.
8/ Name two things on your bucket list?
I would love to go see the pyramids and the obvious one breed a G1 winner.
9/ What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?
"If you want something go and get it as no one else will do it for you".
10/ Tell us one thing that not many people may know about you?
I actually love NRL and follow the Bulldogs.
