"Tonight we are proud to once again celebrate and recognise our best assets – our people" Dr Cameron Collins, President of the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders' Association said.
This year we received many outstanding nominations for both categories of the HTBA Employee of the Year awards – which is testament to the many talented and valued employees in our industry.
This year's award winners are Ms Bo Ritson of Kitchwin Hills Stud (HTBA Employee of the Year – Administration) and Mr Nigel Bentley of Arrowfield Stud (HTBA Employee of the Year – Horsemanship).
2019 HTBA Employee of the Year (Administration) Award winner - Ms Bo Ritson of Kitchwin Hills Stud. Bo Ritson has been a valued and critical member of the Kitchwin Hills Stud for nearly two decades.
Bo Ritson's role,at Kitchwin Hills Stud is expansive, covering many aspects of running the farm. She is an instrumental part of running the Kitchwin operations, considered the glue that binds the organisation. Her contribution and her achievements are invaluable.
Bo has been a dedicated and loyal employee of the Kitchwin Hills Stud who has added value to the company's operations and demonstrated exceptional skills and loyalty for some 18 years. Bo approaches every day at Ktichwin Hills with enthusiasm and dedication. She is indefatigably hardworking and no challenge has ever been too big or too hard. Every member of the Kitchwin Hills team relies on her experience, judgment and guidance.
Bo is also highly valued by Kitchwin Hills' clients with whom she regularly engages – including .at the sales and in her smooth running of the Kitchwin Hills Marquee ensuring everyone's needs are met and their experience a fulfilling one.
Ms Bo Ritson is a highly valued member of the Kitchwin Hills team who has demonstrated exceptional skills and devotion and added significant value to the Kitchwin Hills company over nearly two decades.
2019 HTBA Employee of the Year (Horsemanship) Award winner - Mr Nigel Bentley of Arrowfield Stud. Nigel has been a senior staff member at Arrowfield for 12 years and is recognised and valued by his peers and colleagues as "a wonderful horseman", "totally committed to every horse in his care", "a fantastic work ethic" and "his wise counsel is sought by both senior and junior staff". These are the qualities that have enabled Yass-born Nigel to progress through a series of diverse roles from schoolboy trackwork rider & horse educator to his current position as Assistant Operations Manager at Arrowfield Stud.
Nigel's natural affinity for horses was nurtured throughout his childhood by his father Kel, a successful horse-breaker and trainer. After leaving school, Nigel began work educating young horses at Widden Stud. During his seven years at Widden he progressed to Yearling Manager and accepted a short-term opportunity to educate horses for major owner Domeland in China - an experience that sparked Nigel's enthusiasm for mentoring and training young staff.
Nigel joined Arrowfield in 2007 as a horse educator following three years at Shipton Lodge and a season in the United States, Nigel quickly advanced to the role of Foreman at the Arrowfield Training Centre, and in 2014, was appointed Manager of the Arrowfield Broodmare Farm. Nigel performed these roles seamlessly, consistently achieving high standards of horse care & management, and effective communication with staff and clients alike. His lifelong equine experience, patience and affinity, especially with young horses and difficult mares, as well as his ability to teach novice staff has made him a key member of Arrowfield's Stud Management team. Today Nigel is Assistant Operations Manager responsible for the smooth running of the Arrowfield's business, encompassing 2500 acres, 11 stallions including reigning Champion Sire Snitzel, more than 300 broodmares and their foals and, in 2019, yearlings sold for a total of almost $34 million.
Arrowfield Chairman John Messara AO highly praises Nigel's talents and skills. "Nigel is an exceptional horseman, thoroughly reliable and amazingly versatile when it comes to horses. His equine skills are complemented by his ability to manage and mentor young horse-people, and to liaise effectively with other managers and stud clients. That's why he was the best candidate for the vacancy in our Operations team and he's proved to be a standout in that role"
The HTBA congratulates Ms Bo Ritson and Mr Nigel Bentley for their exceptional contributions to the Hunter's Thoroughbred Breeding Industry.
The HTBA Employee of the Year (Administration) Award 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 Hunter Thoroughbred Breeding Industry.
The HTBA Employee of the Year (Horsemanship) Award recognises 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.
