“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
The HTBA is proud to honour three outstanding employees with exemplary skills in administration, horsemanship and this year’s inaugural award for leadership in our industry.
The 2021 HTBA Employee of the Year (Administration) Award winner is Ms Amanda Pettman, of Arrowfield Stud. Amanda has shown that even without a prior background in breeding or racing, by applying her initiative, enthusiasm, dedication and determination she has become an integral and valued member of the Arrowfield stud administration team.
Amanda is a multi-skilled self-starter with a passion for horses. Following her love of horses she forged her own career path jumping in the deep end as a 16 year old school leaver she educated and pre-trained young horses before doing a 2 year stint “doing everything” at Mapperly Stud in New Zealand.
For over a decade Amanda has demonstrated her talents and proficiency in handling all aspects of stud administration at the Arrowfield stud, from stallion nomination contracts to vet reports, ownership declarations, traceability requirements and, in addition to administration duties, helping the farm veterinary team. She has been an early adapter of technology, applying her skills to stud sales and contract systems. Amanda loves a challenge and in her words “you never stop learning, and the benefits to clients are almost instantly obvious”.
Amanda personifies the values and skills of an employee who thrives in our industry and loves working with others. “It’s a strong network of great people and we work very well together, whether its slotting mares in for service, completing paperwork, organizing transport or communicating with owners. We all want to get the job done and done well.”
The HTBA is proud to present Amanda Pettman with the 2021 HTBA Employee of the Year (Administration) Award, sponsored by OAS Technology.
2021 HTBA Employee of the Year (Horsemanship) Award winner is Mr Michael Harris of Widden Stud. Michael is a veteran of the industry with over 30 years experience. For the past 14 years he has worked at Widden preparing and caring for equine champions such as 2015 Horse of the Year Dissident, 2010 Caulfield Guineas winner Anacheeva and other champion sires including Northern Meteor, Stratum, Sebring and Zoustar. Michael also prepared Widden’s first $1 million yearling, My Moccasin/Encosta Delago at the 2008 Inglis Easter Sale. Michael is now a key part of the Widden dry mare team caring for the likes of Solar Charges, Diana’s Secret and Vezalay, to name a few.
Prior to coming to Widden, Michael had a demonstrated track record working with champion racehorses, including Ha Ha and Blackfriars at Collingrove Stud and Polar Express, Savabeel and Lotteria at Baramul Stud.
It is not by chance that Michael has worked with many champion horses. His talent in horsemanship is outstanding. His calm demeanour and understanding of horses, and his ability to read each individual horses’ needs and motivations is extraordinary. Michael’s passion for the industry also extends to the race track through his breeding, and successes to date, of Royal Tudor and The Bopper.
Michael’s special talents are not limited to horses. He brings the same calm, good humour and good spirit to all around him, enabling his colleagues to learn from his valuable experience.
The HTBA is proud to present Michael Harris with the 2021 HTBA Employee of the Year (Horsemanship) Award, sponsored by Galloping Group.
2021 HTBA Employee of the Year (Inaugural) Leadership Award winner is Ms Liesl Baumann.
It is fitting that the Inaugural HTBA Employee of the Year Leadership award is presented to the outstanding Liesl Baunmann, who was and continues to be mentored by another great leader, and this year’s Presidents Award recipient, Wayne Bedggood.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Equine) degree with distinction, Liesl joined the Cressfield team in 2006. For the past 15 years Liesl has demonstrated her exemplary skills and leadership talents progressing from yearlings to Broodmare Manager to become Cressfield’s Operations Manager in 2014, second in command to Wayne.
Liesl’s thirst for knowledge, commitment to continuous development, support, training and mentoring staff and her dedication to the smooth operation of Cressfield, particularly while Wayne served on the Upper Hunter Shire Council for eight years, as councilor and then mayor, has distinguished her not only as an invaluable member of staff but as a valued and respected member of the Cressfield family.
Liesl is results driven, dedicated to striving for excellence in all aspects of her work and for all people who have the pleasure to work with her. She has displayed the leadership qualities that are valued and much sought after by our industry.
The HTBA is very proud to present Liesl Baumann with the inaugural 2021 HTBA Employee of the Year Leadership Award, sponsored by Morgan-English Partnership.
The HTBA congratulates Ms Amanda Pettman, Mr Michael Harris and Ms Liesl Baumann for their exceptional contributions to the Hunter’s Thoroughbred Breeding Industry and thanks our sponsors OAS Technology, the Galloping Group and Morgan-English Partnership for their valued support.
