In this week's BetaVet NZ Under the Radar we chat with NZTR Welfare Coordinator Alice Riggins. Alice plays a crucial role in the success of NZTR's Acknowledged Retrainers and has a strong understanding and involvement with NZTR's welfare initiatives.
What is your role?
I work at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing in the role of Thoroughbred Welfare Coordinator. I‘m from the UK and come from an equestrian/eventing background having previously worked as a competition groom up to 5 star and Olympic level alongside producing my own horses. I initially moved to New Zealand to study at Massey University. My introduction to the thoroughbred world came when working for Hayfields racing in Melbourne during the university holidays. From there I was fortunate enough to secure a role at NZTR. This role has developed and now has a strong thoroughbred welfare focus and in particular provides oversight in the support provided to thoroughbreds in their lives after racing.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day to day role is incredibly varied. Amongst other things I work with NZTR’s Acknowledged Retrainers network, work with post-racing sponsorship initiatives and give the assistance provided by NZTR where a thoroughbred is found to be in a state of neglect. I am also NZTR’s appointed Trustee to the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I love seeing thoroughbreds move onto successful second careers and demonstrating how well educated, adaptable, versatile, and generally willing to give stuff a go they are.
What part of your job would you delegate if you could?
It’s a crucial part of NZTR’s support role and though thankfully rare, seeing horses who need NZTR’s assistance due to any type of neglect is very hard. On the flip side, seeing them improve and condition and watching some of them go on to have successful, third or even fourth careers is hugely rewarding.
What is your proudest moment as a breeder?
I’ve only just bred my first ever thoroughbred so I’m not sure If I can crown a proudest moment just yet. However, I’ve really enjoyed watching our foal develop and grow up and it’s been a brilliant learning experience thanks to all the industry professionals who’ve helped us along the way.
Finish this sentence - The best thing about the thoroughbred breeding industry is… The breadth and depth of opportunities available. It’s incredible to be able to turn your passion into a career that can take you in so many different directions with opportunities to travel all over the world.
