This is a short Q & A with an industry person to gain a little more insight into who they are…. for this month's “Under the Radar” we talk to North Island Foster Foal co-ordinator Philip Smyth
What is your industry involvement and how did you become involved
I had equestrian background beginning with Pony Club then this continued to show jumping. My brother and I decided to go breeding the sales and purchased a couple weanlings and that was the beginning of a family interest that involved my parents also. Ray Johnston and Terry Wenn trained them for us and it grew from there. Then I become involved in breeding when I purchased a broodmare On Jabbar (Pompeii Court x Bon Nuit) from Brighthill Farm and this lead to an involvement in the Waikato Branch of the NZTBA. Bon Nuit still resides on my farm as a 27 year old retire.
Who is the best horse you have had involvement with?
Strapped for Cash – 11 race winner whom I bred, owned and raced with family
What is the one thing you would rather pay someone to do rather than do yourself ?
HOUSEWORK!
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was secondary school champion for long jump and nearly qualified for 1973 Christchurch Commonwealth Games (I lacked a bit of leg!)
What is something that amazes you?
That good horses can come from anywhere – no rhyme or reason
Who has had the most impact on your life?
Nobody!
What is the most unusual place you have ever visited?
The Kremlin - Moscow
What is the hardest part of your job?
Getting peoples contact details which are very important to the Foster Foal Service
Name your first pet and what was it?
Cat called Vera (as in Duckworth) – a black and white moggy
Name one item you can’t leave home without?
Alcohol
The strangest thing you believed as a child?
Now I am the owner of a Gold Card I can’t remember that far back!
What piece of art have you seen that you have never forgotten?
The Greek ruins – Crete
