From pony beginnings to a career in Standardbreds, Sarah is an integral part of the Breckon Farms team. We caught up with her to hear how it all started, what she loves most about her role, who her favourite Breckon horses are – and to find out more about the ‘super naughty’ yearling who’s now a rising star in the show ring.
How did you first get involved in the Standardbred industry?
I’ve always loved horses but was a bit of a late starter, getting my first pony at 13 years old. My family aren’t horsey at all, but when I finished school, I knew I wanted to work with horses full time. I was looking for a job when I stumbled across a Facebook post advertising a yearling prep position at Breckon Farms. I didn’t know much about the breed at the time, but I very quickly learned – and realised they were very, very different to my little pony at home! I had so much fun that I returned for another six yearling prep seasons before coming on board full time.
What is your role at Breckon Farms?
With my role at Breckon Farms, I do a bit of everything which I love. From weanlings and yearlings to everyday farm jobs. My favourite time of the year though is definitely foaling!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy many things about my role here, but definitely the variety of jobs we get to do – it’s pretty cool. I’ve learnt so much, and no day is ever the same.
What is your favourite horse on the property at present at Breckon Farms?
This is such a hard question!! But it would definitely have to be Regal Volo – and a very, very close second is High Gait. They both love cuddles and lots of treats… but don’t tell Nigel that!
My favourite Breckon-bred horse racing at the moment would have to be Bet N Win W – because how can you not like him!?! He’s doing so well in Australia, and we love following him. When he was a yearling, he also loved cuddles and treats – he was the one everyone wanted to lead.
Tell us a little about Willow Bay and your ventures together.
Willow Bay was in our 2018/2019 yearling draft. Funny enough, I never actually liked him as a yearling, he was pretty big and super naughty. He returned back here to the farm about three years ago, and I couldn’t believe how much he had matured.
Wills has done heaps with us now, from hacking to jumping. He’s had very limited outings in the show ring, but in the short time he’s competed, he’s done unbelievably well. He qualified for Horse of the Year in two shows and came away within the top 4 in all his classes. He’s an absolute dude and we love him.
What do you think defines 'the Breckon-bred difference'?
I think there are many things that define a Breckon-bred horse, but it comes down to the start they get. All of the horses bred here are given the best possible start and are handled with such care.
What part of the Breckon Farms operation are you most proud to be part of – and why?
I think there are many parts to be proud of. Ken and Karen really look after us and treat the whole team like family - and we can’t thank them enough for that. Also, watching the horses go on to do well on the track is pretty cool, knowing that you gave them the best start you could have.
SOCIAL FEED
Stay up to date with the latest on our Facebook page.