Who is the Gippy Equine Assistant?
My name is Adrienne Bicknell, I am 30 years of age and am lifelong horse lover, fortunate to have turned my passion into work
I have worked in a range of racing, breeding, breaking and performance horse roles over the past 15 years. My experience is as diverse as it is nuanced.
I have developed a particular passion for working with youngstock, and am especially fond of thoroughbreds. I have two off the trackers at home
Starting in Racing
Before I was even legally able to work, I was learning to handle horses at Mick Price Racing at Caulfield Racecourse on the weekends. I was the beneficiary of mentorship from some excellent horsepeople during this time, and looking back I believe this was the foundation of my love of youngstock; MPR is known for their excellent 2yo and 3yo racehorses.
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I continued to work in varying capacities at Caulfield for trainer Jim Mason, gaining skills in leadership, treating horses and truly appreciating the power of bonding with individual horses.
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After finishing high school I worked full time for Peter Moody and was fortunate to be in the stable during the end of Black Caviar's career. During my time there I was charged with treating horses with ultrasound and laser therapy.
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After time in other industry facets, I returned to work at Caulfeld for Henry Dwyer and Colin Scott. I was a valued team member attending trials and races in a solo capacity, running the treadmill program and leading afternoon shifts. For Colin Scott I attended yearling sales and ran his social media.
Breeding and Beyond
I spent some time out of racing and immersed myself in a year at Bombora Downs in Bittern, VIC. I came to terms with life and death quickly and learned to care for horses in a whole new way.
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It was during this period that I realised my passion truly lay in working with weanlings and yearlings - in particular the sales prep and going to Inglis Premier and the Gold sales. A particular highlight was doing the main prep work for our sales topper of 2017.
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More recently, I spent a year and half in a performance stable, eventually working as head groom. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about a new sport and care of elite equine athletes.
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Aside from launching Gippy Equine Assistant, I have commenced Thoroughbred Breeders Australia's 2024 Stud Start Program and am excited to learn as much as possible. Particulary as I have also purchased a weanling at Riverside in May to pinhook. You can keep up with my journey with 'Flip' in my blog.
