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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
