Born and raised on a dairy farm in the heart of Taranaki, but based in Cambridge since 2021, Monica joined the team a little over a year ago.
She never wanted to be a farmer when she grew up, and choose to study mechanical engineering at Waikato University, but she’s here now and loving life on a horse farm.
She got her start in the industry mucking out boxes at a racing stable and worked her way from the ground up to strapping on race day.
She then made the jump from racing stable to foaling night watch in 2023 and fell in love with stud life.
Monica likes learning new skills and then never doing them again (see knitting, crochet, jewellery making, etc) and is probably watching Criminal Minds again!
Where does your passion for horses come from? My grandfather loved horses, he grew up with them on the farm and bred and raced trotters as a side project. I got my love and respect for horses from him, although the horse gene skipped my father so I was never allowed one growing up. That didn’t stop me from trying though!
How did you get started in the thoroughbred industry? I had not long graduated from university when covid happened and I wanted a reset. I wanted to work outside and with animals, but I’d had enough of milking cows by then. I took a temporary job mucking out stables at Pike Racing, but I got hooked on the thoroughbreds and never looked back.
What is your favourite part about working at Wentwood Grange? The team, they’ve been so welcoming and ready to share their knowledge, but they also listen to new suggestions. It makes for such a great atmosphere.
What is your favourite time of year? I love autumn, especially in the Waikato. There are these beautiful frosty mornings with lovely clear days. Everything is starting to slow down for the winter, and it just makes me appreciate the good weather before it gets cold and rainy. It’s a good time to reset and think about the next year coming.
What is your proudest moment or best memory since you started with Wentwood Grange? I love watching the foals grow up and learn to be horses. From foal handling to yearling prep, they learn so much and I love that I get to be a part of teaching them.
Do you have a favourite broodmare? Thinkyoucandance was an immediate stand out when I started, but I also like So You Merge, Our Turn and Sutphin Boulevard.
Who is someone that inspires you? My mum, she works so hard and doesn’t know how to slow down (Mum, if you’re reading this; book a massage!) .
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Fillies or Colts? Fillies
If you could sit down and have a drink with any three people (alive or passed) who would you choose? My grandad, I’d love for him to see how far I’ve come and just chat with him again. My best friend, because we are both terrible at keeping in touch, and Jack Black because I think it’d be fun.
Do you have any hobbies outside of work? I love to curl up with a hot chocolate and a good book.
If someone approached you eager to enter to thoroughbred industry, what words of wisdom would you have for them? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People are willing to teach you if you are willing to learn. You don’t need to be perfect but a good work ethic and a willingness to learn will get you a long way.
