Photo: Supplied
The 2022 Keith & Faith Taylor Equine Scholarship has been awarded to a young industry participant from a family ingrained in the fabric of the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding industry.
George Chittick, who turns 19 on Sunday, is the third generation of his family from the renowned Waikato Stud to pursue a career with horses.
The scholarship will support Chittick to travel to Ireland in January next year to complete the internationally recognised Irish National Stud Diploma course. He will then return to do a six-month tenure at Trelawney Stud.
“I’m very honoured to be given this scholarship and the opportunity to head over to Ireland early next year,” Chittick said. “I’ll get to see the other side of the world and another side of the horse industry.
“I’m really looking forward to learning over there, especially about reproduction and pedigrees.”
It will be Chittick’s first trip to Europe, and his first solo adventure, with the young breeding enthusiast looking forward to taking the next step in his career.
“I’ve always had a love of horses,” he said. “After finishing school last year I had a bit of time at University but found out it wasn’t for me.
“I made the decision to come home and learn as much as I can, we have a great team and great horses at the moment.
“I’ve been focussing on the dry mares this season and it is awesome, I’m absolutely loving it.
“My passion is definitely in the breeding industry and my main goal is to eventually come back and run Waikato Stud, to keep it going as successfully as it already is. I love being a part of it.”
New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association chief executive Justine Sclater said while the calibre of applicants was high, Chittick stood out due to his maturity and focus on contributing to the breeding industry long-term.
“George is probably one of the youngest recipients we have ever sent on the Irish National Stud Scholarship,” Sclater said.
“He is a very deserving recipient that I have no doubt will represent us well and return to New Zealand to forge a successful career in the breeding industry.”