Te Akau's Top Team

It's time to meet another of Te Akau's top team members - we are only as successful as the horses we train and the people who make up Te Akau!

Team member AJ Lepage took a chance on the equine industry two years ago and has never looked back. The 18 year old Thames native left school and was keen to learn a trade that would put him on a career path that he enjoyed.

“We moved around with my Dad's job a lot and we were living in Pukekohe. I saw the Equine Industry training and thought I'd give it a go,” says AJ.

“I learned a lot and especially enjoyed learning how to ride and the natural horsemanship.”

As part of his work experience in the program, AJ spent time with New Zealand Bloodstock during sales. It was during this work experience that a fellow student told him if he was looking for work he would like Matamata.

“She said it's a good training centre with big stables that could teach me more and I would have a chance to move up. Of course I wanted to learn from the best, so I applied with Te Akau and was happy to get a job. That was a year ago,” says AJ.

“Jason, Steve, Corrina and Tommy are awesome, they've taught me so much and don't mind all my questions. My goal is to do more riding and be senior staff like them one day.”

AJ also enjoys the travel that he gets in as he accompanies the horses to the races around the North Island.

“It's a bonus that I get to travel to places I've never been before and have the experience at the races and the responsibility of looking after such nice horses. I've led up Aspen and Spellbinder at the races. They are my two favourites around the stables at home, and of the two year olds, I like Lillian (Irish Mystic).”

AJ spent some time at the NZB sales this year as a spectator and is looking forward to meeting the 43 new recruits.

“It's exciting to work with the young horses and try to pick the next champion.”

Story and photo credit - Stacey Bridgman