Deane Lowcay

Equine Manager (Te Akau Stud)

Deane Lowcay is Equine Manager at Te Akau Stud and a highly valued member of the team. The variety of the role is one of the reasons he enjoys it: no two days are the same, and his work ranges from professional care of spelling racehorses to foal handling and assisting with young horses during their early education.

A central responsibility for Deane and his team is ensuring that every horse spelling at Te Akau Stud receives the time, care and environment it needs. The goal is for each racehorse to return to the Matamata stables in strong physical condition and a positive frame of mind, ready for the next stage of its preparation.

Deane has been involved with horses throughout his life and has been riding for as long as he can remember. He was New Zealand Cutting Horse Association Hi Point Champion Youth on the Western circuit, an achievement that eventually took him to the United States, where he travelled and competed before returning to New Zealand.

His experience with thoroughbreds has continued to expand his horsemanship. Deane values the constant learning involved in horse care, from treatment and handling to breaking in and the individual needs of each horse. He believes every horse has something to teach the people working with it and brings that approach to the team each day.

Deane was named Te Akau Team Member of the Quarter in 2020. He values being surrounded by people who want to grow and improve and describes Te Akau as a team where colleagues help one another elevate their skills to the next level.