Haverstick Named Groom Of The Year

Greg 'Stick' Haverstick, a veteran groom working with trainer Colby Hubble’s Maryland-based stable, has been named 2011 Groom of the Year in the annual competition sponsored by Harness Tracks of America and Hanover Shoe Farms

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In nominating Haverstick, Hubble noted that while the stable has never had any award winners, Haverstick “treats every horse as if they’re champions.” Haverstick has worked for Hubble since the early ’90s, and his attention to detail and organization in addition to his knowledge of horses and dedication to his job, make him “more like a partner rather than an employee.” As evidence of Haverstick’s attention to detail, Hubble points out that when she had a string of horses stabled at Tioga Downs, HTA Director Jason Settlemoir would use Hubble’s barn as a backdrop for television interviews and tours because of the exceptional pains Haverstick took to ensure that the barn was “always immaculate.”

“In addition,” Hubble said, “Stick’s knowledge of soundness and ability to have an intelligent and beneficial conversation with a veterinarian or blacksmith is unequaled. Owners don’t hesitate to call him after a race to get his thoughts.” Stick also assists in recordkeeping, helping Hubble to make sure that all details of each horse’s care are properly recorded and billed.

Haverstick’s competence and work ethic are best summed up in a story Hubble relates: Haverstick was accompanying a horse from Ocean Downs to Freehold for a race. Haverstick was obviously not feeling well, but he insisted on making the trip, getting the horse tacked up, raced, and returned to Ocean Downs, all while Haverstick’s condition deteriorated. By the time he got the horse back into its stall, Haverstick was so ill that Hubble took him straight to the hospital, where he was admitted and treated. The next day, despite Hubble’s assurances that everything would be taken care of in his absence, “lo and behold, around lunchtime, here comes a taxi with Stick. He couldn’t wait to get a ride to the track... he had to make sure the horses were okay.”

The Groom of the Year judges, representing HTA and Hanover Shoe Farms, while singling Haverstick out as 2011’s Groom of the Year, appreciate such devotion in all of this year’s nominees, and note that the award is symbolic of the work ethic of grooms everywhere.

In addition to a $500 cash award, Haverstick will receive an original oil painting of himself with a horse he has worked with.

(HTA / Hanover Shoe Farms)