Stud Staff Award July 2008 - Miss Toni Spatcher

Miss Toni Spatcher, Manager of Stud & School Farm, The Elms, Worcestershire

The Elms School dates back to 1614 and is the oldest school in the country on its original site. The school has a band of six flat bred broodmares and has bred a number of winners including Elms School Girl & Elms School Boy.

Toni Spatcher has been employed at The Elms for 9 years, and during this time she has become an invaluable member of staff. She is in charge of the schools small farm enterprise and overseas all aspects of the care of mares, foals and school ponies, with very little experienced assistance. Spatcher has also successfully fostered an orphan foal and her practical approach has resulted in prompt action to avert potential disasters during the foaling season.

Headmaster of The Elms, Clive Ashby, who nominated Spatcher for the Award, describes Spatcher as a hard working individual who is totally dedicated to the wellbeing of the horses in her care. In addition to this her commitment to laying the foundation for a genuine interest in racing and breeding in the pupils at the school, helps to ensure a secure future for the Thoroughbred industry.