Hannover Lodge is a thriving thoroughbred facility based in Wilberforce, an hour out of Sydney, NSW, close to all the major city tracks. Owned and run by Hinnerk Hueppe, who named the farm as a tribute to his birthplace Hannover, Germany.
As you enter the driveway you wouldn’t be mistaken thinking that the farm was a long established facility. With around 100 horses being cared for on any given day Hannover Lodge first opened for business in June 2017.
The farm is nestled on an undulating 120 acres, dedicated to “preparing the elite racehorse” offering pre-training, breaking-in, rehabilitation and spelling.
Happy horses are always better athletes and the team prides themselves on the level of care and attention paid to each horse that comes onto the property.
Hinnerk started his horse training as a young boy, competing in showjumping at high level in Germany. After finishing school he continued to ride but went on to complete a Business Economics degree as well as a butchers’ apprenticeship, the family trade. He worked with his parents' business gaining valuable insight into logistics, procedures and human relations.
Hinnnerk came to Australia and worked at Oaks Sport Horses, the elite breeding facility as well as riding track work at Wild Oaks pre-training facility where he evolved into a management position after several years. During this period he developed a keen interest in the training and managing of young bloodstock. His hunt for knowledge to find the best ways to develop a top racehorse saw him move to Scone for a racing manager position, where he worked with his first successful Ready to Race draft for the Inglis sales.
Having a natural eye for a quality horse and spending the time to develop a strong network has meant he’s been fortunate enough to be involved in the selection and purchase of some great horses.
He maintains an active interest in the selection and purchase of quality bloodstock, from yearlings through to trying horses for his clients, with the intention of spending more time on this particular aspect in the future.
A key initiative for Hinnerk is to acquire a second property within the next five years, to set up a dedicated rehabilitation facility to offer his clients a comprehensive service.
2020 has seen Hannover lodge have it’s busiest breaking-in season yet. And for the third year running, the farm will present a draft at the Inglis Ready to Race sale at Warwick farm in October.
ROMANY LEE - STABLE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
Romany joined Hanover Lodge in 2019. She currently is responsible for the day-to-day, as well as recruiting staff. Rom has worked with horses most of her life and incidentally lived in the Hawkesbury 20yrs ago for her first ever grooming job. From there she went on to groom in South Korea and the USA.
Deciding then to go to University she was accepted into acting school at Queensland University of Technology, graduating in 2006 and then went on to do a Graduate Certificate in Producing for Film and TV at the Australian Film Television and Radio School in 2011.
Having worked in the film and the horse industries Rom has a wide variety of experience in transactions between horses and people.
Both film and horses are her passion and she is often undecided on how to meld the two! Rom rides her own horses competitively and is passionate about developing young horses for racing and equestrian sports.
CAITLIN HAGAN - APPRENTICE
Caitlin came to work at Hannover Lodge in February 2019. A new High School graduate, Caitlin is the youngest member of the team. Having ridden horses in Eventing discipline for most of her life, she is truly passionate about horses and has produced two off the track thoroughbreds for equestrian careers.
Caitlin works as one of the managers and is responsible for the coming and going of horses, vet care, rehabilitation management, presentation of the horses, guiding the support staff and now adding riding to her list of duties at the farm, she is now doing an apprenticeship with Hannover Lodge to gain her track riding license and Certificate III in Stablehand.
Caitlin continues to ride competitively, with a passion for the thoroughbred horse. She wants to expand her knowledge and experiences in the racing industry to one day own and run a place like Hannover Lodge!
SCOTT MARTIN - FARRIER
Originally from the Hawkesbury region, Scott did his apprenticeship with the Inghams at the historic Belmont Park in North Richmond. He then went on and did five years working with a team of farriers at Rosehill shoeing for Chris Waller and Team Hawke’s. Scott now works independently in the Hawkesbury shoeing Thoroughbreds for a number of trainers and pre-training farms. Scott has been with Hannover lodge from the beginning, remembering there was only two horses on his list!
When not shoeing horses Scott enjoys working his campdrafting horses and spending time with his young family. His dream is to one day own a cattle station.
PETER BECK - DENTIST
Peter Beck and his team who are members of the Equine Dental Association of Australia visit Hannover Lodge regularly to ensure quality dental care to all our horses.
ALLAN FROGLEY - VET
Dr Allan Frogley BVSc (Hons), MRCVS:
Dr Allan Frogley has been working in the racetrack practice for over 20 years across Warwick Farm, Randwick and Rosehill areas. Allan and his team of accomplished veterinarians are some of the trusted vets who ensure high quality treatment for our horses.
Allan was born in Lismore, Northern NSW. Son of veterinary surgeon Jack Frogley, Allan learnt his love of horses and veterinary science from his influential father. He rode as an apprentice jockey as a young man and after graduating from the University of Queensland in 1982 he spent five years working in the UK. On returning to Australia in 1988 Allan soon established Warwick Farm Equine Centre in 1991. Allan is a racehorse owner and racing enthusiast. Allan, along with Kate Robson and Ruth Melbourne are some of the trusted vets who ensure high quality treatment for our horses.
