Robyn Hirst

Relevant education:
Massey University BSc Animal Science, M.AgriScience Equine Studies, Massey Scholar
Thesis: Seasonal Variation of Pasture Quality on Commercial Equine Farms in NZ (2011)
Published author/co-author in many Dairy Science and Equine Nutrition articles

Robyn comes from a rural background, (formerly North Wairarapa sheep and beef farm), and has dairy farming experience and a NZ Certificate in Artificial Insemination.

Robyn has 20+ years-experience in R&D/Product Development (Dairy Science) combined with Area and Key account sales management (Veterinary Pharmaceutical/Equine & ruminant nutrition) and more recently Quality Management and Advanced HACCP training, development of Quality Systems to cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) standard. Robyn specialises in diet formulation for both ruminant and equines, diet assessment and providing advice on pasture and crop science relevant to the NZ pastoral system.

Robyn is also a horse breeder with 20+ years-experience breeding dressage horses and is a Level F ESNZ Dressage Judge.

Some 25 years ago, Robyn learnt to ride as an adult and over the years has competed in Eventing, Dressage, Showing (including HOY titles) and CTR competitive trail riding.

Robyns’ current team of equines include: V Dub HSH (Voltaire II - Kingfisher Mill mare), Total Aurora (Totaurum K x Furstin Feliciana), CF Teddy Bear (Crossiebeg Brennan x Primitive Rising mare) and an exciting Bellario foal due in the spring of 2022 from dressage performance mare All Fun (Anamour), in a breeding partnership. Robyn also has also dabbled in race horse breeding/ownership.

When not around horses or working in the Fiber Fresh business, Robyn is an avid gardner, growing flowers, roses and all bulbs, and recently established a Truffiere growing Holm Oaks and Hazelnut trees inoculated with black perigold truffles.

With the change in ownership of Fiber Fresh in 2019, Robyn made the move north from her home of 25 years in the Manawatu, to take up a lead technical role based at the Reporoa Office, focussed on quality systems and technical market support.

Robyns’ nutrition philosophy - “Get the fibre right and the rest will follow - Fiber Fresh is an iconic NZ brand and every horse and calf deserves to have it in their feed bowl every day!”