Who supported you in the early days?
My family have always supported me with my riding. My father shaped my riding in the early days, then as I grew older, my support network also grew. Although it is classified as an ‘individual sport’, I believe it is a team sport. My family and support network is my team.
What are some of the memories you look back on and smile about?
Jumping 7’2” in the high jump at Bega Show in the late 80’s with Phantom
Watching riders that we have helped
Competing in and winning a world cup qualifier
Competing and winning at Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide Royal shows
Winning leading rider or horse at agricultural shows
Starting young horses at their first event then watching them compete successfully in years to come
Breeding lovely horses, educating them, then competing them.
Watching my daughters compete in Showjumping, dressage and hacking
How did you get started in the industry and who inspired you?
I started riding horses as a very young child. My family grew up on the land, so livestock and horses were always part of my life. My father Gordon rode from a very young age, so he taught me and my brother from when we were very young. I started competitive riding in Moruya, NSW, being a member of the Moruya Pony Club, under the guidance of Rose Stuart.
Who do you look up to in the equestrian community and why?
There are many riders I look up to in the equestrian community – many showjumpers, but also some horse-men and women who compete in the sports of dressage, evening, hacking, carriage driving and others. Those I particularly look up to are the people who started and trained their own horses from scratch, as well as those riders who have competed at the top level of their field.
What Barastoc feeds are you currently using?
Calm Performer – riding school horses, breakers, some of the jumpers
Breed N Grow – Jumpers, mares and foals
Competitor – jumpers
All horses are fed Groom and electrolytes
What do you look back on and wish you had done differently – what advice do you have for other riders?
Sometimes not preparing the horses sufficiently for a competition – having them too fresh or full of feed or not commencing their work program early enough.
I advise having a good support team as this is essential for the enjoyment and success in any sport. Eg. Family, farrier, vet, feed advice (I rely on Craig Neale for advice when I have feeding issues).