I was born in the USA and moved to Ipswich as a young girl. I have always had a passion for horses. I gained knowledge and experience in horsemanship through working in a variety of disciplines within the industry since 1980.

Over the years, I have continued to develop my passion for imparting that knowledge and skill of horsemanship. Since starting the business, I have provided instructional courses for Ipswich High School, West Moreton Anglican College and the Bundamba TAFE. To formalise and further my education, I have earned a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, and recently graduated with an Applied Science degree in Animal Studies from the University of Queensland.

Wayne Hingst (in Queensland) gave me a start in my career through his encouragement and his forthright approach to sharing his information and years of experience in training horses. Through Wayne and his associates, I was introduced to Australian training methods, camp drafting and rodeo, trail riding and riding schools in Australia.  I was especially fortunate to travel for a number of years with the Gill Brothers (giving demonstrations of ‘Lady Buck-jump Riding’) throughout Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.  Thanks to the generosity of so many people both in Australia and in the United States, I have enjoyed the opportunities to expand my mind, to meet people, and to appreciate the Australian way of life.

The Australian ethos was to look ‘overseas’ for inspiration. Happily, this attitude is changing as Australians have had a close relationship with horses for 200 years. There is a good deal of corporate knowledge and experience within this country.

I travelled in North America between 1986 and 1991 where I had many opportunities to gain experience in horse management, riding, riding schools, and training methodology. Some of the people I am thankful to are the Sauvignons (in California) and Pat Deptford (in British Columbia) whose competition stables specialise in dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Likewise, I value my time working with John van Dongen (in BC), who breeds and trains Dutch Warmbloods and Halflingers; The Lipizzan Stallion Show which travels through the USA; and working for internationally acclaimed trainer and educator, Pat Parelli.

Besides riding and training techniques, I have studied horseshoeing, veterinary practices, and riding-school operations. I found that riding schools tended towards elitism, to the exclusion of the layperson.

There was a lack of support for riders who wanted to enjoy their horses, the so-called ‘pleasure riders’, and novice horse owners, especially adults. Similarly, riding schools did not provide the underpinning knowledge and skills, which develop safety and confidence. This was one of the driving factors behind the establishment of The Willing Horse - School of Horsemanship in 1991.

My business reflects this holistic approach to horses and people. Age, gender, ability or lack of ability; there should be no barrier to anyone who wants to try horsemanship.

The Willing Horse provides lessons in safe horse management, riding and training to novice and experienced riders, whether they own a horse or not, in a structured program that is tailored to meet the individual’s needs. The Willing Horse also provides a range of services including ‘party ponies’ for social events through to horse training, problem-solving and re-education.

Mission Statement

The Willing Horse’s objective is to provide safe yet robust horsemanship experiences and structured educational opportunities in an appropriately relaxed, and social, country atmosphere.

Years of experience has resulted in my firm belief that no one knows it all. Learning from and with horses can continue for life.