Moonbah Performance Horses

10/12/2025

I love the idea that horses should move as though they are listening to music – moving and shaping themselves with creativity according to what they hear and interprets. At face level we can think of things like rhythm and cadence, but I think it can dive deeper into the individuality of each horse and rider.

A quick search tells me there is 8 elements to music: dynamics, form, harmony, melody, rhythm, texture, timbre and tonality. Theory on this topic will tell you each piece of music is a little like a recipe – a chef adding their own personal flair to a dish – every musician will use different elements of music to ‘flavour their musical dish to suit their taste and personal style’.

We as riders have a “feeling” we strive for. We hear footfalls in different ways, idealise rhythms at different tempos, layer form and power in different ways. We are artists who shape horses according to our own style. In the same way our horses have a natural way of going according to their conformation, biomechanics, upbringing and so on. They learn to adapt along the way to injuries, environmental changes, rider swaps and navigating their way around other roadblocks like saddlery and body changes as they develop or perhaps age.

Every horse I sit on has their own song they dance to. I build my own flair into their song, and often I will also integrate their flair into my song. That song is an ever-developing piece of music that tells a tale of the journey, both past, present and future. Some will always be steady, clear in rhythm and confidence in dynamic but not over the top. Some will be chaotic in form for quite some time, before finding order, a calm arrangement and consolidation into an orderly piece of music. And sometimes, we will come across horses who seem to be still discovering their genre. They might be like Hustler, learning how to use a ‘changed’ body post injury in a new way. They are a curious soul who overachieves in their body, gets it right sometimes, and scares themselves in others, but continues to explore and develop themselves. The curious soul is a precious one, and a sign that the body is continuing to consolidate.

What is your horse’s song like?

07/12/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐔𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭

We have a lot to thank our early horses for. Of course, I mean that in how we have defined our love for our horses and the sport, but also so much deeper than that. Whether we realise it or not, they have likely become our textbooks to training, friendship and life. Every horse has contributed to the development of our ‘textbook’.

Our early horses can be those who took our hand and showed us the way as children, or those who carried us as we began to specialise and start our careers. As we develop and grow together, we begin to approach partnerships differently, refine our feeling, and acquire our own way of responding to complications, feelings and fears.

All our horses vary in personality and physical needs, so they all contribute differently. Our firecrackers teach us the art of timing, and patience without taking mistakes personally. Those we come across who arrive quiet and shut down teach us the value of softness, and the careful process of opening up personality in our dance partners. The ones who are a little battered and bruised teach us compassion as we learn to navigate the complexities of the equine body, and perhaps show us a way other than to blame bad behaviour. They showed forgiveness as we learned what was right and wrong, and allowed us many chances as we found better ways of doing things.

Our early horses have shaped our bodies, our balance, our instincts and our empathy. They have imprinted lessons on us that we will carry forever in our lives, both on a horse and in our lives away from the horses. I would say these horses are often the reason we train and communicate the way we do today. The way we search for connection, softness and understanding. The feeling we strive for as a sense of normalcy and security.

Who are my beautiful early teachers? There are so many, but I have to give thanks to my horses I had in my teenage years as I learned to navigate not just my riding career, but the grand rollercoaster that is finding identity and setting off into life.

To Will, my Mum’s gentle giant who so carefully carried me around at 10 years old in the show ring, instilling in me what trust and communication equate to generosity and confidence, and showing what the world could be if you dreamed big enough. At the same time, my hand was held by Sian, our beautiful riding pony who offered me the opportunity to not just advance as a show rider, but in all disciplines I felt like. Which included having no mouth, so thank you to Sian for teaching me how brakes come from the core and not from the reins!

Then came along my Slide, who shared a rehabilitation journey with us first that delved into a lot of problem solving, creative thinking and patience. Slide was a marvellous teacher, and showed me the ropes of pretty much everything, but demanded respect – so I was once deposited in the sticky beaks as I (quickly) learnt how to be respectful when using aids and not using too much spur with too much hands! He also taught me much humility, and determination to beat odds – thanks to a judge at our first State Championships telling me he looked like a trail riding horse! So off we went to the drawing board at the young age of 13, hit the training hard, and returned to win the open class at Nationals 2 months later 💪🏼 after Slide retired, I was fortunate to share the ride on Jack, who, along with teaching me to have a velcro seat, opened my eyes to the reality horses don’t misbehave for no reason.

Our journey with Jack welcomed me to the world of dressage, as we tried to navigate his complex body, but ultimately taught me the grace of retirement when pushing forward was in human interest and not in the horse's. However, the silver lining was, that despite almost being deterred from unconventional breeds, this led me to the purchase of my heart horse and career maker, Hustler, at just 19 years old. Hustler is without a doubt the “horse that put you on the map”, my fairytale horse for the first 3 years of our journey together, and always my greatest teacher. In a sense, 5 years ago, Hustler's ultimate accident ended the fairytale ending to my malleable young rider years but launched me into exactly where I was meant to be - a coach, a compassionate horse person, and an advocate for advancing our knowledge and ability in rehabilitation and understanding the equine body at every availability. I continue to learn with my horses every single day, but I am so thankful to these horses who helped me navigate the difficult path of finding who you are, and what you want to do in life.

❤ tell me below, who are the horses that got you started, that perhaps were your greatest teachers all along?

07/12/2025

🎄 Just an early heads up on my availability over Christmas 🎄

As previous year clients will know, I like to take 2 weeks off over Christmas to ensure I can make the most of family time. I will be wrapping up teaching on 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, and will be back in business 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆. That's snuck up on me - less than 2 weeks to go!

🎅🏼 For current clients - now is the time to book in before the break, I know we have had a hot few weeks but I want to ensure we catch up before the break so you have holiday training plans!

🎁 Heading into the new year, I encourage any riders interested in booking lessons to contact me to discuss your goals, and make a plan to book you in (heads up - it may be in the new year but you never know your luck!).

I travel to areas including 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗻, 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴 (a rekindled run for 2026 - please support it), and am local to 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗖𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗸, 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 and surrounds.

Have a wonderful end of year, and I look forward to catching up with you all whether before Christmas or in the New Year 🎄🎄

24/11/2025

17/11/2025

🌟 Woodside Anakin – Still Seeking His Person 🌟

It’s been a little while since we first advertised Sooky, and in that time he’s had the absolute pleasure of spending a few weeks back with his owner now she is home. He has, of course, been his usual delightful self – happy, uncomplicated, and loving being everyone’s favourite boy in the paddock and the arena.

We’ve had some lovely enquiries, but we haven’t yet found the person who truly fits him – that someone who really connects with who he is: a kind, educated horse who thrives with a rider that wants to enjoy him, learn with him, and cherish him in the way he deserves. He can be a very competitive horse, but equally he will love learning and training at home with you - or heading out on a trail - just as much.

Sooky is now ready to continue the sale process, and we’re excited to see who he meets next. His price is negotiable to the very best of homes.

You can read Sooky’s full ad here: https://www.horsedeals.com.au/classifieds/item/horses/quorrobolong-nsw/ultimate-dressage-and-showjumping-schoolmaster-gelding-5503141758601206870?srsltid=AfmBOoomSHd-U6Qy4ZmWE2jiOe6j__IiYb5WoK6O8DrwAf_dUX6vg96m

He’s a very special horse, and we know his person is out there – maybe closer than we realise. If you’d like to chat about him, please reach out. 💛

14/11/2025

Looking forward to instructing at the Montana's Run Working Equitation training day on Sunday! Hope to see some of you there 🦄

Last MRWEQ training day of the year, this Sunday. We have Olivia Palfreyman and Deb Mills instructing for us. Group times and obstacle course will be emailed out Saturday morning. (Sorry it's been a hectic few weeks!). See you all soon!
** We have had 4 scratchings if there is any other member that wants to come we have some spots to fill. Last minute entries are opened back up!

31/10/2025

Checking back in after a bit of a social media hiatus! 👋🏼

This beautiful, quiet rainy morning felt like the perfect time to catch up and reflect on a rather busy few months - and make use of all those photos I love to collect! It’s been a busy stretch of competitions, coaching, and training, and I couldn’t be prouder of how both horses and riders have been tracking along.

➡️ Central Coast Dressage Championships saw Sarina (our Queen!) and I make our tailcoat debut and deliver a brilliant 4th place at Advanced, which was a real highlight.

➡️ H2H HOTY Working Equitation was another standout - we came home Champion Debutante F, and I had the absolute joy of competing alongside my mum and her lovely Skyview Trilogy. Not a whole lot more special than competing together.

➡️ I’ve also got photos still to share from the Hunter Working Equitation competition back in July, another win at Deb F which was fantastic.

➡️ I also had the pleasure of judging at the Hunter Valley All Breeds Hack Show last weekend, which was a fantastic day of quality competition. I always love judging - it’s such a great way to support our sport, and I love for myself how it continually refines my eye and process of assessing horses.

➡️ Training is now in full swing for the ANWE NSW State Championships next week, with Sarina entered in Deb F, and the boys team (Hustler, and Oscar and Mum) stepping out in Prep. Thrilled to have several of my students also taking part. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic week!

I have been thrilled to have my coaching schedule absolutely off the charts - which has been the real reason for my posting absence as all the reflecting, analysing and sharing has been happening there! It’s been a wonderful period of change for many horses and riders, as we consolidate on physical function and strength, and build up our own confident and mental well-being. The growth has been incredible to watch - inspiring in fact!

Looking forward to the next few weeks as we wrap up competitions for 2025, and hit my favourite summer training program ready for bigger and better goals in 2026. See you all around!

04/09/2025

🦄 Woodside Anakin – Ultimate Schoolmaster for the Dressage & Showjumping Arenas 🦄

➡ 16.2hh dark bay gelding by JC Solomon out of Isle of Norwich
➡ 17 years young (October 2008)
➡ exceptional education in the dressage and show jumping arenas – a genuine schoolmaster ready to show his next rider the ropes

Woodside Anakin, or “Sooky” as he is affectionately known, has been a muchly treasured part of the extended MPH team for several years. Sooky is the dream boat kind of horse – with movement, presence and temperament all on his side.

From a dressage perspective, Sooky has competed to Novice level and is confidently training through his Elementary work with a lot of aptitude to continue forward (changes well on their way!). With his young rider, Sooky has plenty of scores into the 70s. I highly rate his trainability – in a relatively short time being in work with me he has continued to go from strength to strength. I have no doubts if he were to stay in the program, or continue with a rider who could provide similar support, a Medium level start could be on the cards in the not-so-distance future. He really loves to work with you.

Sooky is equally a dream in the showjumping arena, having previously competed up to 1.15m with his former owners. More recently he has been the perfect stepping stone for his young rider, taking her through to competing 85cm despite limited competition opportunities due to study commitments. They have schooled 90-100cm at home very comfortably. Even I (despite refusing to jump any horse that doesn’t belong to me) have popped him over a few jumps and I was very impressed by how genuine and patient he was while I dusted off considerable rust!

Sooky has shown us to be same horse wherever you go, in whatever conditions you throw at him – he has done all our NSW major venues with ease, is easy to travel with, floats well and is delightful to handle. He has done official competitions, interschools, pony club, miles of trails and was even borrowed for the 2024 Police and Emergency Services Games – pretty much you name it, he has done it! He will suit most confident young riders, and is absolute AOR dream material. He is a safe and fun horse who is a joy to have around. I would describe him as the type of horse that takes care of his rider extremely well but still expects them to do their job – so the more confident and enthusiastic you are about doing your job, the more he will give you in return.

This is a very sad sale, only due to his current rider’s time being limited with travel and study plans. He has so much to give another rider, and he just loves his job, so we want him to continue to have that opportunity. He has always been sound, healthy and low maintenance.

Sooky's fitted Erreplus Freestyle Dressage Saddle is available to purchase separately. Currently in full work with dressage coach (who is having far too much fun with Sooky!).

💰 price reduced to $20k
🎬 https://youtu.be/W6ck16W105g
📍 Quorrobolong NSW
📞 0438 137 231

02/09/2025

🌞 Back on the Road - September Lesson Runs 🌞

After all that rain (and wind), I'm very happy to be getting the show back on the road! My lesson days for the next month and ongoing are booked, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone (both familiar faces and new riders) out in the arena again. My availability has been limited lately, so it is a great chance to jump in while there are a few spots open.

Upcoming Areas:
➡ Quorrobolong / Mount Vincent / Mulbring
➡ Abernethy / Kearsley / Kitchener
➡ Clarence Town & surrounds (including Duns Creek & Maitland)
➡ Williamtown
➡ Singleton & Hunter Expressway corridor (Rothbury, Branxton, Greta, etc.)

For those who haven't met me yet - I am Olivia, a coach and rider specialising in dressage and working equitation, with a focus on biomechanics and wellbeing in the horse and rider partnership.

📩 Message to book your spot or find out more about routes and pricing.

19/08/2025

I find in the horse world that people love to use buzz words. The problem with buzz words is we get fixated on characterisation of fitting into these trends or practices or philosophies, and perhaps don’t actually delve into their origins, true characteristics or how they directly impact us in our unique circumstances.

I recall a conversation with a prospective client a couple of years ago and she was entirely fixated on which “school of dressage” and which “dressage master” do I follow in my training. My answer to her was, essentially, no one in particular. Of course I relate more heavily to some schools of thoughts and people than others, but in my opinion, we become good riders because we take pieces of information from many areas, analyse and experiment with them, and form our own idea based on what sits well with, and works well for, us.

My method of working with horses is unique to me, because it is an application of the information I have accessed and chosen to integrate into my work, and those I've chosen to leave behind, all based on my own unique life experiences and horses. Our methods are formed based on experimentation, growth, and finding our identity in the sport - meaning it is ever developing, and that things I reject now I may have integrated 5 or 10 years ago.

For instance, in my own circumstances, my training philosophies have been developed working with horses who often do not naturally carry the conformational traits that lend to modern dressage, whether by breeding or by injury. This means that to present my horses in the correct way of going, first must come a step of analysing the body and piecing together an understanding with the horse on how to utilise their bodies in particular ways, let go of postural traits that may hinder their development (and ultimately long term soundness), and become freer and more supple in their bodies.

I am a huge believer in coming to conclusions based on your own thoughts, experiences and understandings, and not to regurgitate information told to you as though it is black and white. We must write our own textbooks to training, and to that, there will be many editions as we grow as riders, meet new people, work with new horses and learn of new science and research.

11/08/2025

What can we learn from this relentless rain?

I think just like lockdown once taught me the valuable lesson that competitions should not define our training schedules or success, the rain has been teaching us another lesson lately.

The lesson I find is that progress does not always require an intense, perfectly planned program.

With the weather keeping our schedules inconsistent, our horses have been on lighter, less frequent training sessions. Yet... they continue to improve. In fact, I'd say they are more mentally fresh, more willing and more joyful in their work.

It is a good reminder that our role as riders and coaches isn't just to push for progress, but to foster it - to create space for our horses to stay mentally engaged, and for ourselves to avoid burnout. Sometimes the best thing we can give our training is a little breathing space, a little flexibility, and a little trust that we will remain on the right road.

07/08/2025

Not every lesson is about pushing forward.

Some of the most valuable lessons I ride in (and give) aren't about chasing something new - they are simply about recalibrating.

Yes, I am focused on education and advancement - developing my horses to higher levels, or diving into theory and biomechanics to grow my skills as a coach. But often the most important sessions I have are on horses working in territory I know really well, and I am not having the lesson to move up the training, I am having it to realign.

The reality is familiarity can turn into comfort, and comfort does quietly become stagnation, especially when working with a horse you've been on a rollercoaster with as we are just happy to find some peace and solidarity and are a little tentative to push forward in fear of losing that. So I set myself up for lessons to check in on that - they are not lessons to prove progress - but to reset, refocus and ask where to next from someone who can help me see it (thank you Closson Dressage for being those eyes on the ground and sounding board for me for many years).

I try hard to share this philosophy with my own clients, especially the ones who arrive to a lesson feeling a bit guilty because they haven't ridden much, or are ashamed they don't feel like they have progressed much since the last one. We can't always be on an uphill trajectory and we can't always know where the road is taking us next (or which road we should take).

But the truth is, there is no shame in being where we are, no matter where that place is. A good lesson isn't a test that you pass - it is support when you need it the most. Whether you are climbing the levels, stuck in a rut or trying to find your spark again - the support is there. You are allowed to show up when you just need a nudge, and a bit of loving support to get back home to riding for the joy again.