Moonbah Performance Horses

13/04/2025

We are excited to be nearing our super horse clinic at the end of May! All bookings so far will be contacted and finalised this week, please book as soon as possible to secure your spot.

🦄 AQHA Traditional English Super Horse Clinic 🦄 - 31st May & 1st June - Somersby Paddock Indoor Arena (Somersby NSW)

We are SO excited to get our first AQHA English Clinic off the ground after unfortunately having to postpone and earlier attempt due to wet weather! Ran by two of Australian Quarter Horse Association's Professional Horsemen who specialise in the Dressage, Show Horse, Western Dressage and Working Equitation disciplines, our clinic is designed for all. Whether you are looking to fine-tune your training as we head into the competition season, or new to the discipline and looking for somewhere to start, we are tailoring this for you all! This is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the next show season in these events.

There is not a whole lot I love more than working with my Quarter Horses in these fields - their ability to adapt to each discipline is a testament to their versatility - and are such a great way example of how we can use biomechanics to improve our horses' way of going and enjoyment of work. Of course, this applies to all breeds - and this clinic is open to all - please come and enjoy all your horse has to offer in our disciplines.

To book, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/A66MwFaPez91a59m9

Please reach out with any questions.

12/04/2025

💎 Gem by name, gem by nature 💎

➡ 16hh 6yo liver chestnut WB mare by Calgary GNZ by Warrego Jewel
➡ a truly versatile mare - competed prelimary dressage, Eva 80 eventing & 90cm showjumping – most recently been looking after her now 14yo rider since 2023
➡ safe, honest and very straightforward – Gemima, or Gem, has been the easiest visitor we have had in a loooooong time!

We are delighted to offer this lovely performance mare, “Belrieve Gem” for sale. Gem had a lovely start to her career competing under her breeders, with several successful Eva80 competitions under her belt up in QLD. She was even a finalist with her rider in the 2023 Eventing Queensland Annual Awards (the ‘Close to the Finish Rider & Horse’ award)! Gem also competed to 90cm showjumping, and some preliminary dressage competitions along the way including with her young rider.

Gem was purchased from her breeder by her young rider’s family in 2023 and has really looked after her rider as they commenced their horse ownership journey. Her training has been supervised, and assisted by, professional coaches/trainers throughout. Gem’s rider has been focusing on her own development in the dressage arena, and this has been the bulk of Gem’s work since in this home. She has done a lovely job allowing her young rider to learn and develop, given the focus has been on her rider, she has only really been training around preliminary but has excelled in every way in a short few weeks here (despite me coming and going with competitions away) and I have no doubts with the correct guidance that she will happily advance.

Since arriving here, we have found Gem to be extremely no fuss in all ways. Everything is done with patience and calmness, she has shown me to be extremely forgiving, doesn’t get offended, and always willing to have a go. She has been perfect to prep for work, rug, wash (the type you can hose straight in the face), tie up (straight and cross ties), float, handle etc. She is very relaxed in the paddock, even without a horse in sight, and is a great doer. She is has been unaffected by her environment – including being very happy to ignore all high energy young horses who are carrying on loudly in the tie ups next to her on farrier day 🤦🏼‍♀️ She was perfect for the farrier, so perfect that my farrier left saying this is the type of horse anyone can call for a reference on! She even had my neighbours stopping to chat the other day as they were so impressed with her snoozing in the wash bay while they mowed, whipper snippet and cleaned up their boundary fence right next to her 😴

Gem presents a beautiful opportunity for a young rider or amateur owner to take on a very safe younger horse, whether that be in the dressage sphere or branching back into other disciplines. She offers a lot in the sense of an interschools horse that will cover several disciplines. I would love to see Gem go to a rider who shares in her love for jumping, but in no way mandatory. I have videos available of her on XC for those interested.

💰 $20k
🎥 https://youtu.be/JduMM2izea4
📍 Quorrobolong NSW
📞 0438 137 231

21/03/2025

Hustler and I have a huge thank you to say to our wonderful Moonbah Performance Horses family. Last weekend we had a humungous day of personal wins with Hustler tackling dressage confidently, motivated and extremely successfully, and I truly have been on cloud nine about it all week. You all know my Hustler means the world to me, and his journey inspires my work every day, even though I cannot define an end goal of what this journey is supposed to lead to - it is a one day at a time, and be thankful for every day, kind of thing. I have felt so grateful this week to have had so many clients and friends go out of their way to cheer along with us about these wins and it just makes me so appreciative of what a wonderful, positive and uplifting circle of people I have around me. Thank you 🫶🏼

10/03/2025

Adios my beautiful friend 👋🏼 such a bitter sweet goodbye to our beautiful Doc, who has called MPH home for some 18 months. Being trusted with the start of a horse’s career is just the biggest honour and best influence you can have. So thankful for our time with gorgeous Doc, undeniably a bit sad to wrap up our time dancing together, but so thrilled for Doc to have stepped into his next home, a beautiful younger rider with wonderful success bringing horses along, and I know gigantic success is on the way for them. So much love for you Doccy Boy 💓💓

08/03/2025

🦄 AQHA Traditional English Super Horse Clinic 🦄 - 31st May & 1st June - Somersby Paddock Indoor Arena (Somersby NSW)

We are SO excited to get our first AQHA English Clinic off the ground after unfortunately having to postpone and earlier attempt due to wet weather! Ran by two of Australian Quarter Horse Association's Professional Horsemen who specialise in the Dressage, Show Horse, Western Dressage and Working Equitation disciplines, our clinic is designed for all. Whether you are looking to fine-tune your training as we head into the competition season, or new to the discipline and looking for somewhere to start, we are tailoring this for you all! This is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the next show season in these events.

There is not a whole lot I love more than working with my Quarter Horses in these fields - their ability to adapt to each discipline is a testament to their versatility - and are such a great way example of how we can use biomechanics to improve our horses' way of going and enjoyment of work. Of course, this applies to all breeds - and this clinic is open to all - please come and enjoy all your horse has to offer in our disciplines.

To book, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/A66MwFaPez91a59m9

Please reach out with any questions.

08/03/2025

Well the last month hasn't exactly been conducive to consistent riding and schedules! Let's try again for March, as we head into a more busy competition season. My runs for March are:

➡ Ellalong/Cessnock/Pokolbin areas: weekly Monday afternoons (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st)
➡ Cooranbong/Mandalong/Martinsville areas: fortnightly Tuesday afternoons (11th & 25th)
➡ Mount Vincent/Mulbring areas: weekly Wednesday afternons (5th, 12th, 19th & 26th)
➡ Branxton/Sedgefield/Singleton areas: fortnightly Fridays (14th & 28th)
➡ Clarence Town/Duns Creek/Paterson/Largs areas: fortnightly Tuesdays (4th, 18th & 1st) (split run potentially for March/April meaning Largs to Duns Creek may be on the alternate Tuesday to Clarence Town - 11th & 25th)
➡ Kearsley/Cessnock/Pokolbin areas: fortnightly Friday afternoons (7th & 21st)

In amongst all these I have availabilities for lessons at home, and properties local to me. Please be aware I am away competing at AQHA Nationals from Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6th April.

Please send me a message to book a spot for any of these trips or to find out more details. I do apologise if you might have contacted me in the last while and I have missed responding to you - technology along with the rollercoaster of life hasn't quite been on my side! Please reach out again as I would love to catch up with as many of you as possible.

‼ another important date to note - our inaugural "AQHA Traditional English Super Horse Clinic" postponed earlier this year has new dates, 31st May & 1st June. Bookings opening shortly - this clinic is open to AQHA members as well as non-members, and will cover Dressage, Show Horse, Working Equitation and Western Dressage events. Please PM me if interested in attending. ‼

26/02/2025

We said a very sad and unexpected goodbye to my trusty sidekick ‘Toothless’ the dragon cat over the weekend after a short battle with an unknown illness.

Toothless has been by my side for 9 odd years, studying with me through HSC and uni (he stole every single highlighter I owned), kept me company in lockdown and has walked by my side every step of the way running my own business. He fed horses with me, climbed the rafters of the stables while I cleaned and organised, and was usually always to be found in a sunny spot next to the arena or on the hay when not working. Not before retiring to bed, under the covers of course. Perhaps his funniest little quirk was his absolute horror anytime I cooked when home alone! He would stand at the oven with me and howl until I walked out of the kitchen with him. I promise I can cook and won’t burn the house down 😳🙈

I know Toothless has become an absolute mascot of Moonbah Performance Horses, being the emotional support cat for many of you while visiting, and absolute best for distracting back seat drivers in lessons 😂🤣 he was as hot headed as the reddest of mares, but as soft and affectionate as could come. He was the epitome of my type of animals, feisty with a determined heart of gold.

I will miss my fluffy black dragon cat endlessly 🐉🐈‍⬛ thanks for walking by our side my friend ❤️‍🩹

14/02/2025

What a fabulous weekend at Alexander Park Dressage Club last weekend for all the team!

Personally I was so thrilled to see Prima Donna SP (aka the Queen) level up to her first Advanced test. She danced, skipped and just felt like she was enjoying the entire experience and I couldn't ask for more. It is a big step for us, and an exciting one for all unconventional horses out there!

My wonderful clients not only did a fantastic job competing themselves, but were the best supporters as well. Thank you 🙏🏼 for not only taking the time to support the Queen and I, but each other. I just love the team we have created with the best minded people.

Congratulations to my young riders competing - Sophia Jabour and Argento were 1st in both the OC YR Preliminary tests, with Giselle Hamilton and Larris Love following right behind in 2nd place in both tests. In the OC AOR Novice tests, Melina Gissing and her Broadside were 2nd and 4th. Congratulations ladies on not only the great results, but all your hard work that leads you here. Apologies if I have missed anybody competing.

Photos thanks to the talents of Ash Morton Creative and Amy-Sue Alston Photography.

A big thank you to those who support us along the way -
Performance Saddlefits MNC & Hunter NSW (who has worked tirelessly fitting each one of these horses, who are constantly evolving in their bodies!)
Sabi Equestrian (Giselle and I are both wearing the Winter White Competition Breeches)
Hairy Pony
Natures Farmacy
Palfreyman Chartered Accountants

07/02/2025

SOLD to such a beautiful rider, who will given Doc all the opportunities to move through the grades while being a best friend!

🦄 FOR SALE: Ultimate “Fun” Dressage Horse with ridiculous talent and potential for FEI 🦄

➡ 16.2hh warmblood gelding, born December 2017
➡ by Davrol Dancecard (De Niro) / Posh Touch xx (Hanoverian registered mare)
➡ a brilliant example of the “modern dressage horse” – correct yet refined conformation, an active hind leg with always uphill movement, and an ever-supple way of going that makes for a beautiful picture under saddle. This has been the case from the get-go, scoring 8s across the board for paces and way of going in his ACE assessment where he was assessed as a Premium foal.

“Doc” is such a brilliant, fun dressage horse, who we have had the pleasure of bringing along for 18 months as he finished his initial under saddle training and commenced his dressage training. Always first at the gate, always trying his best and only knowing how to say yes, always ready for the next task – this is a seriously fun, and seriously talented performance horse for an ambitious rider to continue with.

Doc has 3 wonderful paces – his uphill and scopey canter is a highlight – and he holds himself in balance so easily. The below video is a few months old, nowadays his canter feels like you could make a pirouette from it at any moment! The trot never lacks expression, and his body in general never loses its elasticity. He gives a lovely feeling to his rider, with a light, supple way of going always ready to answer another question.

Doc has travelled to numerous venues/training facilities in his initial time under saddle and has consistently shown himself to be very human oriented and not concerned about leaving his fri new/new environment. Since arriving here we have been focusing on his training at home only, he has not competed as this was our plan for this year once we consolidated him to Elementary. Unfortunately this has been cut short due to owner circumstances.

Doc has a huge friendly and “can do” personality, although still 'young' at times (think a little inconsistent in contact or straightness, can paw when tied up but will tie up all day) he is quite straightforward to ride with not an ounce of dirt. He is 200% fun and love. I would best recommend him to someone who enjoys personality and loves to be made to laugh, and although he has shown himself to be oh so generous with a variety of riders he has probably thrived best with those “cruisy” in their aids and intentions.

Please call me on the number below to discuss Doc (I often don’t see comments).

📹 https://youtu.be/w_tO-al6zNI - videos from last year, will endeavour to get some new ones this coming week for those interested.
📷 La Bella Vita Photography - Shannon Smith
📍 Quorrobolong NSW
📞 0438 137 231

27/01/2025

I talk to people a lot about getting horses to tap into their curiosities and trust their sensory instincts better. I find a lot of people want to rush their spooky horses off from something they are unsure about rather than allowing them the time to process what they are seeing, hearing or smelling and reach a calm conclusion about it. I fully get it, we are taught to treat spooking as an evasion to work rather than a natural instinct, but like us, being taught to move away quickly from the “scary thing” doesn’t build our confidence, just our ability to get away from it quickly or avoid it totally. I believe we need to have the opportunity to investigate situations and learn for ourselves that they will not hurt us whether that be because of our own actions, or because the scary factor wasn’t so scary once we got to know it.

When I am presented with a chronically spooky horse who has learnt or convinced themselves to run first and ask questions later (Hustler being case in point), the first major goal I have is to encourage the horse to take a breath and try to process what they’ve just sensed that concerns them. I want them to feel confident in stopping with me, looking and assessing with curiosity, then moving forward with me when ready. Ultimately I want them to be more readily present, but in a calm way that allows them to process sensory experiences while on the go rather than having to stop, but first, we must show them the opportunity to stop and think rather than panic.

I thought this little moment of Hustler training this week was quite a cute example of that in action! Hustler is a mostly reformed spooker these days, but he is hyper aware of his surrounds and extraordinarily curious, and sometimes things catch him off guard. This was a case of a kangaroo below the arena which previously would have had Hustler running to the next town, and you can see that initial moment of panic, followed by taking the opportunity to stop, process and regroup with me on his own accord. I wait for him to take a breath, at which point he also gives me the tick of approval to carry on with what we are doing, with no continued concern about Skippy grazing below the arena. It’s a long, but worthwhile road to training this in!

22/01/2025

FOR SALE: Claudius

Claude is a 10yo 17.1hh gelding by small tour dressage & 4* eventer stallion “Wimborne Constable” out of “Oberon Whinzal”, a Grand Prix producer carrying the lines of Weltmeyer and Salute.

Claude is established at Novice level and doing a marvellous job training through the Elementary material. He has official competition results to 68% with us and is easy to prep/take out. We’ve taken him out by himself and with company and he is the same. Very easy to float and doesn’t make a peep when his friends leave.

Claude is a real personality plus kind of horse, he loves “his person” and is really quite hilarious to be around! He is a wonderful opportunity to work with a big moving and athletic gelding who is quite low energy – none of the typical high energy or fizzy antics that come with many WBs his size and calibre. I would label him the “more woah than go” horse although once he gets to know you, you will find the power at the level you like it. He has been ridden by young riders and amateur owner riders alongside his professional training and has done equally well, although we do find he is most confident with a rider who is clear in their aids and balance. He has converted many short people to big horses so if you are hesitant because of height, I would be open minded about it - he doesn't ride big.

Claude has also done a bit of showjumping and working equitation, so although we would like him to continue with dressage as his priority, he does love a bit of variety.

💰 $28k - Claude’s near new custom Erreplus Connect Dressage Saddle is also available to purchase as an extra.
🎬 new training videos taken yesterday (22nd January) https://youtu.be/dsyo8LL0qSQ
📸 La Bella Vita Photography - Shannon Smith
📍 Quorrobolong NSW
📞 0438 137 231

07/01/2025

A big thank you to The Equine Journalist for our beautiful feature in the Australian Performance Horse Magazine. It was really special to reflect on all things leading up to where we are now and how we go about the EA dressage scene with unconventional horses - western breeds to be specific!

Like most I started out a member of Pony Club NSW in 2001 just having a go at a bit of everything (a proud Toronto Pony Club member for 18 years), and I have to say my version of 'having a go' was about as stereotypically uncoordinated as could be 😅 and I love that, because as I have navigated the steep slope up to being a competitive rider/coach, that start grounds my approach to training and keeps things all about the rider and horse being in total understanding of themselves and collectively as a dance partnership no matter the complexity of the training. It's making sense of the unconventional, and unconventional is my favourite thing.

Welcoming Hustler on to my team in 2017, when I was supposed to be breaking away from being unconventional (haha) by purchasing a very conventional WB, but instead brought home a totally unconventional 3yo QH c**t, was the best thing I ever did. We went on the most spectacular fairytale journey up until 2021 when we nearly lost Hustler, and I think I hit a decision at that point that I could either throw it all in, or dedicated life to fixing Hustler and all those around me that could benefit from that experience. So, I threw the law career out the door and with my rather crippled Hustler and a rather opinionated Sarina (at the time known as the ‘rodeo Queen’ - well reformed now) by my side, we made a whole lot of good out of a whole lot of challenge.

Finding solutions for my own horses to have them stronger and happier than ever, is my motivation behind every horse I have worked with since officially opening the Moonbah Performance Horses doors 3 years ago. The ability to support horses and riders to find their own meaning and success is just priceless and the most special thing I think I could do with my life. So lovely to share this magazine with a long-time supporter and friend - Kamila Monika - who not only owns Hustler and Sarina's half sister, but also my first home bred baby, is a beautiful way to wrap the journey up. Thank you for the lovely comments 💕

04/01/2025

POSTPONED due to impact of weather - new date 31st May & 1st June (TBC)

🦄 AQHA Traditional English Super Horse Clinic 🦄

We are SO excited to get our first AQHA English Clinic off the ground! Ran by two of AQHA's Professional Horsemen who specialise in the Dressage, Show Horse, Western Dressage and Working Equitation disciplines, our clinic is designed for all. Whether you are looking to fine-tune your training as we head into the competition season, or new to the discipline and looking for somewhere to start, we are tailoring this for you all! This is the perfect opportunity to prepare for a fantastic Traditional English program at the Q25 Australian Quarter Horse Association Nationals in April.

There is not a whole lot I love more than working with my Quarter Horses in these fields - their ability to adapt to each discipline is a testament to their versatility - and are such a great way example of how we can use biomechanics to improve our horses' way of going and enjoyment of work. Of course, this applies to all breeds - and this clinic is open to all - please come and enjoy all your horse has to offer in our disciplines.

To book, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/ChLbU7Cz7XTnASqt5

Please reach out with any questions.

26/12/2024

Just checking in from my Christmas break to say hello 👋🏼 and let you all know my travel plans for January - it is a busy one!

I am back to normal business on Monday 6th January, starting straight off with a new trip out to Pokolbin of a Monday afternoon (weekly), followed by Clarence Town on Tuesday (fortnightly), Mount Vincent/Mulbring on Wednesday (weekly) and Wollombi on Friday (fortnightly). On the alternative Tuesday you can find me in Cooranbong/Mandalong/Martinsville areas (fortnightly) and Singleton area on the Friday (fortnightly). I have some Saturday lesson availabilities, however these are limited to on site lessons or properties very close to home (Sandy Creek Road Quorrobolong).

We then kick off February with the much anticipated inaugural "AQHA Traditional English Super Horse Clinic" run in conjunction with the Australian Quarter Horse Association and Payne on the Central Coast. This clinic is open to AQHA members as well as non-members, and will cover Dressage, Show Horse, Working Equitation and Western Dressage events. More details to come shortly.

Please send me a message to book a spot for any of these trips or to find out more details.

22/12/2024

Setting up youngsters for the next steps in their career is such a rewarding job! The beautiful “Cloverhill Sir Charming” headed off to Victoria this week ready to start his competitive under saddle career, and we are really excited to see his success ahead. Congratulations to all parties on this sale 🍾

📸 La Bella Vita Photography - Shannon Smith

12/12/2024

We are so lucky to have Shannon from La Bella Vita Photography - Shannon Smith capture our horses. A lovely selection of photos of some of our current sales horses 😍

09/12/2024

SOLD

🦄 FOR SALE: Cloverhill Sir Charming 🦄

➡ registered Arabian Warmblood Gelding by SF Sir Real out of Acacia Park So Charmed
➡ 4 year old (November 2020) standing at approx. 15-15.1hh (still growing to go)

Moonbah Performance Horses is pleased to present Cloverhill Sir Charming – Ollie – for sale. Ollie is a gorgeous smaller Arabian Warmblood gelding ready to continue his under saddle career. He is a naturally balanced and uncomplicated gelding, with 3 beautiful elevated paces, and a really lovely outline for the show or dressage arena.

Ollie has just completed a light sales prep with our team, he is not in under saddle work due to our time constraints and Christmas deadlines, however, is ready for a small adult or teenager to take over. Ollie was professionally started by the Shane Rose Eventing team earlier this year, a very straightforward process, and has since been at home with his owner. He has had some light periods of work during this time, however, largely has been allowed to spell and continue to grow as is so important at this age.

In Ollie’s stay here we have found him to be a pretty quiet/straightforward young horse, and he has adapted to his training and new environment well. He is easy to prep, responsive and focused on the lunge and in his ground work, and really enjoys working with his person. He is used to being handled/fed/rugged by a variety of people. I would have no problems placing Ollie with a confident/experienced teenager who was looking to bring on their next show/dressage/performance prospect. He is absolutely material for a child’s hack/interschools mount in the future and does enjoy pole work and so on.

Under saddle footage is available to view.

💰12k to approved home only
📸 La Bella Vita Photography
📍 Quorrobolong NSW
📞 0438 137 231

08/12/2024

🏆 Australian National Working Equitation Championships 🏆

A bit of a belated post! Last month we made the trek to Tamworth with 3 horses (all relatively new to working equitation) as a part of Team Montana's Run Working Equitation. As with all "new" things the show didn't come without its learning curves, but it was so fabulous to see how each horse was able to show off their training across the 3 phases - dressage, ease of handling and speed. I think it is just fabulous we can apply our dressage training in such a fun environment - and still make the dressage training even better!

🎖 Prima Donna SP - Debutante Fly - 10th place overall (with no score in the EOH 🤦🏼‍♀️)
🎖 Skyview Trilogy and Simone Palfreyman - Prep - 10th place overall
🎖 Hustler SP - Prep - 13th place overall (half way through speed he decided a demolition derby would be more fun and got us eliminated on the gate so also only scores in 2 of 3 phases - you have got to love his humour 🤪)

Thanks for the photos!

Our team as always is powered by our wonderful support team -
Performance Saddlefits MNC & Hunter NSW
Sabi Equestrian
Hairy Pony
Natures Farmacy
Palfreyman Chartered Accountants
Thanks for supporting us through 2024 🙌🏼