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Moya and Billies Gold Genes Q-77735
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coming home exhausted but still riding under lights late into the night. Moya, a registered nurse with nearly 40 years of experience, is currently on extended leave. Together, they manage cattle, tend to horses, and juggle daily farm life with competition prep.“ Everyone thinks I’ m a full-time trainer,” Jason laughs.“ But this is what we do after work.”
While Jason rides almost daily, Moya prefers a more measured rhythm— riding only a couple of times a week, but always with clarity and calm.“ I believe in quality over quantity,” she says.“ When I ride, I want it to matter— for me and for the horse.” It’ s this balance of softness and intensity, restraint and readiness, that makes her a quietly powerful force in the arena and at home.
Come show day, Moya transforms.“ She gets serious. Competitive. Focused. It’ s like another Moya comes out,” Jason says proudly. At shows, Moya has become Jason’ s coach and second set of eyes, offering calm observation and technical insight. It’ s a dynamic that works— because they’ ve learned how to give each other space and support.
A LEGACY OF PRIDE
Their story isn’ t just about themselves. Their son Caleb, once a fierce competitor, is currently focused on his young family and career— but the fire is still there. Their daughter Shae has a gentler connection to horses, preferring trail rides to trophies. With four grandchildren already and another on the way, the next chapter of the Russell legacy is just beginning.“ If we can show them what hard work, love, and good horsemanship look like,” Moya says,“ we’ ve done our job.”
What do Jason and Moya hope people feel when they watch them ride?
For Moya, it’ s about possibility.“ I want people to think,‘ If she can do it, I can too.’ I started late, I’ m still learning— and I’ m having the time of my life.”
For Jason, it’ s about impact.“ I want people to see the horseman behind the horse. Someone who’ s kind, who builds confidence, and who rides with respect.”
When asked to sum up what reining means to them in one word?
Jason doesn’ t hesitate:“ Addictive.”
Moya smiles:“ Proud.” because they’ ve learned how to give each other space and support.
TRUE TO THE REINING AUSTRALIA RIDE
As the sun sets over their bushland property, Jason and Moya Russell remain more than competitors or breeders— they are quiet champions of dedication, humility, and love for the long ride.
Their journey reminds us that success in the arena is never just about scores, spins, or stops— it’ s about the bond between horse and human, the strength of partnership, and the legacy left behind with every hoofprint in the dirt. For Jason and Moya, the ride continues— steady, soulful, and always side by side.
2025 JULY / AUGUST ISSUE