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AQHA FEATURE: FAMILY, FRIENDS AND QUARTER HORSES
region. Every person who has shared their knowledge, encouragement, and experience has played a part in shaping my journey with horses. My husband has been my greatest supporter and has gifted me a few special mares. It would also be remiss of me not to acknowledge my closest mentor, Rod Osborne. Rod has been instrumental in developing my riding, horsemanship, and even my showmanship, although I would be the first to admit there is still room for improvement in that area. One of the greatest gifts a mentor can give is their time, and Rod has always been incredibly generous with his. He has consistently provided honest advice, guidance, and encouragement, helping me build confidence while challenging me to continue improving. The knowledge he has shared and the lessons he has taught have had a lasting impact, not only on my ability as a horsewoman but also on the way I approach training and working with my horses.
Having someone willing to invest their time and experience in your development is something that should never be taken for granted, and I am extremely grateful for the role Rod has played in both my journey and Hunter ' s. I know many others share my appreciation for Rod ' s generosity and commitment to developing riders, which is reflected in his recognition as the NRHA Oceania Professional of the Year in 2025. I would also like to acknowledge Wide Bay Farriers, who play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of my horses. From routine hoof care through to corrective work with a windswept foal, their expertise has been invaluable. As the saying goes, " No hoof, no horse," and the value of a skilled farrier can never be underestimated.
One of the greatest advantages of owning and breeding versatile Quarter Horses is the opportunity they provide to simply enjoy horses with family and friends. Not everyone I ride with is focused on high-level competition, and having horses that can comfortably adapt to different environments and disciplines means I can join friends at local events, clinics, trail rides, cattle days, or competitions and enjoy the social side of our horse community. Horses have a wonderful way of bringing people together, and those friendships are among the most rewarding parts of the journey.
I am also fortunate to live in an area with a strong and active equestrian community and numerous clubs and events throughout the region. The versatility of the Quarter Horse allows me to participate across multiple disciplines while remaining competitive without the need for significant travel. This not only keeps things interesting for both my horse and I but also enables me to support local clubs, build friendships across different disciplines, and remain actively involved in the broader horse community.
Being an AQHA member means being part of a supportive and passionate community dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating this incredible breed. It provides opportunities to learn, grow, and share experiences with people who share the same appreciation for Quarter Horses and their versatility. One thing I have noticed over the years is the number of Quarter Horses competing successfully across a wide range of events, including Team Penning, Ranch Sorting, Stockman ' s Challenges, dressage, ranch classes, and many other disciplines, yet their achievements are often not formally recognised or recorded.
AQHA provides members with an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of both horse and rider, creating a lasting record of their journey and achievements. Whether competing at a local level or striving for national recognition, these programs celebrate the versatility and capability of the Quarter Horse while providing meaningful goals for riders to work towards. For me, it is about far more than ribbons and placings. It is about recognising the horse, preserving its legacy, celebrating its achievements, and showcasing the many ways Quarter Horses continue to enrich the lives of their owners. There are so many talented Quarter Horses and riders achieving fantastic things in their chosen disciplines.
I would love to see more people record their performances through AQHA programs so that these horses receive the recognition they deserve and the breed ' s versatility continues to be celebrated.
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION- www. aqha. com. au