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Most rewarding moment of the season: I had a pretty magical 2025 – 2026 season with Marley and Vegas, but honestly, the most rewarding part has been the support and friendship I ' ve experienced over the last 12 months. On Mother ' s Day 2025, I had a really scary health scare and ended up in a coma for five days in ICU, followed by four weeks in Perth Royal Hospital, after being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura( TTP). I ' m incredibly lucky to still be here.
I ' ve now been in remission for over 12 months and having Chee offer me the opportunity to lease Vegas gave me something positive to focus on while rebuilding my strength. Having a goal to work towards made all the difference, and being back around horses and the western community reminded me just how supportive and special this sport can be.
Most memorable event or class- when and where? Winning the Senior Horse Versatility Challenge at our local Appaloosa Club show in 2011 would have to be my most memorable moment. I ' d only recently started riding Punch, and Karen and I had worked on his lead changes to get him versatility-ready. That day, we won both Senior Horse title and the Versatility Challenge, earning my very first buckle. It’ s a moment I’ m still incredibly proud of and one I look back on with a lot of fond memories.
Best bit of advice you ' ve received: " There ' s no such thing as can ' t, if you give it a go, you might just surprise yourself!"
Advice for new members: Never give up on your dreams. We all started in exactly same place, so don ' t let the fancy horses and all the gear discourage you. The western community is incredibly supportive, and most people genuinely want to see new members succeed and keep coming back. Don ' t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. There are plenty of people willing to share their knowledge and encourage you as you build your skills and confidence as a rider.
Something people may not know about you: I ' m super lucky to have a very supportive husband, who puts his previous life showing Guernsey cattle throughout Tasmania and up the east coast( or " the mainland," as he insists on calling it) to good use helping me with my horses. He clips, does the leg make-up, helps band and trim manes, and keeps us all fed and watered. Honestly, he ' s almost made me redundant. Once he ' s happy with our turnout, he’ ll often go and help everyone else as well.
Not bad for a non-horsey husband. He’ s become properly invested in the whole show scene, and I couldn’ t do it without him.
Jordy House and CVS A Layzee Machine Q-95524( Marley)
AQHA 2026 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER ISSUE