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by Greg Martin
Your writer nearly went hoarse firing a string of questions at horsewoman extraordinaire , Kurrajong ’ s Amanda Wilson .
Amanda owns and operates AHS Horsemanship with her partner , Nick Bust , whom Amanda ropes in doing a multitude of chores around the property when his full-time job as an electrician permits .
AHS Horsemanship sits on 18 acres and boasts a home , stables-barn , new riding arena and a round yard where most of the breaking-in takes place .
Currently Amanda has 13 horses at the property , either being broken-in to the saddle or being agisted .
The 38-year-old equine horse breaker says she is “ living the dream ” in being able to pursue a career working with our equine friends . A remarkable memory has our My Favourite Place subject , and as I rattled
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Amanda uses a variety of tools to prepare her clients for any surprises . Here she is moving a crackling , plastic bag around Charlie ’ s body . Photo : Kathryn Johnson . |
off questions , she ran through the many stages of her journey leading to becoming a highly respected horse breaker .
And let me tell you , if I was a gee-gee , Amanda is the one I ’ d want teaching me to eventually allow a person to jump on my back .
None of that stuff you see in TV and movie Westerns and in the Outback – with horses bucking their brands off trying to unseat the breaker .
The founder of the Boys Scouts movement , Lord Baden-Powell , voiced the Ashanti of Ghana phrase , “ softly , softly , catchee monkey ” – meaning “ don ’ t hurry , patience gains the day ”.
I don ’ t know whether Amanda is into catching our simian friends , but such is her burgeoning reputation employing the patience of Job in doing her job of breaking in horses , owners from near and far engage her services .
“ It generally takes around two weeks to ready the horses to have a rider sitting in the saddle ,” Amanda explained .
“ I work with the horses every day , patiently introducing them to being handled and getting used to a variety of movements .
“ It truly is a matter of patience and perseverance by me and the horse , and eventually we are both happy when the task is completed .”
Amanda has operated her business since 2015 , firstly at Kurrajong Hills , then North Richmond before purchasing the Kurrajong property .
“ The property needed a lot of work , but
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Nick and I had the knowledge and work ethic to get the job done ,” Amanda said .
“ Thankfully , Nick was raised on farms in New Zealand and his excellent property management knowledge plus his skills as an electrician went a long way to ensuring the place came up to scratch .”
The road to Amanda “ living the dream ” has been long with many detours throughout the journey .
The Wilson family spent Amanda ’ s formative years at Turramurra and Tuggerah on the Central Coast where , at both places , she developed her love of horses . “ My mother and elder sister , Angie , were both into horses and all three of us took up showing and hacking ,” Amanda said .
“ I knew from an early age that I wanted to have a career in horses but that was put on hold until 2010 when I found a job at Hartley Valley Holiday Farm .
“ Firstly , giving rising lessons and taking guests on trail rides , and then becoming assistant manager in 2012 .”
I queried Amanda about those “ lost years ” between attaining her Higher School Certificate in 2002 and the job at Hartley Valley Holiday Farm .
“ Studying part-time over a six-year period , I gained a Social Science degree at the University of Newcastle , mixing studies with working as an animal attendant with the RSPCA ,” she replied .
During her time at Hartley Valley , Amanda took leave on several occasions to further her knowledge of horses .
Firstly breaking-in polo ponies at
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Unbroken five-year-old gelding , Charlie , was only a few days out of the paddock when horse breaker , Amanda Wilson , began working her magic . Amanda ’ s tread softly and patient approach will have Charlie ready to be ridden within two weeks of coming under her care . Photo : Kathryn Johnston .
Rylstone , and then venturing further afield , coming under the tutelage of three renowned mentors , Australian legends , Ian Francis and Brook Sample , and over in New Zealand , Kirsty McLean .
“ For their kindness and imparting of knowledge , I will be forever thankful ,” Amanda said .
Also thankful are horses and the horse owners who have had their charges broken in by Amanda Wilson !
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