Moonbah Performance Horses

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Moonbah Performance Horses

Moonbah Performance Horses Boutique dressage stables in Quorrobolong NSW offering a variety of training and coaching services

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

🦄 AQHA Traditional English Super Horse Clinic 🦄 - 1st & 2nd February 2025

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 🙌🏼

08/12/2024

EOI – Derreen Rock Royale

➡ 17.1hh Warmblood gelding, born January 2013
➡ by Rockstar out of a Contango II mare

I am sadly considering selling my beautiful WB gelding “Rio” due to my own lack of time and space on my competition team with client horses. Rio has captured my heart from day on of meeting him; to call him my own has been a dream come true and I have just adored the time I have had working with him. He is such an eye catching and correct horse, with uphill and athletic conformation, movement that never strays away from being elastic, ground covering and cadent, and a mind so enthusiastic to do his job.

I have personally developed Rio for the dressage arena, but he has also previously been owned by showjumpers who loved his brave and bold approach to jumping. Part of my decision to perhaps sell is I believe that Rio does belong in a performance home where he can also enjoy eventing/showjumping, and I would really love to see him go to a keen event rider.

Although my time has been lacking with Rio, we have ticked through all the Novice work, and has shown phenomenal ability in the shoulder in/traver work, as well as walk pirouettes/walk canter work etc. He is only in light work at present and does need to be in proper work to be “fully appreciated” and to tap into all his training, however the price range I have in mind is considered according to this and will reflect the home you can offer. I have taken Rio out to some training days, and his previous owners have done plenty of outings with him for show jumping competitions and lessons/clinics etc. He is very easy to float/tie up etc.

I do believe Rio has everything to go to the absolute top with an experienced and confident rider in any of the Olympic disciplines, with FEI dressage being my own goal for him, and him showing every quality for it. As mentioned however I would love to see him go to a performance home and an experienced event rider interested in developing Rio in this field will likely be given priority. Please bear in mind he is a serious horse with serious power that does take some channelling (by no means dirty, just a bit quirky and enthusiastic at times, he is the friendliest goof you’ll meet), and I will be picky in ensuring he only goes to a rider who knows what they are doing on a horse like this.

Photos of Rio were taken a few weeks ago straight out of the paddock. I only get the chance to jump on him once or twice a week at best, and I haven’t had the opportunity to put together proper videos. I have some short videos I can send though – it won’t take much for you to know if he is the “one”.

📞 0438 137 231
💰 low $20s price bracket + GST pending the home you can offer, I am willing to discuss arrangements to help the "perfect person" make this possible.
📍 Quorrobolong (Hunter Valley) NSW
📸 La Bella Vita Photography - Shannon Smith

27/11/2024

📆 December Travel Dates 📆

Unbelievable I am planning the last 4 weeks of lessons for 2024! In a mission to service areas that have struggled to access coaching services, I have expanded my travel areas quite a lot in recent months! Here's where you can catch me:

➡ Singleton areas - fortnightly Fridays (29th Nov & 13th Dec) - currently servicing all the way through Branxton/Sedgefield/Singleton/Bridgeman/Middle Falbrook (anywhere along my run from home through to these areas is feasible)

➡ Cooranbong areas - fortnightly Tuesdays (3rd & 17th December) - currently visiting along Leggett's Drive/Freeman's Drive through to Cooranbong, Mandalong and Martinsville.

➡ Mulbring areas - weekly Wednesdays (4th, 11th & 18th Dec) - covering any areas between home, Mount Vincent, Mulbring, Elrington and Kearsley.

➡ Wollombi areas - fortnightly Fridays (6th & 20th Dec) - currently based around Wollombi town, but happy to travel back out to Laguna/Murray's Run if interest is sufficient

➡ Clarence Town areas - fortnightly Tuesdays (10th Dec & off schedule Thursday 19th December to account for Christmas Eve) - based in Clarence Town, however travelling through areas including Seaham, Largs, Maitland & Morpeth - I have ability to expand this run including heading out towards Dungog).

Dates not allocated to an area mean I will be floating around the Quorrobolong/Mount Vincent/Cessnock local areas with availability at home or on the road.

Please PM me if you would like to know more about availability, costs and so on 🦄

26/11/2024

🦄 FOR SALE: Davrol Doolittle 🦄

➡ 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 younger dressage horse, who we have had the pleasure of bringing along for 12 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 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. Being a bit of a slow grower as a youngster, we did delay the start of Doc’s career and have taken it slowly since, and the results of this careful approach is a phenomenal horse ready to tackle his adult career!

We’ve brought Doc along with top level dressage as the focus, but if that is not for you, I have always thought his athleticism and keen attitude to work, and wonderful endurance, would make him a seriously cool eventer /performance horse as well (however I haven't jumped him, as this isn't my 'thing'). On the quieter side of life, he is every bit the show horse model, and would do extremely well in the show ring too. Doc is a forward-thinking horse with a huge friendly and “can do” personality, although still 'young' to ride he is quite straightforward to ride with not an ounce of dirt but he does need a confident and experienced rider who is happy managing the more enthusiastic and busy horse (purely a "young horse" thing and is dissipating as he continues to mature).

Please contact us by PM or one of the options below for further information etc.

💰 20k negotiable to the perfect home - home is our priority
📹 https://youtu.be/w_tO-al6zNI
📷 La Bella Vita Photography - Shannon Smith
📍 Quorrobolong NSW
📞 0438 137 231
📧 [email protected]

25/11/2024

🦄 FOR SALE: Claudius 🦄

➡ 17.1hh warmblood 10yo (October 2014) gelding
➡ by 4* eventer and small tour dressage stallion “Wimborne Constable” out of “Oberon Whinzal”, a Grand Prix producer
➡ training Novice/Elementary dressage work, as well as having great showjumping foundations in place

Moonbah Performance Horses is pleased to present “Claudius” for sale. Quite the doppelganger of his sire – the 2024 Tamworth International Eventing 4* winner and small tour dressage stallion “Wimborne Constable” – Claude is a serious dressage and performance horse contender ready for his next rider. W. Constable has some fantastic lines including Contenda, Contendro I, Bolero, Gribaldi (sire of Totalis) and Vivaldi. Claude’s dam lines are just as exciting, out of “Oberon Whinzal”, a Grand Prix producer herself, who carries the lines of Weltmeyer and Salute, as well as going back to Emperor Oberon, sire of Australian Grand Prix mare “Atalanta”. Undeniably, top level sport, whether dressage or jumping based, is in Claude’s blood and he has the movement, looks and size to match it.

Claude is a wonderful opportunity to work with a big moving and athletic gelding who doesn’t have that typical high energy or fizzy mentality of many WBs of his size and calibre. Claude is confidently training at Novice/Elementary level, his highlights of training being his lengthening/medium work, and he is showing a wonderful ability to sit and collect as he advances in his work. As with all horses in my training programs, basics and foundations have been our number one priority both on the ground and under saddle, and he is in general an easy horse to have around. Claude’s owner has taken the same approach for his showjumping training, with well laid out foundations in place. We have been careful again to lay foundations and basics in place at lower heights and not push him along too quickly just because he can. He has also done a bit of working equitation with his previous owner.

Despite the rain doing its absolute best to ruin our competition plans this year, we have managed to sneak some competition outings in, with official scores to 67.7%. He is super easy to float and has proven the same whether in company or on a solo trip. He ties up to the float all day and doesn’t make a peep when his friends leave. In the same way he is very straightforward to have at home – whether to prep/rug/feed, or for the farrier/dentist/bodyworkers and so on.

So who would I describe as Claude’s ideal rider? Claude has shown himself to do best with a rider who is balanced and established in their aids, who gives quiet and concise instructions to the horse and loves a horse with personality. He does need a rider who is confident pushing a horse forward, as his one under saddle ‘quirk’ is occasionally needing some convincing to go (he is however not a lazy ride). He has been ridden by a mix of confident amateur, young rider and professional riders. He is well suited to straight dressage as he has spent his time with me focusing on, but is of course very well suited to a performance home also.

Claude is only sadly offered for sale due to his owner’s quickly increasing family commitments surrounding a new baby in the household, and some job changes in the family. Claude has spent the majority of 2024 with me while his owner was pregnant and the plan had always been for him to return to her once settled into Mum life, however that option has unfortunately become unfeasible.

Please PM us for more information.

💰 $28k - Claude’s near new custom Erreplus Connect Dressage Saddle is also available to purchase as an extra.
📹 https://youtu.be/ePOwgUAT6_A?si=XUgjeI78PTW9Qqtx
📷 La Bella Vita Photography - Shannon Smith
📍 Quorrobolong NSW
📞 0438 137 231

07/11/2024

🏆 NSWPHA State Championships 🏆

It is always so nice to support the versatility of our breeds by attending our State and National Shows. NSW Paints is one of my calendar favourites, just a down to earth event where we get to showcase our horses but in general just have a great time with friends.

Such a thrill to have my beautiful Hustler SP back in the spotlight after our windy road of finding his confidence again for the past 18 months (or really, 4 years post injury). Hustler kicked every goal (the biggest being the goal of his Bravery Tour - keeping his "brave pants" belted up high), but also thrilled for him to win

🥇 State Champion Senior Horse Dressage (Novice 2.1)
🥇 State Champion Open Large Hack
🥈 Reserve State Champion Suitability for Dressage

Lots of laughter and memories made 😇 big thank you to the show committee for all your efforts getting our classes into the program, and a massive heartfelt thank you to Tamsin who came along with the ride for us despite the 3am start!

🦄 Thank you to Performance Saddlefits MNC & Hunter NSW for perfecting our saddles for top performance, Sabi Equestrian for having me look my best and Hairy Pony my horses their best, Natures Farmacy having them glowing from the inside out, and Palfreyman Chartered Accountants for keeping this show on the road! 🦄

04/11/2024

What value do we add to our horses and the industry?

Let’s start this post with a very frank statement – I am a professional rider who has not trained internationally, has not competed Grand Prix, and does not measure success by riding “vogue” to quick success in the competition arena. These statements are not me – and those that evaluate riders by these criterion will be notedly unimpressed. I am a dressage rider who takes their time developing horses not according to “age standards” but according to physical and mental wellbeing. I train predominately for biomechanical function and an enthusiastic, independent dance partner that does not have to be micromanaged by the rider to hold it all together. Competition exists to confirm my training is consolidated but it is never the priority. My horses are your “champagne taste on a beer budget horses”, heavens, two of three are quarter horses! We spend our weekends off navigating working equitation courses, out on trail rides, ba****ck in a halter, and attempting whatever fun idea I want to try next (or, threats of – we haven’t made it eventing yet!). I strive to create happiness and enjoyment for horse and rider, and never lose the joy in my riding.

In my academic days we could apply the “imposter syndrome” phenomenon to a lot of riders in this position. Because we lack these accolades, we wonder if we really belong in the professional world. While I am still being frank, it is a thought that does catch up with me more than I like, especially as I navigate the ever-changing economic sphere of the horse industry and find a place within it as still a relative newbie. Thankfully I am very lucky to have a client base that is like minded to me, and share the goal of developing our horses for the long term as confident, fully understanding athletes, and not for short term success that risks blowing the brains of a horse, all for human pleasure of results quickly. It is unfortunate that we still have to encounter clients and colleagues that think different to this and put their (unwanted) opinions on us, and drag down our value in doing so.

So how do we navigate this? I think it will be a work in progress for a long time, but one thing I have realised is the importance of knowing our own value. What value do we bring to our horses’ lives? Where can we add value in the industry? Who can we benefit by our involvement? What change can we make? For me personally, I like to think my value is in helping break down the “different” – the horses who have struggled to be understood mentally and physically, the riders who have struggled to break body patterns and make the changes to influence their horse more positively, the breeds that don’t fit the template of training “vogue”, the partnerships that need guidance to find their measure of success, and the disciplines and locations where access to knowledge-based education is limited. I like to think I can bring relatability to the table, show others who also don’t have the “vogue” or the background that we can find gratification in a harmonious and kind way, and most of all, how to find the silver linings in every moment along the way.

I’ll leave it with you - riders, coaches, owners – what value are you bringing to the table (whether you are already aware of it, or need time to think), whether to your personal horse, or the industry as a whole?

P.s. sometimes the "success" is just finishing the test 😂😜

24/10/2024

Welcome to the team Sabi Equestrian 👏🏼

Over the past 12 months I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in Sabi’s photoshoots, loving the vibe, admiring the incredible detail that has gone into clothing design, and so valuing the inclusivity Sabi seeks to create in our community. Seriously Kaitlyn - you are a riding wear genius - it’s frankly unbelievable that I spend 7 days a week, 14 hours a day, comfortably in breeches that last my lifestyle without fault 🫣 they do everything from the riding and coaching, right down to the fencing and grocery shopping, and trying to stick me to my desk chair long enough to get the admin jobs done 😅

Brands that value detail, quality, inclusivity and community like that are brands I strive to work with, so the invitation to come on board to Team Sabi as an official Brand Ambassador was a no brainer! Very excited for the year ahead, thanks so much for your support!

24/10/2024

A huge congratulations to our riders who tackled Equimillions 2024 - it has been a fabulously fun time together strategically preparing for these events, and the plans sure paid off!

Ellie Rogers and Cristal Breeze had a dream weekend - bringing home the #1 spot in the 80cm eventing on their dressage score, after already bringing home one cheque in the Preliminary Dressage after finishing in 3rd with a score highlight of 71%! Ellie also rode her seriously cool "Our Omar", only a few months off the track, in the New Star Showjumping - dressage might be my department and not jumping - but what a cool looking kid!!

Melina Gissing and her beautiful Broadside are the most genuine partnership to work with, and one of those teams that just meet every goal head on and tick every box along the way. Congratulations Mel on beautiful work, and a very lovely 8th positioning in the Novice class with a score highlight of 67.7% 💪🏼 and then wrapping up the weekend with two very confident show jumping rounds, 11th overall.

Job well done again girls, and go our clever Thoroughbreds 👏🏼👏🏼

19/10/2024

Sunday appreciation - our beautiful Davrol Doolittle dancing around waiting to find his new dance partner 🤩🥰

18/10/2024

“When the wheels fall off”

We have all been there – no matter how good our management strategies are, something always manages to fall through the gaps without us knowing it (or the impact) immediately, and the wheels fall off our horses’ progression, confidence or comfort. It is so common, but it leaves us perplexed as to what caused it, and why on earth it takes so long to get the wheels back on.

The fact of the matter is it is never “just one thing” that makes the wheels fall off. It isn’t just that you had a bad day of training and weren’t on the same page. It isn’t just that your horse might be a little (fatigue) sore. It isn’t just that the season has changed, or a saddle might need some minor tweaking (completely ill-fitting saddles are a different story). When the wheels fall off, we have more than likely been experiencing weeks or months of these factors (and others), maybe started by something like an injury we forgot about or didn’t know about causing a biomechanical vulnerability, or a gut issue we hadn’t discovered, slowly sneaking up on our horses. And our horses love us, and work hard for us, so they tolerate and tolerate and tolerate, until one final factor comes along and is the straw that breaks the camel’s (or in this case, horse’s) back, and suddenly they have no choice but to say, “absolutely not, I cannot do it, I won’t do it”.

When the wheels fall off, it is very common to feel like the wheels will never go back on, and to feel completely overwhelmed or frustrated in the process. For our horses, it is very important that we recognise the above concept – it was not just one minor incident that led them to say no, it has been a slow build up of their work getting harder and harder, and their bodies getting more and more uncomfortable, that caused them to say no. It is akin to us feeling unsafe on a horse and then experiencing the dreaded fall – it can absolutely ruin confidence for years and years. Putting the wheels back on is going to involve a lot of problem solving, a lot of boxes being ticked, and a lot of patience, and progress is not going to be lineal. It is easy to ruin confidence, but hard to rebuild it. Bodywork (bear in mind the type of bodywork – my horses do their best with a variety of types of bodywork on a 3 week rotation), vet support, saddle fitting, farrier considerations, environmental changes, nutritional support, gut management, ground work, slow integration back to riding work and then competition, and most importantly, a human to trust in.

To reiterate, the wheels falling off is a phenomenon we ALL experience. It is to a certain extent, unavoidable. The wheels falling off is not a criticism to an owner/rider, it is a learning and problem-solving exercise that will better your relationship with your horse when handled correctly, and make your trust form at a level you didn’t know before.

📸 La Bella Vita Photography - Shannon Smith - my beautiful Hustler SP - definitely our inspiration for the process of how wheels can go back on 💖

14/10/2024

Fabulous to be out competing on the weekend! It was the ‘boys club’ at the Alexander Park Dressage Championships for the first time in a long while, Hustler having his first competition back after 18 months off competing to build more confidence and trust in his work , and finally managing to get training resident “Claudius” out competing after many washed out attempts! Both boys put in a fantastic effort for their first times back - Hustler’s highlights a 71% and Claude 67.7%, both in the prelim classes.

A huge congratulations has to go to my student Sophia Jabour - Sophia only recently took the reins on her gelding Argento (Max) and this was competition number 1 & 2 for them. Huge weekend, and they nailed it, being the Preliminary CR Champion JNR/YR on day 1, and Reserve Champion Preliminary/Novice OC YR on day 2. Brilliant effort Sophia (and support team)!

Special thanks to those powering our team - Performance Saddlefits MNC & Hunter NSW (Claude is in his new Erreplus Connect - we LOVE - and Hustler just received his new and improved Connect WR last week in the nick of time, as somebody outgrew their old saddle 🙈), Hairy Pony, Natures Farmacy - Equine, Animal and Human Herbal and Nutritional Medicine and Palfreyman Chartered Accountants .

Address

Quorrobolong, NSW
2325

Telephone

0438137231

Website

http://www.moonbah.com.au/

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Videos

Sunday appreciation - our beautiful Davrol Doolittle dancing around waiting to find his new dance partner 🤩🥰

How to make the Queen’s day - let her be the first to graze our new and improved paddocks last week, that she has been watching grow for 6 months 😎🤩 no doubt wishing she was allowed on them for more than an hour!

There is just so much to love in this bundle of joy!

There is just so much to love in this bundle of joy! Doc is such a fun character and being that fantastic modern type of athlete, just thrives in his training. Super younger boy with a super future.

Assistant trainer Minnie certainly has a tough gig supporting us in lessons 😻 who doesn’t love finding that perfect spot of winter sun away from the wind though? 🌞

How many horses can move properties, change riders, be brought out in a miserably cold, wet and windy morning after a little time off, and absolutely nail their first ride in a slightly underwater arena without so much as a lunge? Our dearest Hughie can 😎 if you missed out on Boris you might want to keep an eye out for Hughie hitting the market!

A little hill work bliss to round out the week 🌞

Our beautiful gem “Boris” (aka Views Equus) headed off to Victoria with his totally besotted new best friend today 😇 Boris has been the most delightful horse to bring along, and he earned himself a very very special place in my heart with his own incredible heart! It has been bitter sweet preparing him to go, but this was one of those moments when a horse makes very clear they have found their very special human so we are so happy for him today. Finding special humans for special horses is one of the best things I can bring to any horse’s life 🥰 goodluck Boris and Ella and I cannot wait to follow your journey together! Congratulations to all connections on a quick sale, done and dusted interstate in less than a week!

Little break from the Sarina Show 😉 my BFG Rio straight in from the paddock

Little break from the Sarina Show 😉 my BFG Rio straight in from the paddock after a quiet few weeks of family weddings/competitions/life, and what a feeling! We have been experiencing a huge change in Rio’s performance and confidence since the arrival of his new Erreplus Connect WR this year - thank you Performance Saddlefits MNC & Hunter NSW 🙏🏼

One last dance for now with our beautiful Elias of Terarossa, who headed home to his absolutely besotted owner for the first time this afternoon. After selling Eli on behalf of my long time client, it was so rewarding to be able to spend a couple of months with Eli on behalf of his new owner to continue his education and build their partnership together. Finishing our time together on a high with 2 scores post 70% and a big smile on everybody’s faces! Thanks Eli 💛🖤 and thank you to Tamsin for accompanying us at the last minute!

How lucky am I to have been involved in the training of this wonderful horse from the start? Eli has been under my guidance since a rather green 4 year old who really struggled with the forward and light buttons with no canter concept (as is the case with many of his type while they learn to use their bodies correctly), and now to look at him, an uber strong, motivated and elastic 6yo with the power and control to do anything anywhere, is just so rewarding! Grateful for his owners for supporting his journey with us 🙏🏼 Special thank you to Performance Saddlefits MNC & Hunter NSW for working with us to create the perfect saddle for Eli - no surprises he chose the Erreplus Connect WR 😉 it’s been a real level up for his performance.

Thanks 2023, and we are so ready to tackle 2024 head on! 🍾🥂 #livingthedream so many incredible memories from this year 🙏🏼

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Moonbah Performance Horses

Moonbah Performance Horses is a boutique performance stables located in the picturesque Hunter Valley. Moonbah has a vast and rich history in many avenues of the horse world, with Andalusians, Riding Ponies, Welsh Ponies, Quarter Horses and Paints gracing our property for over 2 decades. Since rebranding from “Moonbah Andalusians” to “Moonbah Performance Horses” in 2010, Simone and Olivia Palfreyman have worked tirelessly to train, and breed, the best our country has to offer. Our foundation mares have been hand-picked from Royal and national winners circle and bred to world class bloodlines. The result? Exquisitely bred horses that look the part, move the house down and love their people.

As competitors, Simone and Olivia have spent many years successfully competing at a National level. Some of Simone’s highlights include holding National Champion Titles at the Australian Andalusion National Championships, as well as her incredible years spent with Navaho Twilight Time, including being named the Overall High Point PHAA Hack, National Champion Open Hack at PHAA Nationals, as well as many other National and State Titles, and Sydney Royal places. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Olivia has found her way across AQHA and PHAA National competition fields since 2010. Since then, Olivia has been a regular face in the Non-traditional English (dressage and show riding) winners circle with horses including Navaho Twilight Time, Slide on By, HL That’s Gold, and most recently Hustler SP. In a short 12 months, Olivia has bought Hustler on to be named the 2018 AQHA Nationals Overall High Point Non-Traditional English Horse, the 2018 PHAA Nationals Overall High Point English Horse, the 2018 NSWPHA Overall High Point English Horse and the 2018 NSWPHA Overall High Point Junior Horse. These awards were a recognition of huge success in the dressage and show hunter events. Hustler was named the 2018 AQHA Dressage Horse of the Year, following winning every AQHA and PHAA dressage event entered into over the year.

With the welcoming of Hustler SP came the time for a new era. We cherished this “perfect” dressage purpose-bred quarter horse, and sought out the purchase of his full sister Prima Donna SP to expand our involvement with these lines. With ever growing commitments in University and Work, the decision has had to be made to focus on this bigger side of performance horses. In 2019, our pony stock will be offered for sale to the public. We are sad to end an era, but so very excited to open the avenue of continuing the breeding, training and showing of dressage-bred AQHA and PHAA horses in hopes of changing the face of the discipline within western breeds.

We welcome you to consider our stock and ask any questions you might have along the way. Thank you for reading about our journey.

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There is just so much to love in this bundle of joy!

Little break from the Sarina Show 😉 my BFG Rio straight in from the paddock

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Moonbah Performance Horses