Personal profile

When I was 12 my family finally agreed that I should have my own horse. Prior to this I would beg rides on my friends ponies and this was usually only when they didn’t want to ride them as they were too fresh and playing up. This was, of course, not always a happy situation and after scrapes bruises and broken bones my family realized that it wasn’t just a phase but that my passion for horses was here to stay.

Horses have been a large part of my life. I live on a lovely property on the Mid North Coast of NSW, where my late husband and I established Marneross Arabian Stud. We successfully bred and showed our horses at all levels of completion. I still have a few mares to breed from, but no longer stand a stallion at stud.

I wanted to become more involved and so attended The University of Queensland studying Equine Science, and then taught Equine studies at Tafe NWS for 15 years.

Being a keen competitor led me to becoming a Judge, which now plays an important part in my life. I have been fortunate to meet lots of different people for here and overseas, with whom I have developed good friendships. It has allowed me to travel overseas and see some of the best horses in other countries, as well as the best Australia has to offer.

My other interest is teaching others to ride. It is great to see people develop their confidence and skills as riders and enjoy the sport that has given me so much pleasure.

I feel that I am fortunate to be involved with a sport that has given me so much.