events with Designed by the Prophet, and I am enjoying
the challenge of learning a new discipline, but I have a
long way to go before I even remotely start to master any
events.
12. Did you ride in western events at any time?
I have attempted many years ago to ride in some Western
events, but Rocky was too quick legged and not really
suitable. The only Western event he consistently won
was the Hunter Hack Class.
13. What other disciplines have you competed in?
Over the years I attended Pony Club and competed to A
Grade Showjumping, EA Eventing and Showjumping, as
well as HRCAV Dressage, combined training, showing,
and eventing, but I have lost my nerve now and cant be
bothered with the jumping. I was lucky enough to spend
10 years riding and managing competition yards in the
US, UK and Germany competing in Dressage, Eventing
and Hunter Trials. This was a great part of my life and
the experience gained was amazing.
14. If you have children, do they also ride and in what
events?
Only one of my children ride now, Charlotte competes in
Junior Youth on My Deliberate Breeze and she also rides
HL Theodore in the Youth Non Tradition events, and we
are now leasing Annlee Wait and Cee owned by Annie
Boyd, so I am excited about the next 12 months with
Sissy. We feel blessed to have this mare in our lives.
15. Do you have a trainer or have you done all the
training yourself?
Liz Keating is my main support, and Justin Hughes helps
at home when I am under the pump at work with working
horses and helping Charlotte.
16. What has been the most exciting win you have
had?
I have been lucky that I have had so many great wins
at Nationals in the Hack, Dressage, and as mentioned
earlier the three Snr Horse Hi Points at the Nationals, as
well as a Non Tradition Hi Point at the Nationals with HL
Theodore. You remain very humble with horses, as you
are only as good as your last win and when you are at the
top there is only one way and that’s down. I have learnt
to appreciate each and every horse and the journey it
takes me on. I was so lucky to have BPS Stage One for the
years we competed - he was so consistent at whatever he
did. HL Theodore has been more challenging at times but,
when he puts his best hoof forward can produce some
beautiful work and he is a lovely horse.
17. List some of the wins you have had over the years:
Outside of the AQHA my best win was 2nd at Royal
Melbourne Show on BPS Stage One in both his Novice and
My Deliberate Breeze Q-63454 ridden by
Charlette Mansley
Open Show Hunter Galloway Class. Riding out on that
arena to contest the Reserve Championship was the best
feeling ever, even though we did not win I was so proud to
be riding my very talented and versatile Quarter Horse in
the Open ring.
I have also taken out two Hi Point Dressage
Championships at the HRCAV TTT Dressage
Championships and been on two winning teams at this
prestigious event. The last win consisted of both HL
Theodore with me on board and BPS Stage One with good
friend Justine Mizzi on board, plus my daughter on our
Welsh Pony being on our winning team, which was very
exciting.
I have taken out Champion Child’s Pony with huge
numbers in the class, as well as Champion and Reserve
Champion Show Hunter Pony under 12.2 hh one year at
Melbourne Royal. This was an amazing feeling with our
two amazing Hunter Ponies, as well as two Best Novice
Pony Awards at Royal Melbourne Show in years gone by -
all these have been very exciting
I have been blessed to have so many great wins and
moments over the years, now its become the challenge of
learning new things that keeps me interested.
18. Do you have a favourite Quarter Horse bloodline in
your English events?
That’s a difficult question because both Teddy and Rocky
have such different breeding, but they have both been
amazing. I think the Quarter Horses are so versatile.
They can turn their hooves to anything, whether it is
Traditional, Non Traditional or Sporting disciplines.
19. Is there anyone who has inspired you in the equine
industry?
Annie Boyd, Rachel and Carol Elliott, Liz Christiansen,
Blayze Williams, Danielle Butcher are my favourite
Amateurs and this is just to name a few. Professionals,
well where do you start, so many that I respect and look
up too. I find there are so many individuals that are so
helpful and supportive, and I have made so many friends
along the way. It’s just a great sport to be involved in.
20. Do you have any hobbies in your ‘spare time’?
In between work, horses and kids I don’t have any spare
time for much else. I have an array of pet sheep, goats,
dogs and cats who I love to spend time with and keep me
relaxed and amused.
21. Where do you expect to be with you horses in 12
months time?
Hopefully a little further on with learning to ride the
Western classes and supporting my daughter Charlotte
as she grows and develops her own riding skills.
My Deliberate Breeze Q-63454 ridden by Janet Mansley
March • April • 2018 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • Page 21