ABOUT US

Our parents bought property in the rural Swan Valley some 20 years ago with the thought of raising children in the idyllic atmosphere.   Having a natural affiliation with the land and spending many hours outdoors, it was an expected instinct to be drawn to the beautiful horses that grazed on properties bordering our own. A deep love for these animals developed over the years but it was not until 7 and 10 years of age that we were allowed to have riding lessons.

Our parents insisted that we look after our horses ourselves, take on the responsibility and do all the hard work.  It was not long before we owned our first horse, one between the both of us!!!  22 years old and bombproof. We loved her dearly, but it was not long before we acquired our second horse so that we had one each. We thought we had died and gone to heaven!! We started pony club and did a little “showing”.

A lot has happened since then. Our Dad lost his machinery shed to make way for stables, his grapevines to an arena, a float had to be purchased, after we had borrowed our neighbours for two years and our property was converted to a horse stud! We were both selected into the State Young Riders Showhorse Squad, Caris being elected Captain for the last two years.

 In 2004 we were looking for a quality newcomer thoroughbred for Caris to compete on, in the Show Ring. We sourced a lot in WA however we found what we were looking for in Victoria. We made the flight to Victoria to make sure and then we purchased Jubes (Perfect By Nature) and he was on his way across the Nullarbor to his new home in WA.

Jubes won EFA Intermediate Horse of the Year in 2004, SHC Europa Gift Newcomers 2005, wins at Perth Royal Show, Top 10 in all HOTY's and recently won the prestigious Champion 2007 SHC Classic Large Hack qualifying for the 2008 Grand National Championships in Sydney.

In 2005 it was time to find a suitable thoroughbred off the track for Brittany.   Having competed in the Large Pony ring until then and only being 15 years of age, it was imperative that we found a suitable “quiet” thoroughbred (if there is such a thing!). Once again we found the ideal horse in Victoria and we purchased Sam (Striking) and our second horse was on his way across the Nullabor.   Sam won Supreme Hack of the Show - Perth Championships 2005 & 2006, Top 10 EFA Intermediate Hack 2005 and the SHC Europa Gift Newcomers 2006.    Brittany was a finalist at Sydney Grand Nationals 2007 after qualifying on Sam in 2006 in her Rider Class.

Having both our Show Hacks win Europa Gift Newcomer in 2005 and then again in 2006 was a huge feat. 

Our passion for our animals grew from strength to strength. Having always admired the ever-so beautiful Riding Pony, LEEARA PARK was established in early 2005. We had purchased a top quality yearling colt from Sefton Stud in Victoria at 8 months of age (Royal and Regal of Sefton). There were very few of Michael and Francesca Christie’s “Kirreway Ambition” colts remaining in Australia and due to his sudden passing in late 2005, it was decided not to geld our colt because of his bloodlines and his strong resemblance to his sire. But with the thought of broodmares, LEEARA PARK seemed like an extremely ambitious plan.

Royal and Regal of Sefton has proved to be the purchase of a lifetime, being everything a stallion should be. Coupled with beautiful movement, exquisite front and head and the most amazing personality and temperament, Rolle has won many Supreme of Supremes and he is still only 3 years of age. His first progeny, born December 2006, won Led Foal of the Year at the Riding Pony Youngstock Show 2007 alongside her father who won Led 3 Year Old of the Year at the same show.

The purchase of Rolle led to the discovery that Caris had a hidden talent in 'leading' show ponies at Breed Shows. This talent has resulted in Caris being flown to Victoria on numerous occasions to show quality senior, youngstock and foals for clients. Her success was culminated by winning the 2006 National Senior Led Show Pony with Rathowen XL at the Riding Pony Nationals. Leading against some of the best in the business, it was a huge thrill to be awarded the win.

From our competitive showing for the past 4 years we have acquired a second mother, coach, mentor, teacher and all in all best friend in Maggie Lees from Sefton Stud in Victoria. Through buying Jubes, Sam and subsequent other horses through Maggie we have developed a relationship that shows that friendship can exist in this industry. We have been given opportunities, tips and coaching that many other 'professionals' would be wary to give. We pride ourselves on our horses, how they are turned out and how they perform. We would like to thank her for her continued support, suggestions, advice and care that she has provided us with over the years.

We would like to thank our parents who have always encouraged us to follow our dreams and to believe that nothing is beyond our reach and that everything is possible!

Being sisters, we have been fortunate to experience some fantastic times together within our chosen sport. Although we compete against each other from time to time we are sisters first and competitors second, and we hope that this outlook on hacking and breeding will help us to become the best that we can be.