Jay Randle

At Splendacrest Stables, our greatest achievements have never been my own personal achievements. They’ve always been the kids. The nervous little 5, 6, 7 and 8 year olds who first arrive here learning how to steer, balance, brush a horse properly and build confidence around animals. Then suddenly, somewhere along the way, those same kids are teenagers riding 80km, 120km and 160km endurance rides, representing their state, standing on podiums, wearing Australian team gear and competing on the...

Good sailors don’t fight the wind; they read it, feel it, and work with it. The best outcomes come not from force, but from timing, sensitivity, and an almost invisible conversation between human and environment. Horse riding is no different. At first glance, both pursuits appear to be about control. A rider sits atop half a tonne of muscle; a sailor commands a vessel at the mercy of wind and tide. But in truth, neither horse nor boat responds well to domination. Pull too hard on the reins,...

Splendacrest Stables is looking for a qualified, experienced horse riding instructor. You must have your First Aid, CPR, and Blue Card. Availability at least 3 weekdays, plus all day Saturdays. This position would also suit an international traveller (must have excellent spoken English), or a 'grey nomad'. Splendacrest Stables is a well-established riding school, just 8km from major shopping in South Toowoomba, Qld. The location is the perfect mix of peaceful rural living and convenience....