Ranchlands
Promoting passionate pony prancing since 1977
Jenny's love for riding began at a young age, and she has tried her hand at various disciplines. She started as a pony club member and has since become a barrel racer, show jumper, polocrosse player, dressage rider, and now an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. Throughout the years, her passion for riding has remained strong, as demonstrated by her many qualifications and accomplishments.
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Jenny’s achievements include:
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Equestrian Federation of Australia Level 2 Coach (dressage)
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Advanced dressage judge – retired
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A Grade Show Jumper
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Riding for the disabled Level 1 coach
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Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator
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Competed and placed at State level Show jumping
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Represented Australia at Prix St Georges level in Dressage on three occasions
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Trained three horses to FEI level taking one through to Grand Prix (Olympic) level
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Townsville Business Women’s Circle Community-Minded Business Woman of the Year Award 2023
Lew has been a professional Farrier for over 45 years and his experience in the hoof department is extensive. He is now retired but was called upon by many Veterinarians for his expertise. He is also the chief groundsman, maintenance man, events putter upper and all round ‘right’ hand man to Jen and the crew.
At Ranchlands, we are incredibly fortunate to have the support of passionate and dedicated instructors. All of our senior instructors have long tenures. While a love for horses is important, the desire to share that passion with the next generation in a thoughtful, experienced, qualified, and nurturing environment is truly something special.
Tania - Operations Manager / Senior Instructor
Tania is originally from England, where she trained to become an instructor with the British Horse Society. After teaching there, she moved to Australia in 1996. Since then, Tania has worked at Ranchlands intermittently, balancing her responsibilities between raising children and pursuing a professional career.
She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and respect for horses and celebrating the achievements that come with riding. Tania develops strong relationships with her students and is dedicated to helping them reach their goals.
Outside of work, she shares her life with her husband, two grown sons, three dogs, and her beloved chunky Friesian x Warmblood named Zeddy, who holds a special place in her heart.
Theresa - Senior Instructor
Theresa is a qualified Pony Club instructor who loves teaching. She finds great joy in seeing children improve, strive for a better relationship with their horses, and gain a deeper understanding of them.
Having been around horses all her life, Theresa is continually fascinated by the lessons they can teach us. Her motto is "bottoms in saddles and smiles on faces." She believes that riding is about achieving personal bests rather than being the best, and that it allows for the sharing of a love for horses while making lifelong friends. With a no-nonsense approach, Theresa draws out the best in each of her students, as trust builds confidence.
Esther - Senior Instructor
Esther has been with Ranchlands for a total of 31 years, first as a student at the age of 10 and later as an instructor. She is passionate about the bond between riders and horses, as well as the valuable life skills developed along this journey. Like all Ranchlands instructors, Esther cares deeply for the mental and physical well-being of the horses and seeks to instill that same compassion in her students.
Esther holds a Certificate IV in Sports Coaching Equestrian. From her riders, she hopes to see qualities such as passion, toughness, patience, resilience, friendship, leadership, and effort. She believes that true talent goes beyond winning ribbons or having an impressive horse; it is about showing up even when you’re scared, practicing tirelessly to perfect your skills, learning to read your horse, and persisting through challenging rides.
Anyone, regardless of age or size, can achieve these qualities. It’s a lifelong journey.
Merenia - Stable Manager / Junior Instructor
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Merenia is our Stable Manager and Junior Instructor, and she is the newest member of our team, having taken on this role in 2024. Prior to this, Merenia was a student with us and a fantastic volunteer at all our events. She is always eager to learn, seeking to deepen her understanding of horses so she can share that knowledge with others.
Currently,
Merenia is guiding enthusiastic young equine lovers as they take their first steps and learn bouncy trots. She enjoys teaching through games and fun activities, helping to ease any tension among our younger riders.
