Ray White’s Saddle Club

When did you start riding, and how did you get into it?

I initially fell into it a little by accident to be honest, as I had never ridden a horse in my life before taking it up at the age of 47. My wife, (Raewynne) through her job met a couple who ran a local riding school. They told us to come out to Kyrewood and have a look. Of course we did and, as they say, the rest is history.

Do you have any horses of your own?

We currently have four horses, two are rideable and two are retired. Two are thoroughbreds and both ex racehorses (Rocky and Jonty). The other two are Joshua who is well into his late 20s and is also retired his breeding is what is known as a dutch warmblood. Then there is Tama, my wife Raewynne’s horse, a beautiful dark brown cross-bred horse of whom his sire was an actually Australian stock horse.

What style of riding do you do?

I’ve now been riding for around 20 years and to be honest I just like to have a bit of fun. I just try to fit things in around work. There’s nothing like going to the local beach and having a bit of a blast, the horses love it!

What do you love most about it?

That's a tough one as it certainly entails a whole lot of work (and not to mention money), but it keeps you moving, motivated, and it’s exciting that these magnificent animals are happy to and want to work with you (most of the time).

Any tips for people who might want to give it a go?

Just do it! It also helps if you have a partner who is keen to get involved with you. Take some lessons and take on board what experienced people tell you as this is a sport where you always seem to be learning little tips or something new.

When did you start riding, and how did you get into it?

I started riding at a very young age due to my family being so heavily involved in Polocrosse and growing up on a cattle farm, both my mother and uncle had represented at a high level in the sport so understandably I wanted to ride to be a part of it.

What style of riding do you do?

When I departed school I chased the dream of playing polo for a living which took me all over the world riding the best horses and breeds in the sport. I was fortunate enough to secure a job working for the Packer family on a station known as "Ellerston". I worked there for four years as a young horse rider and player. I had the opportunity to compete at the highest level in Australian polo, ride the best horses in the world and even put on a New South Wales jersey. Nowadays, I try to jump on a few every chance I can, recently this year I had the opportunity to travel over to Spain to play and ride over there for four weeks.

What's your favourite place to ride?

The best game I ever played was making it to the final at Ellerston, playing for the Ellerston white team on the number one field. Unfortunately we lost that final but I had 12 unbelievable horses for that game and the atmosphere is something I won't forget.

What do you love most about it?

Not to be cheesy with this response, but I genuinely like that you must be one with a horse. All outside world noise stops when you sit on a horse and all you focus on is the horse beneath your legs because if you don't it can be a hard fall. You'd be surprised how switched on, intelligent, caring and charismatic horses really are if you get to know them. They are a lot like people in many ways.

When did you start riding, and how did you get into it?

My first experience riding was when I was about seven years old and we were visiting my cousins in Melbourne who took me for a ride on a pony. From that day on I was hooked. I got my first pony when I was eight years old and it was your typical first pony, white and fluffy.

Do you have any horses of your own?

Over the years I have owned and bred 15 horses. I currently have four.

What style of riding do you do?

I do hacking or show riding which is sometimes hard to explain but generally it’s what you see at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in the main ring events with all the horses going round in a circle being judged. Kind of like dressage but in an open space. I have competed at Royal and National level since I was 10 years old.

What's your favourite place to ride?

I ride only to train, which I do in the early hours of the morning before heading into the office. Most recently my main home breed competition horse has done extremely well being two years running on the national team for New South Wales.

What do you love most about it?

It's hard to pinpoint one thing as there are a lot of very long hours, sometimes years of training to get a horse to competition level. I think I enjoy starting young horses and watching them develop.

When did you start riding, and how did you get into it?

I started riding at the age of seven. I had the ‘horse bug’ very early on. My parents were not connected to the sport or horses at all - we are still a little unsure to this day where this love came from.

Do you have any horses of your own?

Just the one! It’s all I have time for. My current horse’s name is Nic Nak.

What style of riding do you do?

I show jump. I compete most years up to 35 shows a year and compete anywhere from Roma to Glen Innes to the Mornington Peninsula.

What's your favourite place to ride?

My favourite show would have to be jumping at the Ekka. It was always a dream I had as a little girl, and always has such a fun atmosphere in the main ring.

Any tips for people who might want to give it a go?

I would say find a good riding school and start with some private lessons to find your feet. Then see which areas/disciplines you like most!

What do you love most about it?

These amazing animals have always been very good for my soul. They teach you so much working with them and often bring me peace when I need it. The part of the sport I love most is it's so technical and hard to get perfect - I am always chasing improvement. The mental challenge of competing and getting your brain space right I also love. I guess overall when you have a sport or a hobby outside of work you get a chance at perspective and focusing on something else away from your job.