All Directors of the AHSA Ltd have a current Directors Identification number and WWC. They meet all other requirements to be an AHSA Ltd Director according to ASIC, the Corporations Act and The AHSA Ltd Constitution.
Chairperson
Phone: 0436 682 535
Email: chair@ahsa.asn.au
I have been involved with horses for most of my life, from my early days of competing in rider classes at Sydney Royal as a child, to eventing as a teenager.
University studies interrupted my equestrian activities, and it wasn’t until 1977 when I again became involved with horses, with a move to the South Coast of NSW in 1979, and the establishment of Valinor Park Arabians which led to the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
Horses from Valinor Park have achieved awards in many areas – from Australian National Halter and Dressage Champions to winning in both Halter in Europe and in the demanding field of Endurance in Australia, the Middle East and Europe.
The stud’s motto is ‘Beauty that Endures’ and I have always strived to live up to this.
I am passionate about the versatility and functionality of the Arabian horse, and believe that our horses must adhere to type by being true to the standard.
Professionally I have been a past Chair and Director of The Australian Psychological Society, and held Directorships in a number of private companies.
I have also run a successful private practice in the South Coast since 1988.
Senior Vice Chairperson
Adam has been involved with the Arabian for approaching Four decades. Whilst still in his teenage years Adam founded King Estate and became a familiar and well-known sight in the winner’s circle at shows large and small around the country.
Over the years Adam’s passion for and commitment to the Arabian has continued to thrive. He remains a leading advocate and active ambassador involved with all facets of the industry, breeding and promoting both Purebred and Arabian derivatives. Celebrating the athleticism, beauty and pentathlete quality’s of the breed he loves has seen Adam and representatives of King Estate active in both the Halter and Performance arenas.
A past president of the NSW Arabian Horse Association and a member of the National Judges Panel. Adam has been involved in Agribusiness at Management level for the past Ten years, previously with Elders and currently with AgriWest Rural, specializing in change management and stakeholder engagement; business tools that would serve well working within the board environment and with the membership.
Adams skills, commitment and passion for the Arabian would see him be a driving force in bringing recognition as to why the most ancient breed is the perfect horse for the modern world.
Junior Vice Chairperson
As the new South Australian Director, I offer my professional expertise to assist in promoting Arabians, as well as encouraging and promoting our Youth. I have been involved in showing, judging, exhibiting and breeding Arabians since the 1960’s and still breed and exhibit purebreds. I fully understand the challenges faced by smaller breeders and exhibitors in the current economic climate.
Over the years I have served on many committees in various positions as well as being very hands-on, organising shows, seminars and promotional activities.
My work as a Marketing Consultant has seen the creation and implementation of many successful marketing and promotional campaigns that have received worldwide recognition.
Currently, I am the South Australian representative on the Judges Organising Committee, acting as JOC Secretary, which includes updating the AHSA website, and assisting AHSA with Sponsorships for Aussies 2024.
I have formal qualifications in Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Company Directorship, and am currently undertaking studies (part time) in Corporate and Business Law.
During my career I have held positions of CEO of member based organisations, Marketing Manager for Westfield Group, and Company Secretary for a SA company with a weekly turnover of $2.4m.
Director
Phone: 0407 583 333
Email:kaferthalarabians@bigpond.com
I have been an Arabian horse admirer from a very early age, my parents being good friends of the late Betty and Jack Serpell of Faraway Farm Arabians.
I have been involved in many disciplines within the horse industry and have always competed on an Arabian or Arabian bred horse including Endurance, Pony Club, and showing.
Branching out to breeding in 1994 for our own use, we were lucky enough to acquire a couple of amazing animals to start.
Our Purebred Stallion, who we bred, obtained 3 National Championships in 2015 for both led and ridden events.
I have nominated for the board as I would like to contribute to the ongoing success of the Society and believe my Business Management experience would be an asset.
I currently manage a Network of 70 small businesses for one of Australia’s largest employers. I have worked for this company for 34 years.
I believe open and honest communication is imperative in maintaining member’s satisfaction. Members need to know their society is being managed correctly for the advantage of all and not just for a select few.
No matter what you do with your Arabian I will listen and support common sense ideas.
Director
Phone: 0414 265577
Email: syraharabians@gmail.com
Vanessa has had a deep passion for Arabian horses since childhood. Her first pony was a Partbred Arabian who demonstrated true versatility across dressage, eventing, sporting and showing.
Syrah Arabians commenced in the early 1990’s and has bred numerous Australian National Champions, including both halter and saddle horses. A number of Syrah bred horses have been successful in endurance and are also valued family horses.
Professionally, Vanessa was with PricewaterhouseCoopers for 36 years, including 22 years as a partner. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Tax Institute.
Vanessa has served on the Board of not for profit companies in the equestrian and social health space, including chairing the Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance of Australasia Inc, which brings the Arabian to the broader equestrian world at Equitana. In those roles she has had a key role in financial management and governance.
Firmly believing in the qualities of the Arabian as a uniquely human focussed and versatile, Vanessa is focussed on celebrating the Arabian in every field of endeavour.
Director
Phone: 0427 562 314
Email: ennovyar@gmail.com
Yvonne Downes has bred Purebred Arabians, Anglo and Arabian Warmbloods at Ennovyar Arabians for 42 years, now at Gunns Plains, Tasmania. Previously living in NSW founded South Coast Arabian Riders and Breeders Society (SCARABS), organizing two A Class Shows for over 25 years. In Tasmania Yvonne belongs to both Affiliates, was Secretary of Tas ARABS and currently President of TCAG. Also Secretary of the committee that runs Burnie Show. She competes in Arabian Shows (including the Australian Championships) in halter, dressage and saddle, and in open events in dressage, eventing and endurance.
Some highlights of Yvonne’s resume include National Panel Arabian judge, competed horses to Australian Championships level, Equestrian Australia Dressage/Showhorse judge, PCAT Jumping Equitation and Dressage judge, PCAT Level 2 coach, past teacher of Equine Studies (TAFE), Pony Club and Adult Riding instructor. Yvonne would like to see more promotion of the Arabian in the wider horse community, Arabian sections in more Ag Shows, training days for judges/exhibitors/riders in Tasmania, rewards/incentives to endurance breeders to register, support for small breeders, transparency in all Board decisions.
Director
I am a Professional Horse Breaker and Trainer based in Southeast Queensland. Along with breaking and training I also operate our family stud, Centreline Arabians with my husband Karl, with the aim of breeding beautiful and functional; Purebred and Derivative Arabians.
For 45 years I’ve been competing across many breeds and disciplines to the highest of standard. I have been fortunate to have competed in everything from Eventing to Endurance to Dressage, as well as all events offered for Arabians. I have amassed numerous Australian Arabian National Championships and State Titles with my own home bred horses, as well as client horses, in both led and ridden events.
I am incredibly passionate about the Arabian horse and promoting their versatility where possible. I take great pleasure and pride in supporting and encouraging youth and non-professional riders so that they can enjoy their arabians also. I have enjoyed competing at the Australian Arabian National Championships for many years and I am proud to be on the Judging panel for this years event.
My proven skills both professionally and individually using social media platforms in a positive way has helped these businesses grow and exceed expectations.
However, it has also seen me using these skills in a number of Board positions and in Arabian clubs such as being Publicity Officer and the provision of newsletters and generating informative and positive messaging.
My aim as a Board member has always been and continues to be to ensure that our breed is promoted in a positive light. I have the long-term experience both professionally and as an active Arabian Horse Society member to promote the Arabian horse to a wider audience and at the same time contribute positively to the day to day running of the AHSA Board.
Finally, my passion is for Arabians to still be the horse of choice for our grandchildren and future generations.
Director
Phone: +61 (0) 407 755409
Email: framedbyframe@bigpond.com
Kerry is an Arabian Owner, Breeder and Exhibitor with over 50 years experience she has held many senior positions including President, Vice President , Secretary and Treasurer on numerous Arabian Affiliated and non Affiliated groups. Kerry has been involved on show committees for 45 years running some of Australia’s Premier Arabian and mixed breed shows.
Professionally, Kerry is an Equine Photographer with over 37 years experience. She has also studied at the ANU (Canberra) Batchelor Of Arts and holds a Certificate IV in Advanced Business Management and Certificate IV in Design and Media.
Kerry has indicated how honoured she is to be asked to take up the vacant position on the Board for NSW. She hopes to be a voice for the members. She wants to encourage our youth and introduce new members to experience the beauty and intelligence that the Arabian Horse offers along with their versatility in all Equestrian fields.
She truly hopes that her knowledge, passion and expertise will assist her to be an asset to the The AHSA Ltd Board and in particular to the membership itself making decisions that will help us grow and move forward with a positive and healthy future.
Director
Phone: 07-54415950
Email: annasdakota@gmail.com
I have been involved with the Arabian Horse industry for over 40 years. Our family stud, Annandale Arabians, have prided ourselves on breeding quality Performance Arabians, both Purebred and Derivative, with many becoming multi-Australian Champions under saddle and led.
I am a National Panel Judge and find this to be very rewarding and enjoyable.
I have previously been on a number of committees such as AQHA Inc for a number of years.
I am very passionate about promoting the Arabian breed across all disciplines, whether that is competitive, working, pleasure or breeding.
Director
Phone: 0409 290169
Email: jillabee@optusnet.com.au
Buying my first Arabian in 1990 I consequently “saw the light” and bought and bred more than 20 purebreds and derivatives since then. I was heavily involved with WAAHA as Chairman for several years in different times with 150 plus horses entered in our shows. Loved every minute and met the best Arabian horsey people making lifelong friends along the way. I led and supported wonderful committees of like-minded people through many challenges to promote the breed.
I worked in Government for 36 years retiring 6 years ago to run two charities which I manage and have brought to being in the best place financially, providing more and better services and planning improvements in to the future. I bring a vast and broad business knowledge, am honest and fair.
I see a positive future with amazing horses being complemented with local and international breeding and would like to be involved with that and I bring another perspective to the AHSA Board with my hands-on and business experience. Our breed needs to continue to grow and encourage new and also entice past members back and I am sure with the stability and integrity of AHSA this will continue.
All official correspondence to the Board of Directors of the AHSA Ltd. should be directed to the Secretary to the Board.
To contact the Secretary
secretary@ahsa.asn.au
If considered necessary, you may copy in Board members.