About Us

Rory Hovell WA – Chair 

Rory Hovell has always had a special interest in breeding successful show jumpers. During his university studies Rory wrote his honours thesis on breeding, blood lines and which combinations are likely to produce super stars. Rory has put his studies and extensive experience to good use as the quality of Yalambi Farm Stud’s foals clearly shows.
Rory is an international jumping competitor & trainer and was selected for the Australian Elite Jumping Squad for Normandy WEG 2014. Rory was also shortlisted for the 2004 Athens Olympics. 

Vicki Roycroft NSW 

Vicki Roycroft boasts a remarkable equestrian career spanning over 50 years. She holds the record for most selections on Australian Showjumping teams competing at World Cup Qualifiers. Vicki’s dedication shone through her participation in three Olympic Games (representing two disciplines!), three World Championships, and three World Equestrian Games.

A true pioneer, Vicki became the first woman in the world to compete in two equestrian disciplines at the Olympic level (Eventing and Showjumping). She also achieved historic success with her horse Apache, winning the prestigious CSIO di Roma Grand Prix in 1987 – a first for both Australia and female riders.

Vicki’s influence extends beyond competition. She is the only Australian coach to guide an Asian Games Gold Medallist and served as the jumping coach for Australia’s Olympic Gold Medal teams in 1992, 1996, and 2000.

Paul Groves NSW

Paul Groves is the president of the Australian Haflinger Breeding & Sports Association and the owner of Fernances Creek Farm, located in the lower Hunter Valley near Wollombi, about an hour northwest of Sydney. At Fernances Creek Farm, Paul breeds Haflingers, a European horse known for their kind nature, easy-going attitude, and suitability for various disciplines, from pleasure riding to competitive sports.

Paul’s dedication to the breed and commitment to promoting their versatility makes him a key figure in the Haflinger community.

Ulrich Klatte QLD 

Ulli’s longstanding commitment to breeding and performance led to the establishment of Belcam Stud where he introduced an extensive breeding, training and marketing program to the Australian equine industry. A key feature of the program was the annual Belcam Auctions, which attracted international buyers leading to exports to Asia, the Pacific, USA and Europe.

In 1994, he established the Australian Continental Equestrian Group Inc., becoming a member of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses. Today, the ACE Group is the largest warmblood studbook in Australia. It also caters for pony and small performance breeds.

Ulli has been actively involved in the Equestrian Federation as a rider, coach and event organiser and continues to contribute to local and national coaching, and many committees.

There is no doubting Ulli’s contribution and commitment to the Australian equine industry. He has a vision to unite the Australian horse community and to bring it into the 21st Century.

Ike Baker NZ 

With a passion for exercise physiology, Ike is dedicated to integrating science into production systems and fostering a sustainable future for the equine industry. He believes in creating environments that allow horses to reach their genetic potential, ensuring their high quality of life and maintaining the social license to use horses in sport.

Ike plays a crucial role in the equestrian community, serving on the organizing committee for the National Young Horse Championships in New Zealand and recently joining the board for Horse of the Year Ltd. Based in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, he operates an equine-focused property specializing in the reproduction and performance of show jumpers.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Ike works as a freelance equine science consultant, leveraging his expertise to enhance the equine industry’s practices and standards.

Jody Hartstone NZ

Jody Hartstone grew up in Raglan on New Zealand’s West Coast and has loved horses since she was a kid. Her first pony, Weething, arrived when she was six, and she quickly moved up the ranks in her local pony club with her next pony, Aladdin’s Lad. Her first experience with competitive dressage came with a warmblood mare named Mountain Breeze, leading to a lasting friendship with Mick and Sandy Fryatt from Belmont Farms.

Jody’s career took off with Belmont Warendorf and later Belmont Golden Boy, who helped her achieve major successes. She studied Leisure Studies at Waikato University and represented New Zealand in Japan, solidifying her dream of a career with horses. Reading Dr. Andrew McLean’s book on Equitation Science changed how she trained horses, leading to more wins with horses like Landioso, Ramazotti, Donnerwind, Marceau, Wunderstag, and the remarkable Whisper.

After Whisper’s passing, Jody found new inspiration with Lusitano horses, starting a new chapter with Ali Baba and founding Cruzeiro Do Sul Lusitanos. With the support of her parents and patrons Erin and Warrick Mortimer, Jody remains dedicated to her lifelong passion for horses.

Jennifer Bain QLD – Secretary

Lyndie Parnitz QLD – Treasurer