Welcome to the G'Day Mate Ranch located in Aiken, South Carolina .  South Carolina is the sister state to my home state of Queensland, Australia.  Traditionally horses have been "broken in" (we now say starting horses) using methods that took weeks, sometimes driving them in long reins until they got tired out and gave up. Fear and intimidation were instilled in the horses using these methods. The core of this "breaking in" was to simply wear them out which resulted in a physically fit horse, but one who learned to never fully accept the human as a partner and was wary and often uncooperative for the rest of his life. I also used some of these old methods many years ago.  I knew there had to be a better way for horse and human that was quicker, safer and kinder.  Working with and studying many fine horsemen over the years led me to learning and embracing the natural horsemanship methods. Often people refer to us as Horse Whisperers.  We all know you can't just whisper to horses to get them to do something, but the book/movie Horse Whisperer brought a lot of positive attention and understanding to the natural approach to horsemanship. This type of horsemanship is basically communication through body language, facial expression and methods of pressure and release which leads to a respectful, relaxed, cooperative partner for life.

G'Day Mate Ranch

G'Day Mate Ranch is located fifteen minutes east of Aiken surrounded by equestrian facilities of many disciplines.  The layout of the ranch is 24 acres of sandy type soil which is excellent footing and is easy on horses' legs.  The ground in Aiken never freezes. At one end of the property we have 10 paddocks (apprx. 125' x125') with run-in sheds, top board fencing and no climb wire. There is also a large, mowed open field adjacent to the paddocks that may be used for various equine activities. These paddocks and field will be available for self-care boarding in late 2017. Up front we have 5 large fields with run-ins. The barn area consists of 5 stalls, a feed room, a horse wash, a bathroom with shower and a small room for teaching and other activities.