Julie & Zeed

My riding experience started rather late in life with a group of like-minded mothers at the agistment where our children kept their horses, the children grew out of pony club, but I was hooked. I attended riders club and competed in many dressage competitions and top team events on an old reliable horse. When the time came for me to get a new horse I discovered just how much confidence my old horse had given me. A younger greener horse that soon got my measure quickly eroded this! I found myself with that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach every time I thought about going to ride. In short I needed help. 

Three years ago I took myself and that green horse to Roy. With Roy’s help and guidance I rediscovered the fun of riding. I found out that it was’t meant to be difficult and tiring, but rather I became confident in the skills learnt and the exciting fun challenges that riding under Roy’s tuition provided.

From dressage to western riding, I rediscovered the social side of riding, and showing the absolute joy of riding through the bush and coming upon a mob of “Roos” basking in the warm autumn sun.  Best of all I discovered this on a horse that with a little training no longer worried me because we both clearly understood what an enjoyable partnership between a horse and rider could be.

I then discovered the joy of showing, and with a horse that used to terrify me, I found myself winning in the show ring. My interest in showing increased and wanting to show in Quarter horse events, Roy found me the ideal horse, and I have built a new partnership with the most wonderful Quarter horse gelding.

I know I would have quickly given away the idea of continuing to ride if not for Roy and his very capable staff’s help and encouragement, I feel very fortunate indeed and would not hesitate to recommend Roy to anyone no matter their chosen discipline in riding.

Julie Nichol

Amanda & Scotty

I found Roy at a stage when I was almost ready to give up on riding, I had been through a bad experience buying a horse that was not right for me and was very convinced that I would never find a nice horse again.

What attracted me to Roy was the opening line to his home page "It's a matter of life that when around horses long enough, sooner or later, an owner is going to strike a situation they feel inadequate to handle" This spoke straight to me as I had a bad experience, but also told me that it was ok for me to feel inadequate. My riding to this date had mainly been hacking around, however since having children and my experience I had lost my nerve and was expecting every horse to behave badly.

My lessons with Roy and Astrud started gently they helped me gain my trust again and with that my confidence grew. As my confidence grew little challenges were added such as following a cow around the small round yard without a bridle (that's my highlight to date) and doing lead changes on small bush tracks and even cutting cows things that a few months ago I would have never have dreamt of doing.  Once I had achieved these things I got such a buzz and it improved my riding immensely.

It's been twelve months since I started at Roy's; Roy found me a beautiful new horse that I learn a lot from everyday.  I have been to two shows and placed second in Trail and a first in Reining Improver.    This is a huge feat as I never thought I would have the confidence to enter in a show, let alone place. My riding in this time has become so much more enjoyable!  I no longer feel inadequate, its great if a challenge comes along I think "great that give me something to learn from." 

This change in attitude is solely due to Roy and Astrud and Eva's teachings they have taught me so much in such a short time.  I am so grateful that I found Roy's web site and I have no hesitations in recommending him to anyone.

Amanda Wilson

I have been around horses and ridden horses most of my life but had never really had any formal training.  As a young mother (many years ago) I used any spare time I had to get some instruction but this was in the English discipline.  I had the very common troublesome horse which I tried to enjoy, fell in love with so persevered but lost enjoyment from riding because of it. 

In my later years I became interested in the western discipline and bred my own QH/Arab cross.  I was keen to find someone who would break in my foal with a view to further training when I could.  “Artie” started his young life at Roy Marchinton’s training establishment in Berwick when he was around 2 yrs.  Roy made it very easy to ask questions when I didn’t understand and explained everything he was doing and why.  At this time I also met Eva who helped me so much and continues  to do so now.  I remember Roy asking me early on what I wanted, Artie to be mouthed, started under saddle and go on with at home or did I want a more rounded horse , safe, enjoyable and a bit more advanced.  I chose the latter option and have never looked back.  My first rides were phenomenal on a horse that was young but started well and my life took on a new beginning.  I could float him anywhere with confidence because he had done it all at Berwick. 

When Roy moved to Olsen Road I followed and over the years have had more training as I could manage it.  I have an immense respect for Roy, his knowledge, methods and all round horsemanship.  Roy, Eva and Astrud complement each other and I have had much help and encouragement from  each of them.  They have all had a part in my gaining the confidence to show whenever I can .  Their support is fantastic.  The horse doesn’t have a problem with anything much and I put this down to his being exposed to so many different aspects of a horses life and my renewed love of riding in the bush, in the arena and around cattle.  Roy had also encouraged me to try riding other horses to gain my confidence which I did. 

I look forward to continuing my hobby into retirement where I hope to have all the time in the world to do what I love to do (although of course owning a horse I might need to work until I’m 100!) 

Judy Carrucan

I have known Roy Marchinton on a personal basis for approximately 10 years.  During that time I have sent various horses to Roy for breaking in and training.  Roy has always done a fantastic job on our horses and they have always come back to us relaxed, well mouthed and very safe to ride and handle.

Over the years I have also participated at Roys clinics and had numerous private lessons.  I have found the lessons and clinics to be extremely enjoyable and a great learning curve for both myself and my horse.    Roy shows patience and empathy with nervous or beginner riders but is also capable of helping advanced riders to step up and improve their riding.

The camaraderie at shows amongst clients from Roy Marchinton Training Stables is great to see.  From improvers to more advanced, they all help each other out, calm nerves and cheer and clap when they achieve results.  Astrud and Eva compliment the running of the business by being capable and caring horsewoman, hardworking and incredibly helpful.

I would have no hesitation in leaving any of our horses at Roy Marchinton Training stables and would recommend Roys services to anyone who wants to learn and improve their riding and horsemanship skills.

Vicki Simmons