The People Behind the Stud

Danielle Ternes

I grew up on my parents beef cattle property riding anything that had four legs, preferably but not neccesarily a horse.

My parents always bred a few thoroughbreds and raced them so most of my mounts were also thoroughbreds. I was fortunate enough to have parents who supported me throughout a childhood of shows and one day events.

Going to Melbourne for University meant aggisting a horse and not being so free to compete so I turned to track riding with trainer Eddie Lang.

After Uni I worked for outdoor educators Outward Bound for 4 years and developed their horseriding programs. These were great fun and allowed me to ride and pack the Northern end of Kosciusko NP, which was something I had dreamt about doing since reading the Elyne Mitchell Silver Brumby books as a girl.

After leaving Outward Bound I met several key people in my life, the first was Mick Otton, Mumbulla ASH stud who is a great friend and inspiration. The second of course is my partner today Glen Dixon.

Wanting a good horse to ride in the mountains and to get into some competition again I approached Mick about buying a horse. Mick sold me my first ASH horse, a horse called Mumbulla Tuna who I thought might fit the bill.

All my horses before Tuna had been ‘off the track’ thoroughbreds, and my eyes were opened. It was at Micks place that I met Glen so I have much to thank Mick for.

Shortly after buying Tuna I went to watch Mick and Glen at Candelo Campdraft. All those good horses (and the boots and hats with blokes in between convinced me), Campdrafting was what I had been looking for. Glen and I soon formed a great team with horses as our passion, all those long hours driving to and from a Draft are the place to make or break a relationship and we sure had some good talks.

Glen Dixon

Glen worked on and managed Monaro properties for much of his life and developed his love and respect for the Australian Stock Horse whilst doing so.

When Glen and I met he was working with the rural Lands board as a dog trapper and any spare time was spent either campdrafting or up in the mountains riding.

Glen had a wonderful palomino mare called Damask whom today many of our good horses are out of (Snowymountains Cedar, Snowymountains Crabapple, Snowymountains Ingebyrah).

I won my first draft on Damask at Corryong draft and Glen won the Maiden the same day on her and nearly made a hat trick of it with the Novice.

When the chance came up to buy Snowy River Horseback Adventure and move our horses and ourselves to the high country, we didn’t hesitate. We knew it was the opportunity we had been looking for.

It has been a busy 12 years for us in the mountains, breeding and training horses, competing, building a very successful business, having our son Danny and watching him grow, buying a new property and developing it the way we dreamed about back on those long truck trips.

Steven McGrath

Steve bought his first Australian Stock Horse from us and then began an enduring friendship that today sees us joining forces to do what we love best - breed and ride great horses. The Australian Stock Horse is a passion for Steve and a counterweight to business. Like everything he does Steve is committed to being the best horseman he can and has pursued this goal with great energy and dedication. Having a well bred, willing horse to ride for work, pleasure and competition is a joy that has captivated him.

Steve’s family share his love of horses. His daughter Julia is a dedicated and talented show rider with many successful years showing ponies and Galloways.

Julia is now shifting her focus to the ASH showring and will be showing half brother to Power N Passion, Power Play this season. Two year old Power Play is a lovely young horse bred by Geoff Wallen who has already won three futurities and has a big future ahead of him.

Steve’s son Aiden has discovered the joy of riding in the last few years and is set to embrace the world of campdrafting.

The superb horse facilities at Steve property in Bowral (including a purpose built campdraft arena), offer Snowymountains Stock Horses a wonderful base from which to stand young up and coming sire, Power N Passion.