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MEET THE TEAM.

KELLY
RANFORD

I was born into horses and my passion has only grown. I began working in the racing industry when I was fourteen, and from there I spent most of my teen years working on high end studs from breeding through to racing. I honestly learnt from the ground up and along side some amazing horsemen and horsewoman. Later, I started working for the Hayes family in the Barossa. Made up of three amazing properties; breeding, breaking and pre training/racing. I spent nine years riding youngsters through to Group 1 horses, stud work, yearling sales and working in the on-site equine hospital. This is where my passion for healing started to grow. I have also spent two and a half years in England, working for top trainer, Ed Dunlop; Caring for and riding world class horses.

 

After returning to Australia I have managed multiple equine properties and spent many years educating, and competing my own horses. In this time, I have hand raised and produced my competing stallion who was the 2022 South Australian 1* Eventing Horse of the Year. In the last four years I became an Equine Hydro-Therapist and dove into the world of rehabilitation and post-operative care. This is where my heart became full! I understand the confronting and difficult side to the care that our horses often require, and the difficulty in these times to contact professionals. By creating Hills Equestrian I can combine all of my passions together and help others.

CARMEN VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

I have been around horses since a toddler and was born with a passion to work with them. I started working with horses as soon as I was old enough and worked in riding schools, with performance horses, and world class racehorses. I’ve also groomed and ridden for multiple National level show horse teams in Australia. During my time as a rider, I’ve produced my own young horses, re-educated off the track thoroughbreds and worked as a track rider internationally. 

 

Over the last five years I’ve lived and worked in the UK. Working in racing, as head travelling person, and also riding track work. I’ve worked with yearlings all the way through to Royal Ascot runners and Ebor Festival winners. 

 

Horses have always been my passion and I truly believe that a happy horse is a healthy horse. We as humans expect a lot from our horses, so therefore we need to ensure they receive the best care possible.

 

My gentle approach to working with horses allows me to build a confident and calm horse. 

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