About

What an incredible life it’s been…

There’s no doubt about it: I’ve squeezed every last drop out of the fabric of my life, determined not to waste a single second. My life has been a rich and varied adventure, taking me on journeys both within myself and across the globe, exploring diverse paths, learning, and growing as I go.

I became a mother at an exceptionally young age, 15 to be exact. What can I say, I was in such a hurry to be a Mum and have a family. By the time I was 30, I was blessed with five incredible children—Zach, Sai, Sharmi, Vyasa, and Phoenix. Now, at 47, my life has been one of adventure, deep connection, and a lifelong love for my family, friends, community, horses, animals, nature, and travel. But don’t go thinking it was easy, in fact far from it.

Over the years, I’ve built a life centered around horses and the land, sharing this passion with countless others. I founded and ran The Ranch Byron Bay, where I guided riders along pristine beaches and through the lush hinterland of the Byron Shire, working with international clients, locals, and the many celebrities who would frequent the area. My journey has since brought me to the Clarence River, where I now run The Ranch on Clarence—a 113-acre riverside retreat offering immersive horse riding experiences, camping, and horsemanship education. This is literally my dream property, with wide-open skies, the river, endless trails, and expansive land for the horses to roam free.

A Childhood Among Artists and Horses

I grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, surrounded by a family of artists. My mother, Barbara McIvor, was a potter, and many of my childhood memories are of sitting in her studio, shaping clay into pinch pots or painting while absorbing adult conversations about philosophy, astrology, and the arts.

But my heart always belonged to the horses. I spent every possible moment with them, longing for the open landscapes they thrived in. After school, I’d help Mrs. Johns feed her herd of Arabian horses. She taught me to handle her stallions—mainly by giving them a wide berth at my young age! Although she did let me ride them bareback as she led them out to the lush pastures to graze. Her farm was magical, with the scent of barley boiling on the stove, and her tender care for both the horses and the land left an indelible mark on me.

Those childhood experiences fostered a lifelong love for horses, though I carry a deep sadness for the loss of places like Mrs. Johns’ farm, now replaced by urban sprawl.

The Call of the Wild

As a teenager, I spent weekends and holidays at Dealbata, a horse riding camp focused on endurance riding and Arabian horses. It was paradise—days spent riding through rainforests, swimming the horses in Booloumba Creek, and feasting at the homestead while Bob Dylan’s Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid played on vinyl. My favorite memories were of rounding up the herd of 40+ horses at dawn. The sound of their hooves thundering through the landscape still resonates in my heart today.

That experience inspired me to recreate something similar for guests at The Ranch on Clarence with our Troopy Horse Safari, where visitors come in the back of the trusty ole Troopcarrier to call in the the herd, it’s quite amazing as they emerge from the trees inside of a 500+ acre property, we then travel alongside them. Of course folks can always later swim with them in the river if they so choose. It’s a must-do experience for anyone who visits.

My Andalusian Journey

While Arabians defined my youth in the endurance world, Andalusians have always held my heart. In 2011, I purchased a PRE Andalusian breeding pair—Blue Blood Acoso and Noble Parque Naorlia—and together they produced six stunning foals. My heart horse, Mandela (pictured above) is their second-born. He’s my most trusted companion (shhh don’t tell the others!) and we’ve traversed all kinds of terrain together, bridleless and bareback, in complete trust.

His younger brother, Caravelle Hidalgo, is now standing at stud and producing exceptional foals. Five years ago, I also began breeding Warlanders after acquiring Fantom, a Black Friesian stallion (my other heart horse, Shhh don’t tell Mandela!) This next-level breed continues to amaze me with their beauty and versatility. Both Stallions are available to your mare if you are interested in breeding an exceptional equine companion.

A Legacy of Connection

My connection to horses has always felt innate, and I’ve often wondered where it came from. The rest of my family are potters, musicians, and artists, but I later discovered that my great-great-grandfather, Colonel Cunliffe Martin, was a decorated cavalry officer. Born in 1834, he commanded the legendary Central India Horse regiment, fought in the Indian Mutiny, and took part in major campaigns like the Afghan War. Not that I am supportive of war or colonisation, but perhaps that explains my deep love of horses.

A Life of Adventure

Beyond horses, my life has been one of exploration and entrepreneurship. I founded Baba Slings, a hammocking-style baby sling that became a global business. This venture took me and my children across the world, from setting up a factory in Bali to immersing ourselves in diverse cultures.

I’ve also pursued spiritual pilgrimages, spending extended periods in India, studying philosophy in ashrams, sitting Vipassana courses, yoga and attending the Dalai Lama’s teachings. My grandfather, John Coats, was the International President of the Theosophical Society, and I’ve visited its headquarters in Madras (now Chennai) several times now to connect with his legacy and pay my respects.

How I work (and play) with the Horses

I believe in working with horses (and playing with them, they are playful) in a way that honors their spirit—not breaking them, but building a bond of mutual trust and understanding. I’ve also brought this philosophy into teaching, writing, and delivering a six-week horsemanship course for residents at the Balund-a Correctional Centre and developing a mentorship program for Aboriginal youth. I’m also passionate about sharing my love for horses and horsemanship with others, and am currently working on developing a Horsemanship program for all who wish to be part of it, with a special focus on Aboriginal youth and Youths at risk, having been a young Mother and experiencing DV at different times in my life this is something that is very close to my heart helping woman and youth find a way through and out of what has happened to them and to I know it’s cliche, but not only survive but thrive!!

Building a Future at The Ranch

Today, alongside running The Ranch on Clarence, I’m working to transform it into a hub for all things equine and nature based as well as turning it into a sustainable food bowl using permaculture principles. Life has been an extraordinary adventure—one of family, friends, horses, travel, synchronicity and a deep love and connection for the great mystery of life. I hope to see Y’all out at The Ranch on Clarence!!