Instructors and Distributors
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Steve Halfpenny |
 Steve's first interest in horses started 25 years ago in 1979 shortly after moving to South Australia from England.
During the first years of involvement Steve attended many clinics and lessons with Western Trainers, attended judging seminars and spent most weekends at local competitions. Over the following years Steve and Irena bred several horses some of which have gone on to be successful in competition including State Champion awards in Reining, Western Riding and Trail classes. Steve then purchased a weanling Quarter Horse colt which he showed over several years to win multiple State Champion awards and futurities at halter with both the Quarter Horse Association and Palomino Society.
Reining started to become Steve's favorite event and he began to specialize in this area in competition and did some judging.
As the horse numbers were increasing Steve undertook a Farrier Course to enable him to take care of his own horses' feet and this gradually evolved into a full time occupation.
He began working as a Farrier for Lindsay Park Racing stables and had the opportunity to handle many yearlings, two year olds, broodmares and stallions.
In 1990 he attended a course with Pat Parelli who paved his way into Natural Horsemanship. In 1995 Steve was invited into the Instructor Programme and during his 7 years with PNH he achieved 3 star ratings as an Instructor, Young Horse Trainer, Horse Starting Specialist and 2 star ratings as a Foundation Trainer and Difficult Horse Specialist. By this time the Farrier work had ceased as teaching and young horse starting took over.
During his association with PNH Steve conducted clinics in U.S.A, France, Italy, Germany, UK and of course Australia. He enjoyed this time of learning but in November 2002 decided it was time to move on independently. This new direction of teaching is based on combining the styles of many horsemen including Philip Nye who has provided the inspiration and knowledge for Steve to find as easier way for horse and rider.
Another goal will be to return to competition and to promote his young Quarter Horse colt. In the future Steve plans to keep his skills and education improving by studying with other renowned horsemen and this will be reflected in his new programme. |
Irena Halfpenny Irena's background with horses evolved from childhood but it was not until the family moved to New Zealand from Scotland when she was 12 years old that the opportunity arose to own a horse. Living on a farm with plenty of space and miles of quiet riding tracks was perfect.
She attended the local pony club for 7 years, took part in small shows and spent hours trail riding in the countryside.
Then the family relocated this time to South Australia and for a few years had to rely on going to riding establishments until the opportunity arose to own a horse again.
After her marriage to Steve and moving to a property, horses once again became her main 
pastime. Basic dressage, Hacking, Shows and Jumping competitions were the weekend activities and she also attending various clinics in those disciplines.
Shortly after this Western riding became the main focus and she attended many clinics and over the following years enjoyed competing in this field. Around this time she completed an Equine Studies Certificate course and had experience working on various horse studs.
In 1990 she then became involved with Natural Horsemanship and in 1996 joined the PNH Instructor programme where she taught for the following 6 years before resigning in 2002.
Her new direction is now more to help develop the new Silversand programme and to continue to improve her skills and knowledge in as many areas as possible. left: Irena and Smokey Right: Irena and Doc. |
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Silversand Horsemanship
