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How it all started Inspiration Farm had its beginnings in 1986 after a ride on a part-bred palomino American Saddlebred called “Gold mount Eagle” . I had previously owned a TB ex-racehorse “Nero”. whom I nursed back to health from neglect by his previous owners. As my first horse, he was a super horse for learning all horse handling aspects, but due to his intolerable habit of bolting whenever out the trail, he wasn’t quite suitable for me at the time, if I wanted a long life that was!!!.
Having had more than 25 years of riding school work experience, countless lessons and rides on various breeds of horses, in England and Australia, I had never even come across a Saddlebred before. I decided I wanted to know more about this beautiful breed of horse. The more I learned the more I was in awe of their style, sheer elegance and beauty.
My search led me to the eventual purchase of my first and foundation 2nd cross part-bred mare “Canyonleigh Too Impetuous” (aka Candy) in 1986 and so began my love affair with “The American Saddlebred Horse.”
Candy was shown extensively around the Sydney Show Circuit and even venturing as far as Canberra Royal Show. We brought home numerous blue ribbons in both led and ridden classes in Saddlebred and Open events and were winners of the Black Knight trophy as well as several S.A.S.H. (show horse) awards. Gradually more horses were added over the next few years including our first purebred colt, Canyonleigh Inspiration, and so began the foundations of Inspiration Farm American Saddlebred Stud.” |
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Fate
In 1999, fate introduced Lesley to Terry Inkson and their lives changed forever. Although Terry was not particularly a “horsey” person at the time it seemed he was destined one day to become involved with horses.
His grandfather, Robin Inkson, you see, was Australia’s top steeplechase jockey of his time (1920‘s 1930‘s), so Terry had it in his genes to be involved with horses! |
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The Stud Farm
Inspiration Farm now has it’s home on a magnificent drought free 46 acre property on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The new “Oasis” of the North.
It has excellent horse training facilities, all centered around an American barn with guest accommodation It has two stallion yards, a 20 x 60 dressage arena, undercover round yard, wash bay, stables, individual 1+acre paddocks, some with shelters. others with shade trees, all with good grass coverage. There are also 2 larger paddocks at the front of the property totaling 30 acres which we use when we need to spell the smaller paddocks.
All paddocks have electric fences or electric standoffs. Most are separated by 3 metre wide alleyways
As well as unlimited riding trails just across the road in 30,000 acres of State Forest and it’s only 5km to the beach with beach riding allowed. All just perfect for training endurance horses!
The country home is surrounded by well established landscaped gardens which we planted over the years gradually replacing the dozen Cocos palms which were the only forms of greenery when we arrived. There is also a small nursery which is a remnant of our business that we brought with us from Sydney as we are both Horticulturalists by trade. |
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Breeding the American Saddlebred
When choosing and breeding Saddlebreds our first consideration is they must look like a Saddlebred.
We aim for a quality animal with good conformation and substance, good muscling, large joints and excellent movement. We don’t believe selection of horses should be based on color or height.
Beauty is part of being an Saddlebred but he must not be judged on beauty alone.
Our mares have been selected for their individual good points as much as for their bloodlines.
When choosing which stallion to use we look to compliment the mare, as there is no such thing as a perfect horse, and we always consider the individual features of both mare and stallion. |
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Our Pride and Joy (left) February 24th 2004 at 6.29 p.m. Terry and Lesley were thrilled to announce the latest addition “Benjamin James Inkson“
Born on our 3 year Wedding Anniversary - A double celebration! |
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Here’s Terry’s grandfather Robin Inkson on Rakwool 1931 (below) . |
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Aerial Shots of our property taken in Winter 2007 |
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Dedication, Friendships….
We have introduced many people to the American Saddlebred horse breed via our horses and through our passion and dedication to the breed spanning more than 20 years and we have made many treasured friends along the way.
Our horses aren’t trained to gait though some have the potential to learn the extra manmade animated gaits (i.e. Rack and Slow Gait as performed in shows in USA and South Africa) given the correct training by a knowledgeable and properly educated Gaited horse professional.
Our horses are handled gently from birth using natural imprinting methods. They are allowed to grow out naturally in large paddocks and are brought in regularly for “refresher” whilst they have their regular hoof care, worming and vaccinations. They are not over handled or spoilt and when the time comes to educate them to saddle they are happy well adjusted individuals that are suitable for most equine pursuits/riders.
We also use professional horse breakers to break our horses gently and correctly to saddle.
After many years of showing our horses in breed and open competition we have a newfound interest of promoting the American Saddlebred as an endurance horse, something that they are extremely good at having being bred for that in the first place.
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(above) Undercover all weather round yard |
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Showing our American Saddlebreds
My first show horse was CH Canyonleigh Too Impetuous, a part-bred mare (second cross) who was very typ-ey of the breed despite being a part-bred. She was shown extensively around the Sydney show circuit for many years in both Saddlebred classes and open Galloway classes. We have many blue and Champion ribbons to our credit from shows in Sydney to Canberra We also won awards such as the Black Knight trophy (several times) and several S.A.S.H awards.
Other horses we have owned/shown are: CH Canyonleigh Illusion , Omega Sensation, CH Moonlight Gypsy (also winner of the Black Knight Trophy), Canyonleigh Toujours L’Amour, CH Canyonleigh Inspiration (including Sydney Royal 1997/1998), Canyonleigh Indiana Rose, CH Canyonleigh Gold Bar, and Inspirations Grand Illusion |
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Copyright © 2010 T.S.& L Inkson. All rights reserved. No part of this website (including and without limitation, the design, text, graphics or other material comprised within it) may be reproduced, transmitted (including broadcast), communicated, adapted, distributed, sold, modified, published or otherwise used except as permitted by statute or with the prior written consent of the authors. |
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Pictured: Canyonleigh Inspiration |