"A life consumed by the dedication to finding a better way always."
Roconono out getting in some jumping practice ✨️✨️✨️
Queensland Off The Track
07/07/2026
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
........
Ohhhh... that's a tough one. I think there are probably two, and coincidentally they fit together really well across all of my horsey roles.
#1 – "The day I stop learning is the day I stop teaching."
I heard another instructor say this years ago, and it has always stuck with me.
It's such a simple sentence, but it's incredibly powerful. It reminds me to stay curious, to keep asking questions, and to never think I've got it all figured out. It keeps me in love with what I do and reminds me that it's more than okay to still be a student - its okay to tank it and learn from it.
#2 – Unless it's the task at hand, or you specifically ask me... I don't give advice.
This one has been just as valuable. There's unsolicited advice floating around everywhere - there's an extraordinary amount of it flying within the horse circles, and even bigger amount flying around in the online horse communities.
Sometimes people don't need someone to solve their problem. They just need someone to listen while they think it through. More often than not, they'll arrive at the answer themselves. And when they're ready to ask for advice, they're usually much more open to hearing it. Honestly, most people are out there doing the best with what they know or have and curiosity is never built by telling someone they're doing it wrong.
I've found that applies just as much to general life as it does to conversations and situations surrounding horses.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? I'd love to hear it below.
2 birds, 1 stone 🐦🐦🪨
It might be nap time, but I need to work on positoning Roconono and working him in the pack gear. 🤷♀️
(And Roc's first time with the full harness and gear on, with not a foot wrong.... how good are these OTTs!? ❤️)
Queensland Off The Track
04/07/2026
Everyone was a bit excited to welcome Roanie home after a couple of years away! ❤️
🚧 Roconono Update 🚧
We're officially 85 days out from the King of the Ranges Stockman's Challenge! 🤠
The Roc-Man is absolutely kicking goals.
This challenge has honestly been one of the biggest training puzzles I've tackled. With five very different phases, it's all about finding the balance between so many different skills. It's been enough to make my brain hurt (and you all know being a bit random is one of my strengths 😆), so I'm pretty impressed with how Roconono has taken it all in.
After spending five years on the track, we've completely changed the game over the past six months. I'm pretty sure he wakes up every morning wondering what sport we're playing today... or maybe he's just decided I've finally lost the plot. 😂
Cross Country....
We're still heading to weekly jumping lessons and... secretly... I'm loving it! Rocco has come such a long way in a short time and we're comfortably jumping the height we need. Now it's all about building strength and refining the little things. Last lesson I didn't even wince or metaphorically wet myself when cantering towards a jump thinking, "That looks big..." 😆
Rocco has been an absolute star. Point him at a fence and he just locks on, pops over it like it's nothing, and gives me a nice smooth ride while I'm up there trying to remember what I'm supposed to be doing!
Whip Cracking....
This is slowly becoming less terrifying too. I'm finally getting confident enough that I'm not going to wrap it around his legs while we're moving. 😅
For the past few weeks, the whip has lived in the Gator. Every spare minute on feed runs I'm either sitting on the fence cracking it or running around the paddock on foot trying to hit rocks to improve my target work. It's coming together, and best of all, Rocco is gaining confidence with it too. ❤️
(And yes... that first sunny clip is me jumping a fence while cracking the whip on the way over! 😆)
Obstacles...
Roc is becoming really confident with the obstacles. Now we're working on maintaining softness both between and on the obstacles. At our last outing, the atmosphere got to him a little. We made it through the course, but softness definitely took a back seat in a few places. That's all part of the learning though, and consistency will be the focus from here.
Packsaddle....
I've just got my pack saddle back from being fixed up so we are ready to really roll here! He's taken all the gear very well, just working on positioning and getting him soft in changing positions as well.
Our next outing is in a couple of weeks... we've entered another Stockman's Challenge which seems to have dry work and some moos. 🐮😊🫣
No time like introducing him to the cattle phase on competition day! We'll take it one step at a time with no expectations other than learning.
Because learning is progress. ❤️
Also... the wheels on the bus soundtrack in the last clip is brought to you by Rhett 😆 he sings to the baby while I ride sometimes! 😆
Queensland Off The Track
Mitavite
02/07/2026
We love seeing your OTT stories arrive in our email inbox! ❤️🐎😊
If you would like to showcase your retired racehorse, please connect with us by emailing [email protected] 📩
02/07/2026
One more Coleyville clinic for the year! Don't miss out! 🎉🎉
3 Day Horsemanship Clinic
DATES July 24-26, 2026
VENUE Coleyville Lodge - Coleyville, QLD
Come along for 3 days packed full of fun and learning amongst a supportive group.
Focused on foundation horsemanship, body mechanics and developing efficient communication from a place of understanding. Training versatile horses is a passion, with a special interest in developing OTTs through her work as a retrainer for QOTT. You can expect to be picking up new groundwork skills, growing your horses confidence through some obstacles, and enhancing communication throughout.
Meals and drinks provided.
The retreat is designed to accommodate riders and horses of all levels and disciplines.
*********
This clinic is running a SPLIT PROGRAM.
Morning sessions will be for those participants who are new to our clinics or are participating on green horses. Foundation levels.
Afternoon sessions will be for those ready to extend into more advanced manoeuvres and go beyond. Open to those who have attended a clinic in the past 2 years, or by discussion.
A great opportunity to have both hands on learning and the ability to pick up more by watching others.
PLEASE ADVISE IN NOTES WHICH GROUP YOU ARE REQUESTING or flick me a message to chat about the best fit.
Riders $495
Fencesitters $50 per day
Enquiries - Flick me a message!
Book via https://www.alexkellyhorsemanship.com.au/store/p24/Horsemanship_Clinic_3_Day_JULY_2026_-_COLEYVILLE_QLD.html
Bit of feedtime ASMR 👌
We are big on Mitavite here!
Over the past few years, we have seen a whole lot of hooves through our place. Trainers, youngstock, broodmares, and of course - a whole lot of OTTs in that transitional period. Good nutrition is central for our horses welfare and Mitavite has given us sustainable results, again and again.
All of our horses have Studgro as their base and we branch out - adding what we need to suit their needs. 👌
🍷🐴 PONIES & PINOT 2026 🐴🍷
📅 5–7 September 2026
📍 Hidden Gold Homestead, Moffatdale QLD
Imagine spending a weekend riding through the beautiful South Burnett wine region with your horse, enjoying great food, great company, and some of Queensland's best wines.
Whether you want to ride all day, improve your horsemanship, relax with a coffee overlooking the vineyards, or simply unwind with like-minded horse lovers, Ponies & Pinot is your weekend, your way.
What's included?
🐴 Scenic rides through stunning vineyard and country landscapes
🍷 Wine tastings at local boutique wineries
🍽️ Delicious home-cooked meals plus a memorable 3-course winery dinner
📚 Horsemanship sessions with Alex Kelly and guest instructors
🐮 A fun cattle muster experience
☕ Relaxed mornings, good coffee, and plenty of laughs
✨ A welcoming, stress-free atmosphere where you can participate as much or as little as you like
✅ Free horse accommodation (BYO tape)
✅ Human accommodation options available
This retreat has become a favourite for riders looking for something a little different—a perfect mix of horses, friendship, learning, adventure, and indulgence.
Gather your horse, pack your wine glass, and join us for an unforgettable weekend.
📩 Message us for more information or secure your place here:
https://www.alexkellyhorsemanship.com.au/store/p11/Ponies_%26_Pinot_2026_-_MOFFATDALE_QLD.html
🍷 Ride. Relax. Sip. Repeat. 🍷