SOUTHERN STARS TRICK RIDING TROUPE
A FAST PACED, EXCITEMENT PACKED, ADRENALIN RUSH ON HORSE BACK!!!!
HOLLIE SHIELS...
Hollie began riding horses at the age of 3. She grew up on the Northern Beaches in NSW where she competed sucessfully in Hacking, Dressage, Eventing, Showjumping and Pony Club.
In 1999 Hollie moved to the Central Coast, NSW where she began her trick riding career with the first Australian all girl trick riding team Girls, Girls, Girls. During Hollies 5yrs with the group she took part in a 20min trickriding and whipcracking show, performing in front of huge audiences along the east coast of Australia. Some of these major performances included, The Sydney Royal Easter Show, The EKKA, Equitana, and numerous agricultural shows and expo's.
In October 2005 Hollie was given a unique opportunity to work as full time professional trick rider, performing in front of 1000 people each night at Australias leading theater restaurant. She has been a resident of the Gold Coast ever since.
Trick riding is her passion and Hollie loves performing in front of huge crowds.
MEL SPITTALL...
Mel began riding horses at the age of six. Growing up in Currumbin Valley on the Gold Coast, she spent her childhood competing successfully in Gymkahnas, Mounted games, Hacking and Eventing.
Mel was involved in the theme park industry for nearly 10 years. She spent nearly 6 of those 10 years as a Zookeeper/Animal trainer before securing a full time job as a Stockwoman at the Gold Coasts, Paradise Country, performing daily in Stockhorse, whip cracking, sheep dog and boomerang throwing demonstrations.
Mel began her Trick riding career in September of 2005. She was given a unique opportunity to work as the very first employee and a full time Stockwoman/Trick rider at the Gold Coasts premiair theatre restaurant, the Australian Outback Spectacular. Eventually she also took on the Lead Female Role (that included a solo horse liberty act), performing in front of 1000 people each night.
Mel thoroughly loves and is totally addicted to the sport. A very busy mum of one, Mel now runs her own photography and equine business from home breaking, training, re-educating, and coaching.
Southern Stars Equestrian Services
GUEST PERFORMERS...
Sarah also grew up on the Central Coast of NSW. She began riding horses as soon as she could walk and competed sucessfully in Pony Club mounted games.
Sarah started her trick riding career at the tender age of 12. During these early years she was a member of two other very well known trick riding troupes performing at various events throughout the country.
For a year and a half now Sarah has been situated on the Gold Coast and currently works full time as a lead performer and trick rider for the live arena show, the Australian Outback Spectacular, performing nightly infront of large crowds. She has just began competing in Campdrafts and Stock Horse classes with her new 4 year old Stock Horse, Bundy. Sarah is also working towards a career as a Police Officer.
SARAH NICHOLAS...
Sarah grew up on the Central Coast, NSW. She began riding at the age of 9. She spent some time doing volunteer work at a Trail Riding Camp before she moved on and joined an all girl Trick riding team with fellow member Hollie Shiels.
Sarah has also performed all over Australia at many major events including The Sydney Royal Easter Show, The EKKA, Equitana, Amway productions, The Saddle Club arena show, and numerous agricultural shows and expo's. Her signature trick has always been the "blindfolded hippodrome" (standing ontop of a galloping horse blindfolded!!!).
After many years of successful trick riding shows Sarah moved up to Queensland where she was also given a unique opportunity to work as a full time Stockwoman/Trick rider at the Australian Outback Spectacular. Eventually she also took on the Lead Female Role (that included a liberty act), performing in front of 1000 people each night. Other duties also consisted of camel, horse and chicken training. Sarah is now studying and working as a nurse.
Bio coming soon...
