Lancefield Bloodstock, co-managed by Steph Lancefield and Mitch Dunnachie, is a premier horse training and breeding operation based in Merton, Victoria. Combining Steph’s versatile horsemanship and Mitch’s deep-rooted stockman skills, they specialize in producing well-rounded, sound-minded horses suited for reining, cow horse, and ranch disciplines. Their shared passion and complementary expertise have made Lancefield Bloodstock a respected name in the Australian equestrian community.

Steph Dunnachie

Steph is a passionate and accomplished horsewoman whose journey began in suburban Melbourne with a childhood obsession for horses—despite no family ties to the equestrian world. Starting out with weekend lessons and trail rides at a Yarra Valley riding school, Steph progressed from eager student to skilled instructor and ultimately became the owner of Parkview Riding Centre. Over seven years, she developed a dynamic and inclusive teaching style suited to riders of all levels.

Steph’s equestrian career has taken her far and wide. In the USA, she led the riding program at Jameson Ranch Camp, guided mule trains through Sequoia National Forest, and worked on cattle ranches across California. Back in Australia, her resume includes extensive experience across the racing industry, from pre-training and breeding to preparing horses for sales.

Steph is known for her thoughtful horsemanship and ability to develop strong partnerships with a wide range of horses. She has featured at major events including the 2016 Australian Brumby Challenge and The Way of the Horse at Equitana 2022, as well as the 2019 Trainers Challenge at The Man From Snowy River Festival.

Specialising in reining and ranch-style disciplines, Steph’s standout achievements include winning the 2022 Race2Ranch at Cowgirls Gathering, where she transformed an Off The Track Thoroughbred in just 150 days. In 2023, she was Reserve Champion at Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman, and in 2024, claimed the Open Futurity title at the SNSWRHA Slide to Nationals.

🏆Accomplishments

• 2024 – 🥇 SNSWRHA Slide to Nationals – Open Futurity Champion
  Won the Open Futurity title at the Slide to Nationals Show with the Southern NSW Reining Horse Association.

• 2023 – 🥈 Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman – Reserve Champion
  Finished Reserve Champion at this prestigious multi-phase event in Tatura, Victoria.

• 2023 – 🥇 Hi Form State Derby Championship – Limited Open Champion
  Took the Limited Open title aboard QP Rufinstein with a score of 71.5.

• 2022 – 🥇 Race2Ranch Challenge – Champion (Cowgirls Gathering)
  Transformed an Off The Track Thoroughbred into a working ranch horse in just 150 days to win the challenge.

• 2022 – 🐴 The Way of the Horse – Equitana Melbourne
  Selected as one of four trainers to compete in this high-profile colt-starting challenge, working with an unhandled three-year-old filly over four days.
• 2019 – 🐎 The Trainers Challenge – The Man From Snowy River Festival
  Demonstrated horsemanship and training techniques in front of a large festival audience at one of Australia’s most iconic horse events.
• 2016 – 🐴 Australian Brumby Challenge – Equitana Melbourne
  Competed in the year-long challenge that showcased the transformation of unhandled brumbies into trusted riding partners.

• 2016–2022 – 🏅 Multiple State Titles in Reining
  Earned numerous state-level titles across reining competitions, recognized for consistent success.

Q&A 

Who has influenced your passion for equestrian the most and why?

Lots of people have influenced my riding career and enthusiasm for horses. I’ve been very fortunate to have many great mentors and friends throughout this journey, so it’s hard to credit just one! But David Norbury has been a huge influence for me as a trainer.

What has been your biggest riding-related accomplishment?

There have been lots of achievements with different horses that are all very special to me. Coming Reserve Champion at Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman, winning the Open Futurity at SNSW Reining Horse Association, and taking out the Race2Ranch Challenge have definitely been highlights!

What do you do to prepare yourself for competition?

I’ve been known to have a tequila shot pre-event!

What is your dream riding goal?

I’d love to one day win the Reining Australia Gold Buckle Futurity—and also show a horse in the USA.

Mitch Dunnachie

Mitch is a dedicated and skilled horseman. His passion for horses was sparked early in life by his grandfather, a seasoned stockman and campdrafter, who introduced him to horsemanship and the rural way of life. This foundation set Mitch on a path of lifelong commitment to training and competing with horses.

🏆Accomplishments

• 2025 – 🥇 National Reined Cow Horse Association of Australia Open Cow Horse Futurity Champion
  Riding Kalyra Ima Blue Diamond, Mitch claimed this prestigious title showcasing his expertise in cow horse competition.

• 2023 – 🥇 NRHA Oceania Affiliate Championships – Rookie Level 1 Champion
  Secured the championship aboard Whizzellie with a high-scoring performance.

• 2022 – 🥇 Water Wheel Reining Classic – Men’s Co-Champion
  Achieved co-champion status riding Perfect Revolution at this notable event in Tatura, Victoria.

• 2020 – 🥇 Victorian Reining Horse Association Entry Level Ride N Slide Shootout Champion
  Crowned champion in this entry-level reining competition, demonstrating his broad skill set.

Q&A 

Who has influenced your passion for equestrian the most and why?
My grandfather was the biggest influence for me being involved with horses. He was a stockman and campdrafter, and we spent many hours horseback together while I was growing up. He really taught me a lot and ignited the fire in me to become a good horseman.

What has been your biggest riding-related accomplishment?
Winning the National Reined Cowhorse Association of Australia Open Cowhorse Futurity in 2025 with Kalyra Ima Blue Diamond.

What do you do to prepare yourself for competition?
I always wear my lucky green shirt for the major events!

What is your dream riding goal?
My ultimate riding goal is to train a horse all the way from a 2-year-old right through to it being an Open Bridle Horse in the Cowhorse. This takes many years and a special kind of horse!

Which is your favourite Johnson’s Natural Formula feed and why?

MARE AND FOAL

FIBRE SAFE