Sally Simmonds grew up in Bourke, NSW, alongside her brother Clay, training horses on their property near the Darling River. Coming from a strong equestrian family—her father Peter was a bronc rider and her mother Tracey a barrel racer—Sally developed her horsemanship from a young age. The family also operated Kidman’s Camp, a local caravan park, which helped fund their riding careers. Sally and Clay became known for their ability to take on quirky or challenging young horses, training them up to national competition level. Their rural lifestyle played a key role in producing calm, well-rounded horses, with regular rides along the river and plenty of paddock time to keep them mentally and physically balanced.

Sally had her sights set on competing internationally before the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily put those ambitions on hold. Since then, she has continued to build her career, progressing horses like Oaks Charleville to World Cup level and earning top-ten finishes early in their elite competition career. Sally’s long-term goal is to represent Australia at the highest level, including aspirations for Olympic competition. Her competitive drive, paired with a proven record of success on the national stage, positions her as a serious contender for future international events.

Sally credits her late father Peter for instilling in her a strong work ethic and deep horsemanship values. She also acknowledges the guidance of elite coach Gavin Chester for refining her skills at the top level. Her approach to training blends discipline with a relaxed country mindset—one that prioritizes the mental well-being of her horses as much as performance. She believes that giving horses space to relax and be social outside of training contributes to their success in the arena, a philosophy rooted in her rural upbringing and family values.

Accomplishments

• • • 2023 –  Sale, Victoria CSI1*‑W 155 cm (1.55 m)

    • 2023 –Werribee Victoria, CSI1* 160 cm (1.60 m)
    • 2023 – Shepperton Victoria, CSI1*-W 155 cm

• • • 2019 –  Australian Junior Champion title at Boneo Park (Victoria), riding Oaks Chifley

    • 2019 –  Australian Jumping National Rider of the Year

    • 2019 – Received Bourke’s Young Sportsperson of the Year Award

    • 2019- Received Bourke Sportsperson Award

 

Q&A 

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

For me its two people. My late father Peter Simmonds, he taught me so much useful horsemanship knowledge and taught me that if you work hard anything is possible. Secondly my coach Gavin Chester. Gav is a natural talent also has so many extremely well-respected results worldwide from his riding career. When it comes to training quality horses and competing Gavin’s patients and passion for the sport along with his coaching ability is something I have always been hugely inspired by.

What has been your biggest riding-related accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment most recently is producing my 12yo gelding “Oaks Charleville” to world cup level and placing top ten in our first two world cups together. I have ridden Charlie since a 5yo, he was and still is an extremely tricky, nervous horse and took a lot of time. Something I’m very proud of, as competing at world cup level has always been a big goal for me so the time and effort poured into this horse made it all worthwhile.

What do you do to prepare yourself for competition?

No lucky superstitions for me, I always perform my best when I know I’ve put in the work pre competition, and I know my horses are up to the challenge.

What is your dream riding goal?

The dream riding goal for me would have to be to represent my country at the top level of the sport and when at that level to still be as passionate as 12 year old Sally was.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

My favourite feed is hands down Johnson Natural Formula Platinum Low GI. I love and trust the ingredients, my horses have never looked and performed better, they have all the energy without the over-the-top freshness! I highly recommend this feed.