Shaun France

NCAS Level III Dressage Instructor

Miss Shaun France, E.F.A. NCAS Level 3 Dressage Specialist, owner and Manager of the Hunter Valley Equestrian Centre.

After completing school in Sydney the pursuit of dressage riding began. Shaun attended Agricultural College, before travelling overseas to England and Austria in 1982. The first month was spent at Catherston Stud with Jennie - Loristen Clarke, following this I spent the next nine months in Austria with Hans Reigler of the Spanish Riding School Vienna.

In 1984, Shaun worked in Germany for the Bahlsen family of Hannover and Claus Husenbeth of Sottrum Nth Germany (International Grand Prix Rider and German Team Gold Medallist - Jerez Spain 2002).

On returning to Australia, the goal setting began.  Shaun settled in the Hunter Valley and established a small Equestrian Centre called Horse Quarters at East Maitland, teaching Horse Management at T.A.F.E., and working towards the goal of E.F.A. NCAS Level III Dressage Coach.

Horse Quarters however, was soon to be outgrown. The dream continued when Hunter Valley Equestrian Centre was established in partnership with Shaun’s parents, Bruce & Joyce Doyle in 1995. H.V.E.C. is 100 acres of beautiful land, conveniently positioned between Maitland and Newcastle.  The centre provides professional training facilities for the enthusiastic and dedicated competition rider.

Shaun purchased Barrington Ock Tedi, training him to Grand Prix level where she remained for 6 years.  Ocki competed in every major Grand Prix event in Australia with Shaun over a 4yr period, going on to represent Australia at the European Dressage Championships with Rozzie Ryan (E.F.A. NCAS Level III coach/rider).

Shaun then purchased Neversfelde Swingtime, bred by Maurie & Jane Bruce.  Swingtime competed in many major competitions in Australia from Prix St George to Inter I.

In 2001, Shaun achieved a major goal becoming qualified as a Level III Dressage Coach under the E.F.A. NCAS scheme with the help of Heath and Rozzie Ryan.

Shaun’s current competition horses are;

• Rubenesque - “Rudy” is a 8yr old black gelding by Regardez Moi. Showing much promise, Rudy is currently competing at Prix St George level.

• Rufous Fantail - “Regard” is a rising 6yr old bay gelding by Regardez Moi, he is just starting out and showing massive potential as young horse to watch.