Our Story
Founded across three continents, built on friendship, horsemanship, and a conviction that elite sport horses deserve a professional business framework.
"Dunedin Sports Horses was founded in Sydney, by two friends connected through an Edinburgh riding school, and named after a city in New Zealand."
Hayley learned to ride at an equestrian centre in Edinburgh, Scotland, owned by a friend of Katie's. When Katie moved to Sydney, that friend suggested she reach out to Hayley. They met in Sydney, where their shared love of horses, sport and ambition formed an immediate bond, and when Hayley began competing at the 5★ level in Australia, the idea of Dunedin Sports Horses took shape.
The name carries the story of their connection: Dunedin, New Zealand is the sister city to Edinburgh, Scotland, the city that first brought them together. The logo weaves together those threads: the shape of Australia, the southern stars of the New Zealand flag, and the Scottish thistle.
It was at the Adelaide 5★ in 2018, Hayley's first five-star, that the pair met Martha Tomlinson. They stayed closely in touch, and following Martha's move to Ireland, she joined Team Dunedin as European partner, sourcing horses across Europe and coordinating across time zones.
The logo, explained
The shape of Australia, the southern stars of the New Zealand flag, and the Scottish thistle, three nationalities, one team.
Dunedin today operates across three continents and competes internationally. It all started with a horse that began his career on a Queensland racetrack.
Our aim is to produce quality sport horses at the highest level, with professional care, transparent management and genuine passion for the animals and the sport.