Staff
Soo Broster Chief Instructor & Proprietor, EA NCAS L1 General
Soo is an EA NCAS Level 1 General registered coach and the Chief Instructor and Proprietor at Ardis. She takes great pride in what she does and the high standards that are in place at Ardis. She competes regularly, currently at Advanced level dressage and D grade show jumping, and hopes to return to eventing in the not too distant future!
Soo works with great empathy for both horse and rider and encourages riders to learn 'why' as well as 'how to'. Her holistic and personal approach compliment her aspiration to bring out the very best in each horse, rider and combination. Soo has been described as observant, encouraging, constructive, patient and respectful.
The Ardis motto "For the Horse" sums up Soo's beliefs that the horses we are privileged to have in our care deserve the very best we can offer. Soo believes in educating people in not only riding but also general horse psychology and horse handling skills. As well as basic horse care, lessons include natural horsemanship, bareback, ground work and more. A horse that can communicate with its person and be understood will become a happier horse. A happy horse makes a happy rider. Our horses deserve a lot more than they often get ...
Soo very much enjoys starting and working with young horses and has also successfully (re)trained others, most of whom have needed to regain trust and/or respect for people, as well as further their education.
Soo is passionate about working with and helping horses. This has led to a great interest in healing. As well as using and obtaining advice from respected professionals in the fields of massage, acupuncture, kiniesology, physiotherapy, veterinary and herbs on all Ardis horses, she is studying animal communication as well as various equine healing modalities.
Soo is currently Treasurer for Northside Riding Club Inc, Membership Co-ordinator for Warringah Dressage Association and newsletter editor for Somersby Equestrian Club.
Kira Faulkner Assistant Manager/EA NCAS Introductory Coach
Kira joined the Ardis team in 2011 following several years working with horses in a variety of roles. Her previous experiences have included work as a polo groom and she has previously managed a weekend kids horse club, taken out trail rides, and taught lessons. Kira is a caring, loving individual who is dedicated to her work and animals. We consider ourselves privileged to have her as part of the Ardis team.
Very keen to continue her learning around horses, Kira has already successfully completed her Tafe Certificate I Horse Industry Skills and is busy furthering her EA coaching qualifications.
Her current horse, Spyder, a 6yo TB mare came to Kira a year ago after spending time in the paddock following injury as a 3yo during race training. Kira is gradually bringing Spyder into full health and is really enjoying strengthening her relationship with her. Kira has competed in dressage and show jumping and aspires to be the best she can in all that she applies herself to.
Karen Whitehead Freelance Riding Coach BHSAI
Karen also joined the Ardis team in 2011 and brings many years of horse experience with her from the UK. Karen coaches at Ardis part time and currently also agists her two horses at Ardis. She is really enjoying educating her rescue horse "Charlie" and you often can't wipe the smile off her face after they've been out & about!
"In many riding schools and training centres horses can become sour and uninterested. My experience of teaching clients at Ardis has been a very different one, all the horses are happy and contented which make for truly satisfied, confident and competent riders!"
Georgie Blackwell Part time Stablehand
We warmly welcome Georgie to the team. Georgie has worked with horses for years in the UK and completed an Equine Science degree. With aspirations of being a stunt person we are sure Georgie will breathe new enthusiasm into all at Ardis!
Part time Ardis-ites!
We welcome and encourage help around the yard from horse enthusiasts who are horse passionate, mature, sensible, reliable and caring. Regular helpers include teens keen to accumulate Duke of Ed volunteer hours, adults driven by their passion for horses, teens wanting to do work experience, as well as the following Ardis team members who help (ir)regularly in the afternoons and/or on weekends as well as during school holidays. We very much appreciate everyone's input.
Abbey Part time StablehandSaturday helper
Abbey helps at Ardis on Saturdays. She part leased Solly for many months and was an integral part of Solly's rehab following her suspensory ligament injury in 2010. Now part leasing Pops, Abbey's riding is improving at the speed of light. She is a greatly valued member of the Ardis team.
Tamsin Part time Stablehand
Having grown up around horses, Tamsin's well developed horse sense and riding abilities are an asset to Ardis. Still at school, Tamsin helps on an 'as needed' basis and supports the regular staff in running the yard if Soo is away. Passionate about helping horses, in 2010 Tamsin manifested her dream of rescuing and rehab-ing a horse, 'Bunyah'.