19/06/2026
๐ ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐, Quarter Horses have become more than a passion - they are a lifelong pursuit built on dedication, family and a deep respect for the breed.
Natashaโs connection to Quarter Horses began in her youth, where she competed in eventing and quickly established herself as a talented rider. When Mark and Natasha met at just 17, their shared love of horses became a central part of their lives. Much of their early time together was spent riding Natashaโs mares, Cilla and Gemma, around her familyโs property in Appin, simple days that would ultimately lay the groundwork for something much greater.
Following Marks career in the Navy, they moved back to the family farm in the late 1990s marking the true beginning of their Quarter Horse journey together. Starting with a handful of young horses, they began attending local shows at Sugarloaf in Cobbitty. It was during this time that the renowned Winderadeen Classic made a lasting impression. The scale, quality, and atmosphere of the event proved to be a turning point one that cemented their commitment to the breed.
Not long after, the Websters established Heriot Park Stud in Cobbitty, and more than 25 years later, they remain a familiar presence at Sugarloaf. Quarter Horses have since become a defining part of family life. Their daughters, Jacinda and Lucy, have grown up immersed in the industry, developing into accomplished riders and sharing in experiences that have taken the family across Australia and to the United States. These shared adventures have not only strengthened their horsemanship but also brought them closer together as a family.
Like many successful programs, Heriot Park Stud has undergone a significant evolution. In the early days, it was about enjoyment and making the most of what they had. Without an arena, they would saddle up with food and drinks packed in a backpack and spend entire days riding across the property, often stopping at a favourite picnic spot to rest the horses. As opportunities to show increased, so too did their commitment.
Around a decade ago, the Websters made a conscious shift in direction, focusing on acquiring well-bred, high-quality mares and pairing them with stallions known for their quiet, trainable temperaments an essential consideration, particularly with their children riding and competing. This emphasis on temperament has become a cornerstone of their breeding philosophy.
A major milestone in their program came five years ago with the importation of their stallion, KJ American Made (Q-95985), known as โYankee.โ Proving to be an exceptional cross over their mares and others, Yankee has already made a significant impact.
One horse that exemplifies the programโs success is HPS Diana The Diva (Q-10037). Out of the exceptional mare Man What A Diva (โDaisyโ), whose own, show record made her an ideal match. Diana was the result of that first breeding, followed by her younger half-brother, HPS What A Yankee (โBostonโ).
Behind every successful program is a strong support network, and the Websters are quick to acknowledge those who have played a role in their journey. Natashaโs lifelong experience particularly in breeding and raising young horses, has been instrumental. Over the years, they have worked with a number of respected trainers including Tim French, Dave Caleo, Will Hupp, Kyle and Kristy Mobberley, Tyler Pearson, Carolyn Johnson and Taj Carson.
In Australia, Kane and Holly Skopp have had a particularly strong influence, especially in the development of their futurity horses.
For the Websters, one of the greatest rewards has been the community itself. The relationships built through the Quarter Horse industry whether in the show ring or through breeding have connected them with passionate, like minded individuals.
For those aspiring to succeed in the industry, the Websters offer simple but valuable advice: surround yourself with supportive, like-minded people, take the time to research before purchasing a horse, and focus on finding the right match. Because in the end, success is not about owning the best horse, it is about owning the horse that best suits your goals, your confidence, and your journey.
๐ Read the FULL INTERVIEW in Yearbook May/June 2026 Issue
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๐๐ผ๐๐ป๐น๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐https://www.aqha.com.au/aqha-magazine
Photos by Ev Lagoon Photography & Tania Hobbs
