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About Mark Jones
The Beginning: A Love for Horses from a Young Age
As a young kid, I was instantly drawn by horses. Growing up in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, my weekends were often spent on the family hobby farm in Flowerdale. It was during those weekend getaways that we would pass by a riding school, and I would watch the horse riders ride out on leisurely rides.
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I'd nag my dad relentlessly, "can you buy me a horse?" It was right there that my lifelong passion for horses began. Every aspect of them, from their noses to their scent, fascinated me. But, let's be honest, at the age of seven I knew next to nothing about them.
Catching Up: My Quest to Learn More
As a young boy I was driven by a deep desire to learn about horses. I wanted to develop better skills, to understand their ways, and most importantly, to learn how to ride so I could one day have my very own horse to enjoy.
My journey to learn more began with a kind gentleman named Ron Gouge. He took me under his wing, teaching me the basics of owning and working with horses. Every Saturday, I eagerly learned about and helped Ron with catching, leading, rugging, saddling, and then learning to ride. I treasured every moment of it.
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Getting Better: My First Horse
At the age of 10, I was well on my way to developing the essential skills I'd need in the world of horsemanship. It was around this time that my dad gifted me a horse named Goldtop, a striking palomino quarter horse gelding. My dad also bought a horse for himself, so we could ride and explore the farm and trails together.
On Saturdays, rain or shine, I continued to assist Ron Gouge with his horses. There was always work to be done, whether it was in the pouring rain or beneath the scorching sun. Ron instilled in me the most crucial lesson of all: how to be safe around horses.
I was just a kid, completely unaware that my future was unfolding right before my eyes, or rather, in the saddle right in front of me.
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My First Mentor: Gerald Egan
I first met Gerald Egan at the age of 15, after being told if you want to learn to start horses properly you need to learn from a horseman and Gerald is one of the best in Mansfield and Australia. I called Gerald up and asked him if I could come and meet him. Little did I know, when I went to meet him he was teaching Tom Burlinson to ride for The Man From Snowy River movie.
From there he took me under his wing, teaching me how to start horses and handle them better. Gerald had such a natural ability and it was amazing to watch him work with them.
Gerald went on to be a stunt rider for many movies, and during this time was a predominant racehorse and apprentice jockey trainer. I loved and valued my time with him immensely and owe him my start in the industry to this day!
Inspiring Others: A Journey of 27+ Years
Today, as I look back on the incredible path I've walked for over 27 years, I find myself living a dream I once believed was out of reach. What truly drives me is the desire to be the best horseman I can be and to share my knowledge, helping others build lifelong relationships with their horses. I'm here to give my clients everything I've got.
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Teaching people about horsemanship and conducting clinics all across Australia continues to be an incredibly rewarding journey. Witnessing clients forge stronger bonds and more effective communication with their horses is so fulfilling to me.
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I thrive on the transformation - watching clients step out of their comfort zones and continue on their journey with their horses, no matter the equestrian discipline they pursue. Solid foundations of knowledge and dreams are what I help them build.
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Mentors, Teachers & Friends
Throughout my personal development journey, I've had the privilege of learning from some true legends in the world of horsemanship. These people have shaped my skills and their wisdom and expertise have left a mark on my horsemanship journey:​
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Gerald Egan - A well regarded horseman, stunt rider & racehorse trainer.
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Max McTaggart - A Cutting trainer & Quarter Horse breeder, AQHA & NCHA Heritage Hall of Fame member.
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John Wicks - A Reining champion & horse trainer, winner of numerous State & National Derby Titles, numerous State & National Open Horse Titles, & a multiple NRHA National Futurity Champion.
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Ian Francis - An industry legend with many accolades to his name including AQHA Hall of Fame, NCHA Hall of Fame, Reining Australia Hall of Fame, & a NRHA Legend Rider.
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Graham Cooper - A leading Reining horse trainer with many titles to his name including NRHA, AQHA & Reining Australia.
My Achievements & Successes
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to achieve a range of accolades and successes, marking significant milestones in my horsemanship journey. These accomplishments include:
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High Point Awards - West Gippsland Quarter Horse Association & Yarra Valley Quarter Horse Association
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State Shows - AQHA, Victorian Reining Horse Association, Goulburn Valley Reining Horse Association & Lone Tree Hill Cutting Club
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National Shows - NRHA & Reining Australia
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My Work With Racing Victoria
In 2015, Racing Victoria Chairman of Stewards Terry Bailey enlisted my expertise to teach aspiring stewards safe horse catching and handling, particularly in the stables, and other valuable horsemanship skills. I've also collaborated with Racing Victoria's Off The Track Thoroughbred Committee, playing a pivotal role in organising Off The Track open events and running horsemanship clinics on the re-education of retired racehorses.
Mark Jones Training Stables
Mark Jones Training Stables is a beautiful 20-acre property situated in Macclesfield, in the heart of the Yarra Valley. It is surrounded by quiet roads, designated horse trails, and the Yellingbo State Forest.
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Facilities:
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Outdoor arena: 60mx20m, floodlit post and rail, with sand surface
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Round yard: 35ft, post and rail, rubber lined, floodlit and sand surface
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Day yards and 2 large undercover yards
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Stable and horse wash area
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Single and double paddocks with Electrobraid electric fencing
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Ample parking and sweep around driveway
