Scott O’Malley

Scott O’Malley Horsemanship

Scott grew up in Canterbury, New Zealand, and has always had a love for horses.  He has been running his successful business starting horses under saddle and running educational clinics throughout New Zealand for the last seven years.

In his early twenties he travelled to Europe and it was here that he had an opportunity to spend two years working with David Stuart, an Australian based horseman, which accelerated his learning and first exposed him to starting young horses under saddle.  It was here that Scott decided he wanted to turn his hobby and passion into a career.

The following four years he spent studying in Europe alongside some very knowledgeable horsemen including Andy Booth, another Australian based horsemen based at Haras de la Cense in Paris.

In between starting horses and teaching at clinics Scott turns his skills to leatherwork and makes high-quality, custom western saddles, bridles, mecate rein/slobber strap sets and chaps/chinks to order.

Through the time spent with various horsemen and Scott’s own experience working with all kinds of horses he has developed his own unique style and way of working with horses.  When working with and starting horses under saddle Scott takes into account the horses need for self-preservation and their need to feel safe, comfortable and confident with their surroundings by giving the horse a good deal by being fair and consistent.  Scott sets things up for the horse to succeed by giving them the leadership they need so they can accomplish what is being asked and not be punished when they are confused or frightened.

Scott also has a passion for vaquero style horsemanship and is currently taking his horse through this style of training.  Scott also finds the principles of good horsemanship tie in well with his other interest – dressage.  He is always looking to improve and expand on his knowledge, understanding and skills in not only horsemanship and starting horses under saddle but also in vaquero and dressage disciplines.

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