Samantha Forrest

My love of horses began at a very early age of about 3 when I used to sneak out of the house and climb the fence to visit the race horses who lived behind us.  Still to this day my mother tells of the terror she felt when she used to find me standing under them giving their bellies a scratch (it was the only bit I could reach).  Having parents that were not really horsey meant it was not until I was about 11 that I was able to ride on any sort of regular basis.  I would help a girl out who had a lovely little pony called Pixie.  She had lost interest as many girls do when they get to 15.  I was lucky to be able to care for her and ride her when ever I wanted.  I also began to ride for other horse owners in the show ring for many years until I was about 15 and saved up to buy my own horse.  Enter Flame a QH cross SB who knew all the tricks in the book but I loved her all the same.  It was not long after having her that I wanted a show horse of my own enters my TB gelding Chaggall.  He was my best friend for some eight years.  A green, unraced 4 yo TB that I educated by myself and took to many shows including several Melbourne Royals.  In his later years I began dressage with him.  Unfortunately he went blind not long after I retired him and I made the decision to have him put down.  I have spent many hours teaching at Pony Clubs and judging at horse events over the years.  It is was important to me to put back into a sport that I have taken so much from and had many highlights over the years.
I currently live in Macedon Ranges with my husband Damien and two dogs Misty and Turtle.  I now have four l horses two WB mares, Holly and Gracie, a TB Gelding Ronnie and a young stock horse named Gucci who keep me busy.
My involvement with PHHWV came about some 10 years ago after a case of neglect involving two horses at the place where I was agisting in Werribee.  A lady named Helen Jones was the rep who came out and offered assistance.  I began as editor of the newsletter and then ordinary committee member for a few years before taking over the role as secretary/treasurer and majority of administration work - I am lucky I have my own business and have the time.  There has been some really hard, sad times over the years but there has also been some up lifting times.  I have made so many wonderful friends within PHHWV and had the opportunity to meet some great people in the industry and look forward to my term on Animal Welfare Advisory Committee as the alternate person.
I would really encourage you to come along to the meetings and maybe think about a year or two on the committee.  I live for the day that our role will be solely education and horse reports will become a thing of the past.  We can only bring about such change with someone like you who is willing to help!