Meet the resident: Judy’s life of horses, travel and adventure

In this Meet the Resident feature from Holmwood, we share the story of Judy, whose life has been shaped by a deep love of horses, travel and adventure.

Growing up in Adelaide, Judy later moved to Melbourne at the age of nine, where she attended MLC in Glenferrie. Her early years helped shape a life full of adventure, determination, and a deep love of horses.

One of her most treasured childhood memories is the day her father came home with her first horse when she was just 10 years old. That special moment marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong passion and an extraordinary journey with horses.

Horses have been at the heart of her life for many years. She spent more than 20 years travelling as a horse judge, visiting places across Canada, the USA, Darwin, South Australia, Western Australia, and Victoria. Through this work, she saw a great deal of the world and built a wealth of experience in the horse community.

These days, life is a little quieter, and she enjoys the simple pleasures of reading, spending time with her family, and being with her dogs. Even so, her love for horses remains an important part of who she is.

One of the greatest lessons she has learned is the value of patience – both in learning it herself and in teaching it to others. Working with young people and their horses taught her that patience is essential, not only in riding and training, but in life as well.

The best advice she has ever received is simple but memorable: “Be careful… horses are dangerous!” It is a lesson grounded in experience and one that has stayed with her over the years.

When it comes to music, she has a soft spot for Western music, and Dolly Parton is among her favourites. Her love of this style reflects her lifelong connection to country life and horse culture.

Among the places she has travelled, Tasmania stands out as a favourite, describing it as a place where people are truly “horse mad.” She also holds fond memories of her time in the USA and Canada, where she had the opportunity to work with one of America’s best horse trainers.

A particularly important influence in her life was the headmaster at MLC in Melbourne, who took her under his wing and looked after her during her school years. She remembers both him and his wife with great warmth and gratitude.

Her talents and interests extend beyond horses. She also raced Holden Toranas at Calder Park, Oran Park in Sydney, and Bathurst. As a close friend of Peter Brock, she developed a lasting love of race cars, adding another exciting chapter to an already remarkable life.

When reflecting on her proudest achievement, one memory stands above the rest: taking six girls to America to compete and being their trainer. Supporting and guiding them on that journey remains a highlight and a source of great pride.

Her story is one of passion, adventure, mentorship, and resilience – a life shaped by horses, travel, meaningful relationships, and unforgettable experiences. Thank you for sharing your story Judy.