The Mentoring Program Meet our mentors
David Finch
Jade Findlay
National coach educator, former Equestrian Australia
A full-time 5* eventer and EA coach who has trained and
Coach of the Year, and five-time Equestrian Queensland
competed horses to the highest level, Jade attributes
Coach of the Year, David is a member of an elite group
much of her success to the fantastic early start she had
of Australian Level 3 Accredited Show Jumping coaches.
under the guidance of two of the sport’s greats. Growing
Along with these impressive credentials, he has a track
up in Inner Sydney, her love of horses eventually led her
record as a successful competitor at international level,
to the UK, where she trained with Christopher Bartle.
and as an owner and breeder of elite horses.
With her passion for eventing firmly established, she then
For David, horses are not so much a part of what he does,
later trained with Stuart Tinney.
they’re at the core of who he is, and they’re at the heart
Jade had had some wonderful highs in the sport, and
of his renowned Finch Farm brand. He has been breeding
has partnered with some remarkable horses. Her strength
international standard performance horses for more than
is working with tricky mares, who she says constantly
20 years, several of which are currently competing at elite
challenge and teach her. She has had sensational
levels in Australia and overseas. Finch Farm is home to
relationships with horses like Lutello, Holstien Park
an exciting and innovative world class breeding program
Leilani, Frontier Psychiatrist, Bloomers Twinkletoes, Oaks
designed to strengthen the gene pool and performance
Cordelia, Wasabi I, and PIKS Dancing Queen.
ability of the Australian sport horse through a band of
Alongside her partner Hinnerk Hueppe, Jade runs
carefully selected mares and frozen semen from some of
Hannover Lodge, a highly successful Thoroughbred
the world’s finest show jumping stallions.
facility. The couple focus on breaking, pre-training,
David has competed in Japan, Germany and the United
spelling and sales preparation.
States, and has produced a string of top level horses
No stranger to nerves, Jade believes that if you don’t put
including World Cup mounts, Campmaster, Boera,
yourself on the edge of your comfort zone from time to
Finch Farm Chill, Finch Farm Cadel, Charlemagne Ego
time, you never get better at dealing with them. And she
Z and Calgary GNZ. His contribution to the equestrian
has a golden rule she lives by: always surround yourself
industry was recognised through his induction into the
with the best and the most knowledgeable people you
Toowoomba Royal Show Equine Hall of Fame in 2020.
can, and never be too proud to ask for advice.
David and World Cup mount Charlemagne Ego Z, one of Finch Farm’s superb stallions.
Jade and Piks Dancing Queen (Image by Melissa Goodson, Snapshotaustralia).
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