>Situated in the beautiful Tweed Valley under the shadow of Mt Warning (whose Aboriginal name “Wollumbin” means “head in the clouds”) Wollumbin Arabians was founded by Russ and May Gresinger in 1962. Peter McDonald became involved with Wollumbin Arabians early in the 1970’s training May’s halter and saddle horses and progressing to managing the stud in the Gresingers’ aging years. He proudly took over the stud when May retired from breeding in 1992.
Mt Warning, taken early one morning from our front yard.
You know the saying “Another beautiful morning in paradise – beautiful one day, perfect the next!”
Wollumbin Arabians has always prided itself on breeding quality Arabian horses that are able to excel in any field whether at halter, dressage, hacking, endurance, stock work, pony club or simply pleasure.
Our base strategy has always been to breed horses with true Arabian type, good confirmation, first-rate movement and wonderful temperaments. All our horses are well handled from an early age.
Our collection of horses is evidence that our achievements have not been by chance but are the result of a selective breeding program, with a long-term vision of creating excellence in the Arabian horse. We have achieved this by following tried-and-proven lines, not by following the fads and fashions that so often cloud other breeding programs.
Wollumbin’s foundation sires were Casar, Kashan, Zatab and Wollumbin Moon Shaft, all predominately of Crabbett and Colonial lines. In 1979 Ibn Domino was purchased to add a new dimension to the breeding program.
The foundation mare Zateyma produced many foals, but only one filly for the stud. This was the well known Silver Moonlight mare, Moon Maid. Her prime occupation was as a brood mare for Wollumbin and she produced many horses of note. She had 18 foals in all. Her first filly, Tirzah (by Sirocco) and her last filly Cooloola (by Ibn Domino) were retained by us. They have been prolific breeders and had a large influence on the stud over the years.
Peter and Wollumbin Ahmar, who was sold to Western Australia.
In recent years the big-moving stallion Roseanna Sharmale (Arjai Summit x Ranelle) and the extremely athletic Jaytee High n Mighty (The Fugitive x Arabian Park Ruling Queen) have consistently produced quality horses with good confirmation, bone, substance and Arabian type, enjoying success at halter and performance. Both these stallions have themselves been successful both at halter and under saddle.
In 2008, following the untimely loss of our beloved Jaytee High n Mighty, we found our breeding plans in disarray. We sincerely thank Terry and Julie Canacott of Jaytee Stud, who contacted us upon hearing of the loss, and offered their last colt Jaytee Just A Lawbreaker (a ¾ brother in blood to Jaytee High n Mighty) as a replacement. The purchase of this lovely young stallion means the breeding program remains on track.
Now a husband and wife team, we have shared a passion for all things horsey since we met at Pony Club as youngsters. We completed our first 40k endurance ride in 2003 on a dare from a long-time friend who was involved in that sport. After a lifetime with horses and competing successfully as individuals in many disciplines, a taste of endurance has taught us “there is so much more to know!” and we are relishing the challenge. Now thoroughly hooked, we have enjoyed the transition from the show ring and official dressage world to riding in the great outdoors!
Peter and Marissa on an endurance ride in 2004.
Peter is riding the stallion Roseanna Shamale, and Marissa is aboard Wollumbin Zahra.
In addition to being passionate about our Arabian breeding goals, we are keenly involved in the horse industry on many other levels, being President (Peter) and Secretary/Treasurer (Marissa) of Northern Rivers Arabian Horse Association (NRAHA), Ringmasters of the annual Murwillumbah Agricultural Show, and active members of Tweed Valley Equestrian Group (TVEG), Tweed River Agricultural Society (TRAS) and Queensland Endurance Riders Association (QERA). It gives us great pleasure to breed lovely horses that we compete consistently successfully with in such a variety of ways.
After 30 years in the workforce as employees (Peter as an executive in the corporate world of finance & banking, and Marissa in the legal industry) in recent years we have worked for ourselves as licensed Financial Planners. Our business, MacFinancial Group, specialises in Personal Risk Insurance and Superannuation advice. We obtain great personal satisfaction in providing our clients with professional and personalised advice and assisting them to protect themselves, their families and their assets.
Peter and Marissa
We are passionate about helping people, and about the greatly unrecognised value of personal insurance and the protection it can provide. Our advice has no geographical boundaries within Australia, and we would relish the opportunity to provide you with an obligation-free consultation.
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