Who we are
Whiterock Peak owned by Michelle Beatty and operates from her property at Kholo, just 40 mins west of Brisbane. Michelle and the team at Whiterock love to see the magic happen when teams of humans work with horses. Every group workshop is facilitated by two certified facilitators, together with a team of especially trained horse teachers.
Michelle and the team of facilitators are all certified through Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning and are required to maintain certification by professional hours every year.
The Humans
Michelle Beatty- Owner / Lead Facilitator
When Michelle learned about how horses could partner with people in unique and innovative learning, she decided to put her lifetime of horse experience to work. She became a certified facilitator with Equine Connection-The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning and has facilitated groups for organisational teams and schools with a particular focus on team dynamics.
Over the years, Michelle has worked in a variety of equine related positions, including managing operations at a large Riding for the Disabled Centre and in horse welfare. Michelle has held management roles outside of the equine industry in the business world and appreciates the importance having a good team behind her.
Michelle volunteers her time in the non-statutory position as Secretary on the committee of equine assisted learning charity, Reason to Thrive, which provides programs to assist at-risk youth and survivors of domestic & family violence.
Grace Beatty - Facilitator
Grace qualified as a Certified Facilitator in January 2021. Although she wasn’t born in a stable, she was certainly raised around one and has been around horses her whole life and knows only too well how being around horses soothes the soul.
As an owner and competitor, Grace has experienced the highs and lows and has probably experienced more lessons in resilience than most her age.
Grace is currently studying a Paramedicine & Nursing degree and is particularly looking forward to facilitating our Youth Programs with our charity partner, Reason to Thrive Inc.
Deb Lockhart - Contract Facilitator
Stephanie Alberti - Contract Facilitator
Kristy Byers - Contract Facilitator
Jeff Beatty - Management Consultant
The Teachers
Calypso
Calypso is a Clydesdale Paint X and he is the Leader of the herd here at Whiterock Peak. Clippy was trained as a Riding for Disabled (RDA) horse. During his RDA career he was a ramp mount specialist which meant he would take riders who were normally confined to wheelchairs. This is testament to his gentle nature.
Clippy has a true presence about him and his leadership style is firm but fair. In a team situation, Clippy demands a connected team that communicates well and has clear intent.
When he is not working in EAL programs, Clippy enjoys short slow trail rides and he is a super model, making TV appearance during his trip to the Invictus Games in Sydney in 2018 and starring in the 2020 Australian Fire Fighters Calendar.
Clancy
Clancy is a miniature horse who thinks he is a Clydesdale Stallion. He is the baby of the herd and is very very cheeky so just as well he is so cute. Don’t be fooled by his size, he is far from a push over. It takes strong leadership to work effectively with Clancy.
When Clancy is not working in EAL programs, he enjoys getting into as much mischief as he possibly can. He is on a permanent mission to get into the arena paddock so he can get leftovers from feed preparation and he is an opportunist who takes advantage of every chance he can to get into the hayshed!
Murray
Fuzzy Muzzy as he is known, is a very special rescue pony. This little Shetland was on death row when he was rescued and brought into foster care at Whiterock Peak in 2019. When he arrived, he was grossly overweight, suffering terribly from itch and was terrified of the world.
Clearly Murray had experienced a lot of trauma but it became very clear very quickly that Murray was super special and that he had found his forever home at Whiterock. Michelle adopted this beautiful little fellow and his confidence is best brought out by the understanding and security provided by a team that is well connected!
When he is not working in EAL programs, Murray and his mate Clancy are busy trying to break into the feed shed because Muzzie favourite pass time, like most Shetlands, is eating!
Ben
Ben (Ben Nevis) is a Warmblood Thoroughbred X and he is our class clown. Ben has a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out) and he has to be involved in everything all the time! He is however very particular about his team mates and can only work in a team that is well-oiled and very connected, otherwise he may well just exit until that is sorted out!
Before retirement, Ben was a show jumper who showed some talent but he was hampered by niggling injuries. His new occupation as an EAL horse is his dream job as he doesn’t have to exert himself too much and he gets lots of attention!
Usher
Usher (or Mushy as we call him for reasons that will become obvious once you work with him) is an Arabian Stockhorse X. He has the sweetest nature but needs the security of clear leadership. If he feels he is not receiving it, in the interest of team/herd safety, he will take charge.
In his spare time, Mushy likes to get out on the trails but is equally as happy spending time which his two besties, half brother Wrangler and good mate Clippy.
Indi
Indi is the matriarch at Whiterock Peak and therefore very respected by the rest of the herd. She is very good at making decisions and telling the geldings what to do. She loves people and is loves providing that maternal support to those that she senses need comforting.
In her prime, Indi was a show jumper but she was retired in 2019 due to a kissing spine. Indi and Ben are paddock mates because she is the voice of common sense when Ben gets a bit carried away romping around the paddock!
Wrangler
Wrangler is our resident worry wort! He is an Arabian Quarter Horse X and is Usher’s half brother. He is a very gentle and super sensitive horse who likes to work with people who make him feel safe and secure within the team.
When he is not in EAL programs, Wranger loves being ridden and is as tough as nails under saddle. Nothing phases him and he will work all day if required. This is testament to the fact that he needs to feel secure with a leader so he enjoys the security of having a confident rider making the decisions.
Rocky
As you can see from the photo, Rocky (Lighten Up) has been an Eventer. He recently retired from competition at the grand age of 22 years old and he has quickly adjusted to his new life as an EAL horse.
Rocky was most certainly an athlete and a very active thoroughbred. Whilst he still gets ridden lightly, we are absolutely amazed at how he has adjusted to his new job with ease and he is now one of the most gentle and compassionate EAL horses in our herd. He particularly looooooves the ladies program and all that attention that entails.
Alfie
Alfie is also a rescue pony who came to Whiterock Peak during the Toowoomba fires in 2019/2020. He is a Miniature horse Welsh Pony X and has the most beautiful dorsal stripe typical of buckskins.
A timid little pony who will do anything that is asked of him as long as he feels safe and valued. Alfie is a wonderful pony for anyone who is feeling a little bit anxious and is looking for confidence.
When he is not in EAL programs, Alfie is not quite as brave as his paddock mates Clancy and Murray in their endeavours to steal food but he certainly hangs around in the background to reap the rewards of their efforts! He is very good at verbalising when dinner is late and makes the sweetest little “hurry up” neigh but that is about as pushy as Alfie ever gets.
Richie
Richie (Park Chinois) retired from racing last year and we were lucky enough to come across him by pure chance.
After a few initial hiccups with ulcers and teeth, Richie is being retrained as a riding horse and will sometimes pop up in the programs but can always be seen around the stables and loves a chat.
Richie has the most beautiful nature and is a real people horse. He loves all the attention on the rare occasion that he does find himself in a program and again, is a horse that seeks out authentic team mates.
We have been trained by the world-renowned Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning. Trained facilitators receive their certification from Equine Connection from all over the world. You will see Equine Connection instructors in the videos provided on this website. These will give a better understanding of the value of our programs & workshops. Equine Assisted Learning Facilitators are not licensed therapists, counselors, or medical professionals.
