WILLOW PARK STUD - Key Persons
Alicea Ganderton Horse Staff Alicea has worked at Willow Park on and off since 2010, having recently returned a third time after welcoming her two children with husband Nathaniel. Having been around horses since high school, Alicea worked as a trail riding guide at Glen Worth Valley while at school, then completed the Tocal horse husbandry course, before working on a number of studs including Woodlands, Glenlogan Park and Strawberry Hill Stud. Her favourite mare at Willow Park is Excelegant. Alicea likes to spend her free time with her family and her mare Scruples, who has also spent some time at Willow Park over the years!
Chloe started at Willow Park in April 2021, having helped out at sales previously. She has worked in Australia, NZ, England, Ireland, Germany and America, mainly doing yearling preps and sales, with the odd foaling season.
The most memorable horses Chloe has worked with are Meleka Belle (dam of Melody Belle), as she grew up with her family, and the beautiful Iffraaj, a gorgeous and gentle stallion, also sire of Meleka Belle.
Chloe's favourite mare at Willow Park is the sweet Medaglia D'Oro mare, Rhapsody In Blue.
Clare Schmolinske Horse Staff A German native, Clare joined Willow Park in September 2024, after travelling for over two years around Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Clare grew up riding horses, mostly doing dressage and jumping, and has worked as a stable hand at various farms, most recently spending three months at Curraghmore Stud doing the weanling preparation. She would love to keep travelling and exploring the world for a while, before settling down somewhere with amazing views - like the ones at Willow Park!
Pete joined the team at the beginning of the 2022 breeding season, specialising in reproductive work and dystocias. A Scone local, Pete studied at Murdoch University in Perth, graduating in 2011, then spent two years working in mixed practice in Victoria, before joining Scone Equine Hospital in 2014.
We have been fortunate to utilise the services of Dr. Rowan Sedgwick since we commenced operations in 2001. After taking a step back from reproductive work in 2020, Sedge is still involved in the remaining vet work at Willow Park. If he's not at work, you'll often find Sedge training for, or competing in, triathlons alongside his wife Mev.
Geoff Hall is the master farrier at Willow Park, he began working for us in 2007. When he isn't under a horse, you can find him at a PBR, being a protection athlete saving cowboys!
Glenn has spent his life in the thoroughbred industry in one form or another.
He was introduced to horses early on in life, as his late father was a trainer and breeder.
Glenn joined auction house William Inglis and Son at the age of 16, in the pedigree department, before resigning some 20 years later as bloodstock manager, to purchase Willow Park.
Harry Grinsell Horses & Maintenance Harry started with Willow Park in 2001, with his role encompassing horse work, gardening and maintenance. Prior to Willow Park, Harry worked with Brian Mayfield Smith in the 80's, and even strapped two horses for the Melbourne Cup - Indian Raj and Sydney Cup winner, Late Show. Harry's favourite mare on the farm is Sacred Option.
Jade started with Willow Park in 2005 and became stud manager in 2011. Prior to Willow Park, Jade worked at Twin Palms Stud for four years, and also did a yearling season in both England and America.
Her most memorable yearling is Samantha Miss, who was sold for $1.5m (Jade led her through the ring), and went on to become Champion 3YO Filly of her year, Jade often went to the races to cheer her on.
Her favourite mare on the farm currently is Diva Express, who has a lovely St Marks Basilica yearling and foal by the same sire.
Jen James Horse Staff Jen joined the Willow Park team in August 2023. Having ridden horses since she was nine years old, Jen grew up attending Pony Club, barrel racing and going to shows. Jen's favourite horse on the farm is Emotional Moment (GB), a beautiful mare who is always up for a scratch. Outside of work, Jen enjoys four wheel driving, camping, playing with her dogs and riding horses.
Lisa worked for Willow Park fulltime from 2013 until 2021, working in all aspects of the farm, but mainly as our foaling specialist. She has foaled down over 500 mares, among her star babies are Gr1 winners Ocean Park, Bella Vella and Dreamforce.
Lisa is an exceptional photographer, she has been doing the farm photography for the past five years. Currently studying Graphic Design at Torrens University in Brisbane, Lisa manages our photography and media. Her current favourite mare on the farm is Happy Event.