Mattea was first introduced to horses through a school friend whose father started the Brisbane Polo Club. Thinking she was in heaven, she spent her weekends grooming and riding polo ponies, until her parents allowed her to lease a horse. Through school she competed as much as possible in Interschool and Pony Club events, overcoming the absence of a float by convincing other riders to take her with them!

After leaving school, she spent time with Tom Doyle, a vet and a rider, and had the opportunity to ride multiple horses and help out with vet work. She also had lessons with Tony Manca, and gained further experience working in Kevin McNab’s yard, where she became hooked on the idea of a career with horses. She applied for was accepted into the University of Queensland’s Veterinary Science program, where she learned how to work with lame and injured horses, and how to breed them.

It was while she was at Kevin McNab’s stable that she met her husband Shane Davidson. While completing her degree, she continued to compete and train horses at the Davidson family’s property Fairbanks Stud, where Shane taught her to break-in and start young horses according to the German system.

Eventually striking out on their own, the couple founded Davidson Equestrian, with a focus on producing horses from birth to top level competition. Additionally, they’re kept busy teaching young riders, and training, campaigning and producing horses for sale.

Mattea is also actively engaged as an equine veterinarian, focusing on equine reproduction and dentistry. As a qualified and experienced vet she handles all the stud work, and is very particular about the welfare of all the horses, ensuring health and fitness levels are maintained to high standards.

Contact Mattea at:  https://www.davidsoneq.com/

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