David Finch keeps reaching new heights

As the dew settles on the grass and the sun creeps over the horizon, Westbrook's Finch Farms is abuzz with activity.  In the warm morning light, a lone figure takes Queensland's future equestrian riders through their paces.

For those who know him, the name David Finch automatically conjures up words such as great horseman, great showjumping instructor and, simply, great bloke.

David's passion for horses began while growing up in Roma, where he was thrown into the saddle from an early age.

He recalls being in awe of the stockmen, and his desire to learn from those around him, which included campdrafting legend Ken Wormell and David's father, Peter Finch.

"I spent a lot of time droving and mustering with them and long hours in the saddle," David said.

"As I progressed, I started a school program, and then I spent time with Guy Chriton.

"As I became older, I branched into showjumping and spent time in America, Germany and Japan."

David's time overseas was very beneficial and opened his mind to a new world of horse breeding.

He began breeding purpose bred jumping horses and exporting them to Japan and the US.

While breeding and competing, David took up teaching children and adults the techniques of show jumping in areas as far north as Cairns and as far west as Blackall.

He began instructing to fund a passion that eventually developed into a career.

"The main thing I like to teach is a system and the basics of riding," David said

"Society has changed a lot, and everyone has a trainer.  There are more consistencies in training these days and a lot more people have expensive horses."

David says there is a difference between bush and city kids as riders, as country children grab the reins from a young age.

"The bush kids are great, and many of my students have gone to Germany and ridden, and that's what they love over there - the bit of cowboy and survival in them.  The thing with Australian children growing up in the bush is that they spend many hours in the saddle and develop an instinct.

"They might not know all the buttons, but they know how to read a horse."

David's achievements throughout his career are impressive and prove his qualities are first class.  He is a fully qualified equestrian coach at EFA NCAS Level 2 Showjumping Specialist, which allows him to educate the younger generation and teach the future of equestrian riders.  In 2001, he was named the Telstra Country Wide Queensland Young Achiever of the Year for excellence and services to the equestrian industry.

In 2005-06, he was Barastoc Coach of the year and is again a finalist for 2007.

Becoming Barastoc Coach of the Year was a huge achievement for David, and to be a finalist again is something of which he is very proud.

"It was very rewarding.  I spend a lot of time teaching, and I've had one weekend home this year, so it is a lot of commitment to travelling," he said

One student David has taught for many years who has evolved into a true horseman and great showjumper is Robert Moffatt, originally from Millmerran.

Robert now lives on David's block at Westbrook and helps and helps with the management and also competes throughout the year.  He is in the top 10 of the World Cup League of Australia.  David not only rides, trains and breeds, but is also president of the Toowoomba and District Showjumping Club and designs all the jump courses for the Toowoomba Royal.

He has been with Barastoc for 11 years, during which they have been very supportive of David and his students.

"They support my students extremely well, as they are the future of the sport," David said. 

The future for David is looking very positive. 

"I have stepped out of the ring a little so I can produce these horses.  I have a lot of purpose bred horses ready for next year.  I want to get back into the ring eventually, but also stay teaching at a high school level and breed the best I possibly can."

Story: Kathryn Camichael
Queensland Country Life
23.11.06