CHAMPIONSHIP TRAINERS
The Legacy of the Horse Championship brings together some of the most respected and accomplished horse trainers from Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. These elite competitors have been hand-selected for their exceptional horsemanship, proven ability to connect with young horses, and their commitment to ethical, thoughtful training.
Each trainer will work with a lightly handled two-year-old colt, showcasing their individual approach to building trust, understanding, and performance from the ground up. Across multiple rounds, they will be scored on their technique, feel, timing, and the progress made with their colt—all in front of a live audience.
Joined by the winner of the Wild Card Challenge, our Championship Trainers will go head-to-head for the title of Legacy of the Horse Champion 2025.
This is horsemanship at its finest—authentic, educational, and unforgettable.
Meet the trainers who will lead the way.
LILY SANTULLI
CHAMPIONSHIP
Clinician & Trainer
​Red Horse Ranch Versatility | Oregon, USA
We are thrilled to welcome Lily Santulli as our first confirmed Championship Trainer for Legacy of the Horse 2025. Based in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Lily is the owner and operator of Red Horse Ranch Versatility in Oregon, where she is known for her dynamic horsemanship, dedication to developing well-rounded horses, and her engaging approach to teaching both horses and humans.
A true all-rounder, Lily is a multiple-time featured clinician across the Pacific Northwest, a Fiesta Cowboy Gathering Ranch Roping Champion, and a passionate competitor with her eyes firmly set on the future. In 2026, she will campaign her homebred Metallic Cat colt at the prestigious NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, a dream she is bringing to life through years of consistent training, deep horsemanship, and a commitment to excellence.
Lily is widely recognised for her ability to create confident, connected, and versatile horses—skills she applies across a range of western disciplines, particularly in ranch roping, reined cow horse, and colt starting. While her foundation is rooted in the western tradition, she is equally respected in the English riding community, regularly teaching at large dressage and jumping barns throughout Oregon.
What truly sets Lily apart is her holistic and emotionally intelligent approach to horsemanship. Having interned with Warwick Schiller and learned from some of the most accomplished horsemen in the industry, Lily has developed a unique talent for helping both horses and riders work through anxiety and emotional blockages. Her deep understanding of human-equine emotional dynamics allows her to guide horse and rider partnerships to a place of clarity, confidence, and trust.
Lily is a sought-after clinician and presenter, often teaching on topics such as foundation work, colt starting, performance preparation, and emotional balance—all while making learning fun, empowering, and inspiring. Her presence in the show pen is magnetic, and her impact in the arena extends far beyond competition.
A strong advocate for inclusivity and community in the horse world, Lily often reminds her students:
“Cowboy hat or helmet, we are all cowgirls. We are equestrians.”
Her fierce love for the horse, the sport, and the people dedicated to it makes her an incredible addition to Legacy of the Horse. We are honoured to have Lily representing the USA as part of this international event.
SCOTTIE BARCLAY
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CHAMPIONSHIP TRAINER
Saltarin Lodge Stables | Victoria, Australia
We are thrilled to welcome Scottie Barclay as our Second confirmed Championship Trainer for Legacy of the Horse 2025. Based in Victoria, Australia, Scottie is the owner and head trainer at Saltarin Lodge Stables, where he is known for his world-class show jumping background, exceptional colt starting skills, and deep dedication to developing confident, versatile horses for a wide range of disciplines.
A true horseman, Scottie brings a lifetime of experience to the arena, having launched his own horse-breaking business at just 16 years old. His early career quickly evolved into international success, with Scottie representing Australia as part of the Young Rider Team before moving to Europe to further hone his craft. While based in Ireland, Scottie rose from working pupil to head rider, competing across Ireland, Germany, and Europe, including at the prestigious World Young Horse Championships in Belgium.
Today, Scottie draws on decades of hands-on experience across multiple disciplines to produce horses that are willing, confident, and prepared for anything—from the show ring to the ranch. At Saltarin Lodge, he coaches riders of all levels, applying his philosophy of fairness, clarity, and feel to every horse and rider partnership he builds.
What truly sets Scottie apart is his unwavering commitment to doing right by the horse. His methods blend traditional horsemanship with a modern understanding of equine development, creating horses that are not only talented but also mentally sound and emotionally balanced. His ability to adapt to each horse’s individual needs—and to teach riders how to do the same—makes him a standout trainer and a natural leader in colt starting and beyond.
Scottie is a sought-after coach and mentor, respected for his sharp eye, kind approach, and infectious passion for continual learning. Whether he's helping a young rider find their first rhythm or fine-tuning an elite athlete for international competition, Scottie’s belief remains the same:
"Hard work will always prevail. Never stop learning. You can learn something from everyone—even if it’s what not to do."
We are incredibly proud to have Scottie Barclay representing Australia as part of our Championship Trainer team for Legacy of the Horse 2025.
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CHAMPIONSHIP TRAINER
COMING SOON
Wild Card Challenge Winner
CHAMPIONSHIP TRAINER
TBA
WILD CARD CHALLENGE TRAINERS
The Wild Card Challenge is where rising talent meets opportunity. Three skilled trainers will go head-to-head for a coveted spot in the Legacy of the Horse Championship Round. Each trainer brings a unique background, style, and story to the arena—making this one of the most exciting and unpredictable parts of the event.
Over the course of the challenge, these horsemen and women will demonstrate their ability to connect with and guide a lightly handled two-year-old colt from groundwork to riding, showcasing both feel and foundation under pressure.
The winner of the Wild Card Challenge will join our Championship Trainers to compete for the title of Legacy of the Horse Champion 2025.
Meet the trainers ready to make their mark.
WILD CARD TRAINER
GERONIMO FAGGIANI
Geronimo: Horseman, Trainer, Student of the Horse
Geronimo’s journey with horses began on the sweeping plains of Uruguay, South America, where he was raised among the rhythm of working ranch life. From a young age, he was in the saddle - riding alongside experienced gauchos, moving cattle, and feeling the heartbeat of the land beneath the hooves of the tough Uruguayan criollo horses. As a teenager, he immersed himself in the adrenaline of rodeo, competing bareback and gaining a deep respect for the power and athleticism of the horses that carried him.
His early experiences with horse breaking followed traditional Uruguayan methods, but even then, Geronimo was drawn to exploring gentler, more intuitive approaches. He watched, listened, and asked questions - always looking for better ways to connect with horses, to understand them, and to earn their trust.
In his early twenties, this curiosity led him to work on a non-traditional ranch, where he
was introduced to the principles of natural horsemanship. This was a turning point in his life - not just in how he worked with horses, but in how he saw them. The focus on softness, feel, and communication resonated deeply, and Geronimo embraced this new way of working, blending it with his practical ranch skills and cultural roots.
It was during this time that he met his Australian partner, Cozzy. Sharing a spirit of adventure, they soon set off on a three-month packhorse journey across Uruguay, traveling completely unsupported with two riding horses, a packhorse, and his loyal dog. The trip became a powerful chapter in his horsemanship, as he lived with his horses day in and day out, relying on their strength and trust in the most remote and wild corners of the country.
Since relocating to Australia six years ago, Geronimo has built a solid reputation as a versatile and reliable horseman. His experience spans Polo, Endurance, Racing, and performance horses, and his gentle, consistent approach has made him a sought-after trainer across disciplines. Over the past four years alone, he has started more than 450 horses, bringing a calm, thoughtful, and confident presence to every colt and client.
In 2024, Geronimo took his skills to a wider audience by competing in the MFSR Bush Festival Trainer’s Challenge—working with two different horses and showcasing his adaptability, timing, and feel in front of an appreciative crowd. It was another step in a journey marked by humility, hard work, and a love for the process of learning.
At the core of Geronimo’s philosophy is a deep respect for the horse. He believes that patience, consistency, and clarity are the foundation of good horsemanship. His training approach is guided by using intention to build connection, open a conversation, and help the horse find relaxation and confidence. Every horse he works with is an individual, and every interaction is an opportunity to learn—not just about the horse, but about himself.
For Geronimo, horsemanship isn’t a destination—it’s a lifelong pursuit. A journey of curiosity, compassion, and quiet determination to always be better for the horse.
WILD CARD TRAINER
COMING SOON
TBA
WILD CARD TRAINER
KIARA STANLEY
Kiara Stanley: Horsewoman, Trainer, Listener of the Horse
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Kiara Stanley’s life with horses began almost before she could walk, growing up on the outskirts of Lara, Victoria. From her earliest memories, the pull toward horses was undeniable—a deep, unshakable bond that has guided her every step. Horses were never just a hobby for Kiara; they were her therapy, her grounding, and her greatest teachers through all of life’s twists and turns.
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Born into a family where horsemanship ran deep, Kiara carries forward the legacy of her late father—a horseman whose values of connection, curiosity, and feel left a lasting imprint on her approach to life and training. Her early years in the saddle instilled a respect for the horse’s mind and spirit, something she now weaves into every aspect of her work.
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Today, Kiara operates a thriving horse training business and small riding school in Lara, offering riding lessons, clinics, float training, colt starting, re-starting, and more. No matter the task, her approach remains the same: to truly listen to the horse. For Kiara, it’s not about controlling the horse—it’s about creating a conversation, finding softness, and helping each horse feel safe enough to express themselves. As she says, “If you listen, they will talk.”
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Though her background includes riding and competing in English disciplines, Kiara’s true passion lies beyond any single arena. She is drawn most strongly to the misunderstood, the unhandled, and the horses that the world sometimes overlooks—the ones who need patience, presence, and a chance to be heard. Working with energy and feel, Kiara invites curiosity to guide her work, meeting each horse exactly where they are and helping them find their confidence at their own pace.
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Proudly sponsored by Pryde’s EasiFeed, Jill Steptoe Equine Myofunctional Therapist, and High Horse, Kiara surrounds herself with partners who share her vision of kindness and respect for the horse.
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Her philosophy is simple yet profound:
💬 “I can’t make this world a better place, but if I can make their world a better place while they are on this earth, then I know my job here is accomplished.”
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For Kiara, horsemanship isn’t about titles or trophies—it’s about creating a better life for every horse that crosses her path. It’s a journey of patience, presence, and an unwavering commitment to listen first, and act second. A journey she continues, one horse, one conversation, one quiet victory at a time.
WILD CARD TRAINER
COMING SOON
TBA