Meet the Creator of Given Free Rein
Born in Malaysia to a German father and Malaysian mother, I’ve always been a meeting of two cultures. My introduction to horses began under tropical skies — a long way from the temperate landscapes they’re often associated with — and perhaps that’s why they’ve always felt extraordinary and a little exotic to me.
I spent three years in Europe — mainly in Germany and the Netherlands — working for horse dealers, training and competing horses for owners, and travelling as far as Portugal for shows.
After several years immersed in European equestrian life, I returned to Malaysia for a short break. It was during that time I met my future wife and business partner, Cassandra, and together we decided to take on a new challenge: a move to Australia.
Once there, I found work exercising racehorses, which allowed me to travel up the eastern seaboard with Cassandra, working at different stables before eventually settling in Melbourne.
It was there I was truly introduced to Australia’s Thoroughbred and racing culture — seeing firsthand how deeply it runs through the national identity, and how horse racing is celebrated as such an integral part of life in this part of the world.
We could afford to ride, but not to own, so I started on school ponies and earned opportunities to ride for others. That dedication led to work at the Selangor Turf Club, where I completed my coaching credentials, followed by roles with leading Malaysian show stables.
In 2006, I represented Malaysia in showjumping at the Asian Games — an experience that further fuelled my desire to travel and immerse myself more deeply in the equestrian cultures of training and riding.
After several years working for other trainers, we founded Alessandra Equine, our breaking-in and pre-training business on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula — a region famed for its beaches, wineries, and horse studs.
With Given Free Rein, I want to share the world of the horse as I’ve come to know it — through the eyes of a rider, a trainer, and a traveller. My years within different equestrian traditions have given me a perspective that blends professional horsemanship with cultural curiosity. This platform brings together stories from around the globe that explore how people live, work, and celebrate alongside horses.
Alessandra Equine
Together my wife and I run Alessandra Equine, where we specialise in breaking in and pre-training young racehorses. Based in Australia, our work allows us to stay connected to the heart of the racing industry — helping develop the next generation of equine athletes from the very beginning of their careers.
Our hands-on experience with horses from all walks of life continues to shape my perspective and fuels my desire to share their stories through Given Free Rein.
