Growing up on a cotton and cattle farm in St George, South West Queensland, Denise’s early life revolved around horses. Horses were everything in her family from mustering to Polocrosse and Pony Club, getting the milking cow before and after school and getting to the school bus stop, their horses did it all.

Denise's passion for dressage began unexpectedly at the age of 14, when she was selected for the Pony Club State Eventing Team. As part of the preparation, the team received dressage lessons and in just three days, Denise discovered a whole new world — particularly the breakthrough of getting her little stockhorse, Silver, “on the bit.”

From that moment on, Denise’s commitment was unwavering. Every six weeks, her parents packed up the car and horse float to make the 8-hour drive to the Gold Coast for four-day private dressage clinics.

Now based in Sydney with her partner, Chanelle, Denise continues her high-performance dressage journey from a stunning property in Glenorie. The facility is owned by accomplished international Grand Prix rider and friend Emma Weinert and is also now the home base for friend and Olympian Jayden Brown and young rider Romy Sanna. The barn is managed by accomplished pony rider Kristen Lyons and is a vibrant hub of elite dressage riders. Denise trains alongside these top-level riders and contributes to the community by coaching both onsite and online.

Each day at the barn is a testament to dedication, excellence, and passion —values that have defined Denise’s journey from a country girl on a stockhorse to a Grand Prix rider sharing her craft at the highest level.