Josh Knight has a knack for taking horses other people don’t want and “fixing them”- you could say he has become their Knight in shining armour!

From a young age, he always knew he was going to be a horse trainer, but it was a little paint horse he purchased for a couple of hundred dollars when he first moved to Australia that left its mark on him.

“I got her and she had obviously been abused and was scared of everything. I trained her and took her to shows to do liberty and tricks and ride her bare back,” says Knight.

“That was a huge learning curve and turning point- to see the change in her and save her from the doggers.”

His professional career in the equestrian industry started as a stunt rider in the Gold Coast’s famous Outback Spectacular. From here he didn’t look back- things got bigger and bigger- as BIG as the USA.

“I went to the USA to learn from some of the best and the plan was to start our own business once we got back from the States,” says Knight, who is in partnership with his girlfriend Skye Liikanen.

“We worked with Dan James from Double Dan Horsemanship. In this role we got to meet Josh Lyons, Chris Cox, Clayton Fredricks.

“You try and learn from someone and learn their method but you are not them. So you need to be able to do your own thing. I’ve taken from the Dan’s but worked it to be my own and what works for me.”

Whatever works for Knight, clearly worked well as he had significant success in numerous Colt Starting Challenges including taking out The Kuntucky Mustang Makeover; coming fourth in the Texas Fortworth Colt Starting Challenge; and winning Fan Favourite at both shows!

After these highlights, working and being mentored by big names in the States, it was time for the duo to return to Australia and realise their dream.

Knights Equestrian have established their headquarters at the picturesque foothills of the Darlington Range, an hour and a half south-west of Brisbane.

Word is spreading far and wide about the dynamic duo – Josh’s fans are particularly enamoured with the connection he has with his equine friends.

“I guess to do this you have to love it and you have to love the animals. You do have to enjoy working with them and being with them,” he says.

It is this heart for horses that make him a crowd favourite at the Colt Starting Australia Central Highlands Challenge.