About Gary Itzstein

Gary was born and brought up in Queensland, Australia with a rich heritage of horsemanship tracing back on both sides of his family for many generations. With so many in the family involved with horses it was a natural progression for Gary to inherit the family love for horses. 

Gary has competed throughout most of his life, focusing early on in show jumping events and later breeding and raising Appaloosas.  In 1974 Gary imported five well credentialed Appaloosa stallions from the United States and started his own breeding business, Topeka Appaloosa Stud in Beaudesert, Queensland, which he operated before coming to the U.S.

After many years of working with horses and studying with several fine horsemen, Gary decided to concentrate on training horses the natural way. He now works with clients from Maine to Florida on horses of all different breeds and disciplines. In 2002 he met and married Erla Watson Davis who is a native of the state of Maine. They bought property and developed a breeding and training business, Topeka Stud and Training Center, located in Okeechobee, Florida.  In 2006 they sold that facility and relocated to Aiken, South Carolina where he continues to provide equine services at their G’Day Mate Ranch.

Aussie Horsemanship = True Unity

Gary encourages what is called ‘true unity’ with the horse. True unity means mutual trust and respect between you and your horse which is demonstrated by precise responsiveness and coordination.  By "starting right" you build an equal respect relationship with your horse.

Start Right

Learn how those few moments in the round pen before you halter your horse are the keys to attaining a true partnership for life

Gary uses work patterns that don't involve using a halter on the horse. He demonstrates this approach at clinics, using the Natural approach to horsemanship. He does not use stud chains, war bridles, or other devices.

All horses are started and ridden in a rope halter, in a calm and willing manner.  With this system you can take your horse straight out of the paddock and win a high point show. In other words, there is no need to ride and show all the time to be competitive. All it takes is a few minutes to step back into the right feel and ‘true unity’ with your horse. Once you can do that, you can be on your way to developing a partnership for life with your horse.

Gary's methods are based on Natural Horsemanship Principles and his vast personal experience working with horses.