Chris Wilkinson has been riding for 19 years. He competed through his junior years through the local pony club starting with his little Arab stock horse x Zeus. After a few years on Zeus he acquired a little grey Arab gelding Luke who he then took on the local show run for many years of success. He was taught by his mother and started out with long time friend, judge and competitor Nell Marshman. Chris then purchased a thoroughbred ‘Tudor boy’ from Nichola and Richard Paff where he then started coaching under long time coach Nichola Paff from Taree whom he is still associated with and sees regularly for coaching.

In 1997 he purchased his first warmblood x ‘Lowenstein’ know to all as ‘Andre’ who he built an amazing bond with and had some great times on. 2000 saw Chris start his track work career with an old trainer in Wingham Bob Haire who taught Chris allot of the old school methods of horsemanship and stating horses.

2004 saw one of Chris’ most influential years he attended a clinic in Taree with Anne Honner where she spotted Chris’ potential and offered him the opportunity of being a live in pupil with her in Sydney. Chris jumped at the chance and had an amazing journey with one of the matriarchs of the Dressage world. He returned after 12mths and went back to riding track work and qualifying Andre for state (which he did and competed competitively). In 2005 Chris relocated to Port Macquarie to follow his dream of starting an Equestrian Centre and André was sold to a beautiful lady in Queensland in 2006.

Chris had his young warmblood coming through, ‘SLH Infusion’ had acquired Poachers Moon with more young stock on their way. In January 2007 Spirit Lodge was purchased at Pembroke in conjunction with his partner Natalie and her parents. Chris has worked tirelessly to build his business over the years and the move couldn’t have been better timed. EI hit and Chris put all his efforts and time into building infrastructure. The fences, the arenas his horses took a back seat for a while but now he is back out there with his hands more than full. His team consists of SLH Infusion 7yr old Chest W.B. X Geld, Poachers Moon 18yr old W.B. Bay geld, Alexandre 4yr old W.B. Colt, and a TB jumper, Umbrella. He is also campaigning Nat’s 4 yo W.B. filly Pacific Dazzle. With many babies coming through. Chris now specializes in Training, starting, re-education, competition and preparations, lessons from beginners-advanced, yearling preparations, sales horses, and pre trainers.