Kim Durante Riding Academy

From one of the original sponsors, to competitor and winner, and now returning as a judge at Thames Grand Nationals 2026… what a special full-circle moment 💗
Having been part of this event since the very beginning, it was an absolute privilege to step into the centre ring in a different role this year. The quality of horses, presentation and sportsmanship made for such a memorable show.
Thank you to Show Horse Council of Australasia for the invitation, to the committee and hardworking SHC team, and to all the wonderful competitors who made judging such a pleasure.
Topped off with a wonderful stay at the Inglis Hotel.

Images thanks to the talented Danni Milligan & Amy-Sue Alston 📸

Sydney Royal Easter Show 💕✨
48 years of attending this incredible show… and it never loses its magic!

A special day trip representing Conception Garland for David Calbert - A true honour to be part of such a special tradition. My favourite show, year after year. So lovely to spend the day with Jo, soaking it all in and catching up with both old friends and new faces.

For Kim Durante, every year is the Year of the Horse 🐴 Decades in the saddle, incredible horses, championships, and a passion that continues to inspire the next generation of riders ✨🩷

Happy Horsey Birthday to our beautiful herd 🎉 🎂
Today we celebrated our beloved ponies with lots of cuddles, carrots, and big smiles from our little riders! These beautiful ponies are at the heart of everything we do! Today and everyday, they get all the love they deserve 💕

From the arena to the screen 🎬🐴
Had an absolute blast working with and on Good Cop Bad Cop TV series on Stan.
Catching up on the show and reminiscing.
Thanks for spending time in the saddle with us at

This year I had the great honour of returning to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, not only to present David Calbert’s beautiful ‘Conception Garlands’ for the prestigious Pope Cup, but also to be acknowledged as a Long Term Exhibitor by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.

This show marked my 46th consecutive year attending and competing at Sydney Royal — a milestone I feel incredibly proud of. It’s been a journey filled with wonderful horses, friendships, achievements, and memories that I’ll always treasure.

I’m truly honoured to have been part of this event year after year, and grateful to the RAS for their recognition. Here’s to the tradition, the community, and the horses that keep bringing us back.

– Kim Durante

Our horses (and their humans) are taking a well-earned break to recharge and enjoy the holidays. We’ll be back in the saddle from the start of May! Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and relaxing Easter break. See you soon🌸🐇🍫

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