Fliss began her riding career in the English disciplines from a young age before spending many years playing polo with the Christchurch Polo Club, where she developed exceptional timing, feel and athletic horsemanship. Since a young age, Fliss has always shared a passion for horsemanship and building a true partnership with any horse she works with. The knowledge she learnt from a young age, built foundations which later transitioned seamlessly into western performance, where she found her true passion.
 

Since entering the western performance arena in 2019, Fliss has competed extensively throughout New Zealand, with her primary focus on Reining. She has established herself as a successful and consistent national competitor, earning National Highest Point Reiner in the South Island for six consecutive years, alongside multiple national and regional titles across Open, Adult, Novice Amateur, and Rookie divisions in all Western Performance devisions. 
 

Fliss has trained across the years under a diverse and highly regarded group of horsemen and women, including Warren Backhouse, Scott O’Malley, Buck Brannaman, Kate Elliott and Kelly Keenan. This breadth of mentorship has shaped a balanced training philosophy that blends softness, clarity, accountability and correctness.
 

At the core of Fliss’s program is the belief that elite performance is built through partnership. Her training focuses on the application of positive pressure, correct biomechanics and functional body control—key elements in producing horses capable of competing in high-impact disciplines while maintaining longevity and soundness. This approach creates horses that are willing, confident and mentally prepared to learn and perform.
 

Whether starting young horses, developing performance prospects, or coaching riders -  Fliss is committed to building strong foundations and expanding each partnership with intention and precision. From riders new to western disciplines through to those pursuing competitive goals, Fliss offers the structure, the wide knowledge and guidance to support long-term success. 
 

Fliss’s long-term goal is to excel within the New Zealand western performance arenas, while progressively expanding her competitive career into Australia and the United States. A key focus of her program is developing her young stock through to international competition, with the clear intention of campaigning horses at elite events, including the Gold Buckle Reining Futurity.
 

Through careful, correct training and strategic competition planning, Fliss is committed to producing horses capable of performing on the international stage while maintaining the soundness, confidence and longevity required for high-level sport. We look forward to continuing to share Fliss’s success as her program grows both nationally and internationally.