meet flinders
greentree
The story behind the horseman
Flinders’ journey with horses began at the age of 12, not with competition or ambition, but with a quiet partnership formed alongside his first pony, HoneyBee. Owned by close family friend Netti Byrnes, HoneyBee became the beginning of something much bigger.
Under Netti’s patient guidance, Flinders learned far more than just how to ride; he learned how to listen, observe, and understand the horse.
By 13, curiosity had turned into confidence when Flinders started his first young horse, a 12hh pony named Whisper. It was here that his passion for starting and educating young horses truly took hold, setting him on a path driven by feel, trust, and connection.
A Breakthrough Win at Just 15 Years Old
At just 15 years old, Flinders achieved a major milestone by winning the 2018 Australian Brumby Challenge with his Brumby, Brandy. Competing against 11 other experienced trainers, Flinders guided Brandy through the demanding 150-day program, transforming a wild, untouched Brumby into a calm, willing, and confident partner..
After the challenge, Flinders purchased Brandy, choosing to continue her journey beyond the arena. Their partnership evolved into liberty training, where trust, communication, and freedom became the focus. Brandy went on to play a significant role in shaping Flinders’ passion for liberty work.
Taking the next step
Following his success with the Australian Brumby Challenge, Flinders travelled to New South Wales to further immerse himself in the industry and establish his breaking and training business. This period marked an important transition from competition success to real-world horsemanship.
Working with a wide range of horses, Flinders continued to refine his approach – starting young horses, addressing behavioural challenges, and building calm, confident foundations under saddle.
A Defining Moment on the National Stage
At 17, he became the youngest competitor to win the Colt Start at the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival. Working under a strict format, three days with only 90 minutes each day to start an unhandled horse – Flinders impressed judges and spectators alike. By the second day, he was standing on the colt, cracking whips, and walking, trotting, and cantering outside the round pen in the main arena before a large crowd and fellow competitors.
Triumph at Equitana 2024
In 2024, Flinders showcased his mastery of liberty training at Equitana, one of the most prestigious equestrian events in Australia. Competing with his team of three horses, he won the Liberty Showcase.
This achievement highlighted Flinders’ dedication to horsemanship and his ability to bring out the best in each horse, further establishing him as a leading young horseman in the equestrian community.
Where Passion Meets Purpose
Today, Flinders Greentree continues to share his passion for horses through training, liberty work, and horsemanship clinics. Based in Central Victoria, he works with a variety of horses and riders, helping them build confidence, communication, and connection through one-on-one lessons or group clinics.
In addition to training and education, Flinders and his team also work in the film and television industry, providing horses for productions and ensuring each horse performs safely and confidently on set. The combination of performance, training, and teaching reflects his commitment to horsemanship in all its forms – whether in the arena, the arena of everyday life, or on screen.
Flinders has now started more than 350 horses.
“My aim is always to set a horse up for a lifetime of success with its owner in whatever field they wish to follow.”