Naibara Park,

   owned and operated by Colleen and Doug Rutherford, a small farm where just one or

   two foals are born yearly. Naibara Park is just 45 minutes from Brisbane Airport, on the

   fringe of the picturesque Lockyer Valley.

   Breeders of Purebred and Derivative Arabian horses since 1977, Colleen and Doug have

   bred, owned, trained, conditioned and shown many Champions for themselves and clients.

   For many years they were managed two of Australia's leading Arabian stud farms. During

   this time working with horses of Polish, Crabbet and Egyptian blood they had in their

   mind a type of horse they wanted for themselves. An Arabian that can be ridden,

   showing instantly recognisable Arabian Type.

Colleen's infatuation with the Arabian horse has been almost life long. She was 8 years old when she was introduced to the breed by her cousin. No other horse had the fascination, pride, spirit and beauty. At 10 she was riding an Arabian stallion and has been totally obsessed by the Arabian horse ever since. Her dating days were spent riding the hills in the Manly Warringah area with her then boyfriend Doug. 37years later with two adult children, it gives them both a huge amount of pride to see their daughter has inherited the passion for the Arabian. Together with her husband and his family, including two young grandsons, have their own beautiful line of Arabian horses with the very successful stud, The Palms Arabians.

In 1988 both Colleen and Doug were appointed to the Australian National Judges Panel. Since then they have judged at most of the country's leading Arabian and Agricultural shows judging both Purebred and derivatives horses at Halter and Under Saddle. Both Colleen and Doug have had numerous visits to New Zealand judging North and South Island Championships. In 2000 Colleen was privileged to judge the Senior Purebred Mare, Gelding and Stallion at the Australian Arabian Championships under the three-judge system with Mr. Jerzy Bialobok, director of Michalow and Mr Mark Himmell of the USA. Colleen also judged derivatives. They have judged all breeds, horses and ponies from Miniatures, Stock horses, Quarter Horses to Draft breeds and all classes from English to Fancy dress, to Western and Harness.  

I would like to introduce you to our “Farm Supervisor”  

Basil Rutherford.

Basil ensures no intruders ever penetrate our feed shed to interfere with the quality, under his strict supervision we are assured all is as it should be. Basil has been a farm - family member for over 15years. He oversees every breeding, every foal born, their first steps, each early morning and every evening feed.

and most importantly our Farm Security; left to the paws of the ever vigilant,

Sparky Rutherford,

Sparky joined the team 9 years ago. When not attending the shows with his team, he is never too far away

from his best mate Basil. Sparky checks the boundary fences each day and like Basil ensures no intruders are

lurking around. Sparks particularly loves to socialise with friends and clients, with his quick wit and cheeky

personality he can be quite a party animal!