OUR TEAM

Daniel & Debbie

DANIEL AND DEBBIE DICKSON

OWNERS

In a true fairy-tale love story, Daniel and Debbie Dickson followed their dreams from humble beginnings into a business empire to improve the lives of those around them in the health, beauty and hospitality industry. Debbie grew up riding horses in equestrian before she met Daniel, who was working with the recovery of elite athletes at the Sydney Olympics. Their passion intertwined into a 25-year business career, where together, they built and continue to run several national and international companies. Always looking for new opportunities that fulfil their passion and desire to provide high-class services, the idea for Heartland was born. Where other people took stock during a world shutdown, Debbie and Daniel invested in creating a world-class horse farm that oozes charm and provides thoroughbreds with the perfect setting to rest between racing schedules. Heartland has grown rapidly in size through the love and passion the Dicksons’ pour into their dream horse farm.

YOANN LEVESQUE

EQUESTRIAN DIRECTOR

Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Yoann grew up in a show-business family. With a mother who is a professional singer and a father with over 40 years’ experience in production and stage management, he always knew his place was on stage. Alongside this, Yoann played ice hockey at a high level, which gave him a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and work ethic. Horses came into Yoann’s life relatively late. At 18, he felt an undeniable calling after watching the world-renowned show CAVALIA. That same show would later invite him to join the team and, in less than five years of experience with horses, train him into the role of Assistant Equestrian Director. Yoann was mentored by some of the very best in the industry, including Frédéric Pignon, Mathieu Bianchi, and Luis Valencia. Under their guidance, he built a deep and refined understanding of the horse–human connection. Over nine years on tour and more than 1,600 performances, Yoann honed not only his technical skill, but also his ability to share feeling, presence, and partnership with the audience through the horse. For the past eight years, Yoann has been giving clinics and lessons across the country, proudly passing on the knowledge he has gathered throughout his journey. Today, he is dedicated to helping riders and handlers develop a more thoughtful, connected, and respectful relationship with the animal we are all so passionate about.

ELLEN RIXON

STABLE MANAGER

Elle grew up riding horses in equestrian before following a family legacy in harness racing, beginning her career as a race driver at just 16. Her dedication to the sport led to numerous achievements, including winning the NSW Junior Driver Encouragement Award, representing NSW twice in the Australian Drivers Championship, competing twice in the Australian Female Drivers Championship, winning the NSW Rising Stars Championship, and serving as an ambassador for harness racing on several occasions. However, her personal healing journey sparked a deeper passion for mental health and equine-assisted therapy, leading her to become a qualified counsellor and equine-assisted mental health practitioner. This path fueled her fascination with psychology, horse body language, and nervous system regulation, recognising how horses constantly provide feedback to those around them. Once qualified, Elle began volunteering at Horse Aid at Heartland, eager to expand her horsemanship and learn how the program supports first responders with PTSD. Heartland also gave her the privilege of reconnecting with her love of riding, deepening her understanding of the language and conversation between horse and rider under saddle.

JOSH MURRAY

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Josh grew up on a farm working with cattle, following in his family’s footsteps. That early passion turned into a career — and today, he’s the backbone of Heartland’s property maintenance. From cattle work to pristine fencing, Josh plays a vital role in keeping our infrastructure strong and our horses safe. He finds it rewarding to support the growth of Heartland, and we are grateful to have his expertise, knowing each paddock is purpose-built with the safety and well-being of our horses kept in mind.