Halado Park Performance Horses

Enquiries:
Katherine Szalay
PO Box 231 Mt Pleasant 5235
South Australia
Ph (08) 8568 2924 (evenings)
  Mobile 0413 843 607

Email haladowerdun@hotmail.com

Halado Park was established in 1997 in Woodside in the Adelaide Hills.  The name reflects my Hungarian parentage, Halado meaning "progressive" in Hungarian.  The studs commencement was due to the addition of the young Warmblood colt Werdun, by Wunder.  While he was to form a big part of the stud itself, the objective was - and still is - to produce performance horses on a small scale. 

The 12 acres at Woodside saw many horses come and go, and due to the size, the aim was to produce only one-two foals per year.  Most of the turnover horses were Thoroughbred rescue cases who went on to good homes.  Those who knew Halado Park in the earlier days will remember such characters as Louise, the feisty grey "tank" who came to us with a whole in her chest.  Monty, the big quirky chestnut who would fall down in a heap if he was saddled on concrete.  King, the very eccentric little gelding who did absolutely everything from advanced level dressage to hunting.  And no-one who met him will ever forget the grand old man of Halado, Flynn.  Flynn was the backbone of Halado, effectively the real studmaster, right up until his death and he is still sorely missed.

The focus has always been on allowing horses to be themselves, rather than turning them into what we'd like them to be.  Working with each individual's character has meant that they are much happier, relaxed and sure of themselves.  They are expected to do what is asked for them, but knowing that individual determines exactly what that ask is and never more.

The stallion, Werdun, "nannies" the weanling filly Bonnie (Halado Walkyrie)

In 2005, the stud relocated to the ruggedly beautiful "Marne Valley" region in Springton.  Characterized by its rocky hills, the historic stone walls and the Marne River, the valley is sheltered, fertile and scenic.  There are two winter creeks through the 20 acre property which are lined with massive red gums.  The layout allows for convenient upkeep of several horses around the house and a large broodmare paddock.  

Facilities include well fenced paddocks and yards suitable for youngstock and stallions, serving/weaning yard, floodlit foaling down yard and isolation/hospital box.  There is a crosscountry course (max 80cm) and unlimited dirt road riding with the forest 20 minutes away by float. 

Riding and groundwork lessons are offered in the Barossa and Adelaide Hills areas only, and video lessons are available for remote riders.  Horses also taken for training or spelling.  For more information, see our Training page.