OUR STORY
AMANDA NICHOLSON & NEIL FAINT
Texas Star Performance Horses is a family business that has been operating since 2008, founded on the combined skills and experience of managing partners Amanda Nicholson and Neil Faint. With a strong family background in Stock Horses, Quarter Horses, and Performance Horses, alongside extensive equine competitor experience, TSPH is built on a solid foundation and over 30 years of investment in quality breeding stock.
Amanda and Neil bring lifelong passion, expertise, and innovative breeding techniques together to produce high-quality performance horses with a proven track record of success. Since inception, TSPH has grown into more than just a breeding operation — we have developed a comprehensive program that supports riders throughout their entire journey. From personalised private lessons and immersive campdraft clinics to our signature Clinic Participants Campdraft events, we have supported over 500 participants in 2024 alone and managed 1200 first-round runs at our four-day campdraft event.
Simply put: from conception to competition, TSPH has you covered.
Our Vision
Texas Star Performance Horses is committed to breeding exceptional performance horses with strong, proven bloodlines excelling in campdrafting and cutting disciplines. Our breeding program focuses on producing versatile, trainable horses that consistently perform at the highest levels, helping riders achieve their competitive goals.
Alongside our breeding excellence, we strive to build a thriving campdraft community through our comprehensive education offerings. From personalised private lessons to immersive clinics and exclusive campdraft events, we create accessible pathways for riders of all experience levels. By nurturing grassroots talent and encouraging lifelong learning, we aim to secure the future of the sport and inspire the next generation of campdraft champions.
Our Mission
We breed horses with heart, athleticism, and consistency—carefully matching bloodlines to meet the diverse needs of performance riders. Our mission is to deliver horses bred for success, backed by expert care and a commitment to quality that ensures every foal has the potential to become a future champion.
Our mission extends beyond breeding: we are passionate about developing riders through tailored training programs and engaging events. Through clinics, lessons, and our signature Clinic Participants Campdraft, we provide supportive environments where riders build confidence, refine skills, and connect with a like-minded community. Together, we work to grow campdrafting as an inclusive, vibrant sport.
Who are we?
MEET THE TSPH TEAM
𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 | Owner & Director
Amanda Nicholson is the powerhouse behind Texas Star Performance Horses, bringing decades of hands-on experience, leadership, and professionalism to every aspect of the business.
Born into the equine industry, Amanda has lived and breathed horses her entire life—specifically within the Stock Horse and Performance Horse sectors. Her early years were spent actively competing in Pony Club, Dressage, Show Jumping, and Campdrafting, laying a strong foundation for a lifelong career.
Today, Amanda oversees all TSPH operations—from event planning, cattle sourcing, and clinic coordination to financial management, rider bookings, and participant welfare. She works closely with the ABCRA to ensure all clinics and campdrafts meet industry standards and run smoothly from start to finish.
A skilled campdrafter herself, Amanda brings firsthand experience and an eye for detail to everything she does. She also leads TSPH’s marketing and brand strategy, managing digital content, advertising campaigns, and building long-term relationships with corporate partners across the campdrafting community.
Her professional background includes key roles with the AQHA and Landmark Operations Ltd, where she served as National Equine Administration Manager. At Landmark, Amanda was pivotal in the success of the Landmark Classic Campdraft Sale—Australia’s largest performance horse sale—handling catalogue design, event coordination, and business planning on a national scale.
Amanda holds a Diploma of Agriculture, a Certificate in Advanced Equine Reproductive Management, and is a certified Artificial Insemination Technician. Her passion for genetics led her to the U.S., where she undertook research into elite Performance Horse bloodlines, further enhancing the breeding program at TSPH.
Whether she’s managing the fine details behind the scenes or supporting riders from the arena fence, Amanda’s deep knowledge, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment are at the core of Texas Star Performance Horses.
𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 | Owner & Director
Neil Faint is the driving force behind the TSPH clinic program, bringing a lifetime of experience in horsemanship, cattle work, and competitive campdrafting to the business. He plays a central role in training, coaching, and equine development across the program—offering structured, practical clinics and tailored education for horses and riders alike.
Raised on a working property where mustering and rodeo were part of life, Neil’s horsemanship began young and grew into a professional career focused on breeding, training, and mentoring. As a clinician, he’s known for his calm, clear instruction and deep understanding of horse behaviour. Riders under his guidance don’t just improve—they achieve. From grassroots to national titles, his influence is seen in the success of countless campdrafters across Australia.
Neil is also a highly accomplished competitor and breeder, having campaigned numerous horses to Open level, including standout mare Turners Stud Flirt. His competitive career includes multiple wins and placings in Maiden, Novice, Restricted Open, and Open Campdrafts, and a career highlight—2nd place at the 2015 World Championship Campdraft in Sydney, an invitation-only event limited to the nation’s top 15 riders.
At TSPH, Neil oversees young horse starts, client horse education, stallion and broodmare management, and rider safety during clinics and events. He is also a trusted judge for the ABCRA and ACA, regularly invited to officiate at major events across the country.
With a strong background in Heritage Australian Stock Horses and an in-depth understanding of bloodlines, Neil supports the TSPH breeding program with strategic stallion selections and a long-term vision for producing versatile, high-performance horses.
Whether he’s in the round yard, running a clinic, or mentoring from the sidelines, Neil brings practical wisdom, technical skill, and a genuine passion for horsemanship to the TSPH community.
𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 | Junior Rider & Clinic Support
Annabelle Faint is growing up in the heart of Texas Star Performance Horses, and she’s already making her mark as a competitive junior campdrafter with natural talent, quiet confidence, and a fearless approach in the arena.
As the daughter of TSPH directors Amanda and Neil, Annabelle has been around horses her whole life—learning from two of the best in the business. Her time in the saddle shows maturity beyond her years, with a sharp feel for cattle and an instinctive connection to her horses. She’s quickly building a name for herself as one to watch in the junior ranks.
Outside the arena, Annabelle is an energetic and valued part of the TSPH team. At every clinic and event, she’s ready to help—resetting pegs, encouraging riders, and bringing her trademark positivity and enthusiasm wherever it’s needed. Her presence adds a sense of fun and family to everything we do.
Whether she’s riding, helping behind the scenes, or cheering from the sidelines, Annabelle embodies the next generation of TSPH with heart, spirit, and a genuine love for the sport. Her journey is only just beginning—but there’s no doubt she’s a rising star in the making.
𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 | Digital Content and Media Manager
Ashlee Roach plays a vital role behind the scenes at Texas Star Performance Horses, combining creativity, digital expertise, and a genuine passion for campdrafting to help shape the TSPH brand and community.
A competitive campdrafter and long-time clinic attendee, Ashlee understands the TSPH experience from both sides of the fence. Her role spans all digital operations—including managing the website, social media platforms, marketing campaigns, and visual branding. Her creative direction ensures everything we put out is aligned, professional, and true to the values of TSPH.
In addition to her design and content work, Ashlee is instrumental in communicating with partners and sponsors—supporting the coordination and delivery of corporate partnerships that align with the goals of both TSPH and the wider campdrafting community. She helps manage the messaging, visibility, and activations around each partnership to ensure long-term value and professional representation.
Ashlee’s knowledge of the sport, strong communication skills, and eye for detail allow her to tell the TSPH story with authenticity—capturing the heart of our riders, clinics, and horses in every message she shares. Her work helps keep the wider community informed, inspired, and engaged.
Whether she’s coordinating content, supporting partnerships, or cheering riders on from the sidelines, Ashlee brings commitment, insight, and professionalism to the team—making her an invaluable part of the TSPH family.
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 | Event Support Crew
Behind every successful clinic and campdraft is a dedicated crew of volunteers—the hardworking, humble legends who help bring the vision of Texas Star Performance Horses to life. From pre-event planning right through to pack-down, our volunteers are the backbone of what we do.
Their roles are wide and varied: running cattle in the backyards, swinging gates, keeping us all fed during long days, helping with the admin behind the scenes, and even assisting with the delivery of corporate partnerships. Whether they’re coordinating logistics, managing gear, or jumping in wherever needed, our volunteers consistently show up with reliability, good humour, and a willingness to help—no matter the task.
Many of our volunteers have been with us for years, becoming an integral part of the TSPH family. Others are friends, family, and local supporters who jump in when the pressure’s on. All of them contribute to the welcoming, inclusive environment that makes our events so special. Their generosity of time and spirit is a big part of what sets TSPH apart.
They also play an important role in helping us build and maintain relationships with our valued sponsors—often helping coordinate on-site activations, set up displays, or welcome visiting partners. Their professionalism and positive attitude reflect the values of TSPH at every level.
We’re proud to see our volunteer crew representing us in style thanks to Grovers Country Clothing and Stripes Industrial Supplies. With quality gear and monogrammed uniforms, they’re not just the most capable team—they’re the best dressed, too.
To each and every volunteer who has helped make our events what they are—thank you. Your effort, loyalty, and heart do not go unnoticed. You are a vital part of the TSPH story.
“Texas Star Performance Horses put so much heart and passion into the equine industry, as we work together to produce high-quality performance horses to meet our customer’s needs and satisfaction.”
OUR HEART AND PASSION
PERFORMANCE STALLIONS
DREAM IT
We offer an exceptional buying experience with award-winning stallion breeding services and a premium selection of performance-bred young stock. Our horses combine quality and talent, and our goal is to promote and sustain the Australian equine industry globally.
YOUNG STOCK
BUILD IT
We breed high-quality performance horses with proven bloodlines, focused on campdrafting, cutting, reining, and ranch work. Combining elite genetics with expert handling and early training, we produce capable, reliable horses that contribute to the success of the Australian equine industry.
HORSE HANDLING SKILLS
GROW IT
We are dedicated to teaching safe horse handling and horsemanship, instilling confidence, respect, and understanding of horse behaviour. Through education and hands-on experience, we help riders refine their skills, build strong partnerships with their horses, and deepen their passion for equestrian sports.