Paton Simpson to Represent Horse Jobs at Equimillions 2025

Horse Jobs is proud to be represented by Paton Simpson at the 2025 Equimillions event on the October Long Weekend in the discipline of Showjumping. With a lifelong passion for horses and an inspiring journey with Off the Track Thoroughbreds, Paton’s story is a true reflection of dedication, resilience, and love for the equine industry.

Paton’s journey with horses began before she could even walk—her parents bought her first horse as a baby. Growing up through the ranks of Pony Club gave her a solid foundation, with the chance to try everything from show riding and sporting to eventing and showjumping.

As she got older, Paton began competing in open events, with a strong focus on Pony Club competitions and campdrafting. But it wasn’t until she began riding her Thoroughbred gelding, Port Commands, that her true passion for showjumping was ignited.

“Something just clicked and cemented my love for it,” she recalls. From that moment, showjumping became her focus, and she has since built a talented team of horses to pursue the sport at the highest level.

Paton heads into Equimillions with two incredible Off the Track Thoroughbreds:

• Port Commands (“Cheeky”) – A 21-year-old gelding standing at 15hh, Cheeky may be small in stature, but he makes up for it with heart and determination. Owned by Paton’s family for 15 years, he has been her showjumping partner for nearly a decade. Purchased after his last racing start in 2010, Cheeky has gone on to achieve extraordinary success. From winning Pony Club A Grade State Championships to taking out classes at major east coast shows, he is proof of the longevity and talent of Thoroughbreds post racing.
• Citylights PLS (“Pharoahcity”) – At just seven years old, this rising star has already made a big impression. Purchased straight from the racing stables in 2022, Citylights retired from a modest racing career but has since flourished in the showjumping arena. Now competing confidently at 1.20m, he shows all the attributes needed to reach the top levels of the sport: scope, technique, and a big heart.

For Paton, Off the Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) hold a special place in her heart.

“They have a depth of character that’s hard to match,” she says. “Watching them come out of racing and progress into new equestrian careers is a very cool process. They’re intelligent, adaptable, and once you build a connection, they’ll go to the ends of the earth to please you.”

From dressage and eventing to cattle work and showjumping, Paton admires their versatility and resilience—qualities that make Thoroughbreds stand out from every other breed.

Paton has also gained valuable experience working in the Thoroughbred industry. One of her biggest highlights has been preparing yearlings and then watching some go on to successful racing careers.

She worked at Arrowfield Stud for six months in the yearling team, preparing horses for major east coast sales. Since then, she has freelanced at both Magic Millions and Inglis sales for studs including Ridgemont Farm, Strawberry Hill Stud, and Segenhoe Stud.

From these roles, Paton learned lessons that extend beyond horses: the value of patience, attention to detail, teamwork, and above all, the importance of building trust and respect with every horse.

Paton encourages anyone considering a career with horses to keep an open mind:

“No matter how long you’ve been around horses, there’s always more to learn. Every day brings something new, and that openness will take you far. It’s not always easy, there are long hours and hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding and worth every bit of effort.”

Horse Jobs Australia is proud to sponsoring Paton and her team and we wish them the very best of luck at Equimillions 2025.