OUR STORY
Shannon Roughan's racing journey commenced in her early years, fostering a passion for horse riding that blossomed throughout her childhood. Her talent and dedication were evident as she represented Western Australia in both showjumping and eventing disciplines. Shannon's early career was diverse, involving stallion handling and foaling down, showcasing her broad skills in equine management. In 2010, she embarked on an international experience as a polo groom in the UK, further broadening her equestrian horizons. Her professional career in racing began in 2009 when she joined Jim Taylor's team as a track rider. The following year, Shannon expanded her expertise to include pre-training, breaking in horses, and managing a spelling facility, illustrating her versatility and commitment to the racing industry. Between 2014 and 2016, she was a valued stable employee for Grant and Alana Williams, where she continued to refine her skills and contribute significantly to the team's success. In 2016, Shannon's dedication and hard work were recognized when she obtained her official RWWA trainers' license, operating in Bunbury and Kalgoorlie until 2020. Seeking new challenges and opportunities, she relocated to Melbourne in 2020, where she worked for renowned trainers Ciaron Maher and Phillip Stokes before securing her training license in the competitive Victorian racing scene. Shannon celebrated her first winner, Juicing Carrots, in December 2016, marking a significant milestone in her career. This achievement is a testament to her perseverance, expertise, and the respect she has earned within the racing community. Shannon Roughan's journey from a track rider to a successful trainer embodies her passion, skill, and dedication to the equestrian and racing industries.
Shannon Roughan's training philosophy is a seamless integration of traditional and modern techniques, emphasizing a natural and science-based upbringing for her horses. The horses are trained from individual lush grass paddocks with spacious stables and are conducting their foundational training amidst the tranquillity of the bush, her horses enjoy a serene start to their conditioning. At the state-of-the-art Pakenham facilities, they engage in more rigorous fast work on a professional racetrack. Shannon employs advanced tools such as the Equimetre for intricate heart rate and stride analysis, with performance data meticulously analysed by Romy Borrione's Race Day Ready. Training programs are meticulously tailored to each horse's distance profile, ensuring they are thoroughly prepared for their racing careers without wasted runs. The incorporation of innovative equine tools like water walkers, high-speed treadmills, nebulisers, and ice bath therapy complements regular beach trips, promoting physical prowess and mental well-being. Consistent physiotherapy and chiropractic care with supplementally ultrasound, PEMF and Theragun treatments maintain their physical health, while the use of infrared thermography cameras ensures early detection of any physiological changes, securing an all-encompassing approach to their development and performance. 
