Elra Tonkin
Fire Run Farms is proud to welcome Elra Tonkin, formerly of Chamonix American
Saddlebred Farm, Franschhoek, South Africa, to the resident manager/trainer position.
Elra Tonkin & Leviticus-
2007 Unanimous Grand National Champion 3 yr. English Pleasure
......................
A few short months ago Elra Tonkin was a well established Saddlebred trainer in South Africa. An opportunity, a round the world flight and everything has changed that, "for the better" as Elra notes.
Newly appointed trainer at Fire Run Farm, Elra finds herself with a barn full of clients to instruct, young horses to start under saddle and a show season to prepare for. She has embraced a new job, a new country, new clients and anew breed of horse with an infectious enthusiasm. Elra commented the Morgan world has figuratively opened its arms in welcome.
"I was fortunate enough to
attend the convention and get to know some of the people. Morgans are wonderful,
but I'm finding the people are even more wonderful"
Although mostly self taught, Elra credits several mentors
along the way including a Spaniard who spoke no English and she spoke no
Spanish. "He taught me how to develop a horse, not just train it, but to
develop its mind and its body for work." along with her regular clients Elra
was often given 'challenges' as she describes them, horses with an issue or two
to straighten out. Her skills and horses progressed along with the South African
show system. Elra actively participated in the training program of the
South African World Cup
Team.
She is a
Senior Rated judge in South Africa and sits on the board of the World Cup. Elra credits her varied experience in South Africa with
giving her a good background for training Morgan and Morgan riders. The World
Cup team and instructing equitation students established her skills in that area
for riders of all ages. "...I enjoy riders of all ages." she continues
"I feel my greatest strength is in developing colts and getting them trained to
work with amateurs..."
Elra is busy with her new position, but her enthusiasm and energy level are undimmed. "I want to do well for Fire Run Farm, Teri and Kurt Rumen, the clients and most especially for the Morgan breed! I am very happy to be here." [excerpt taken from article in The Morgan Connection March 2007]
Elra Tonkin with FRF Bridalveil winter at
Fire Run Farm
Elra and Juan Gonzales -
Assistant 13 years at Fire Run Farm