Growing up in Colorado, horses were always part of life. After her teenage years took her into modelling — including a whirlwind season in Milan at just sixteen — Ananda returned to California, where her riding was shaped by the guidance of respected trainers Karen Healy and Archie Cox. Those early lessons laid a foundation of discipline and horsemanship that would carry her much further than she knew at the time.
Modelling had taken her around the world. After moving to California at twelve, she was scouted at sixteen and spent several years travelling internationally, building a successful career before deciding to return to her first love — horses. Since then, she’s been privileged to study with renowned riders including Darragh Kenny, Bernie Traurig & Michelle Strapp and now trains under the guidance of Chris Chugg. “I feel incredibly grateful to learn from such accomplished riders and horse people,” she says. “They’ve each helped me refine and discover my own way.”
Life later took Ananda in new directions. After moving to Australia with her husband, she built a career as a yoga teacher, running two successful studios in Sydney and raising her two children. Horses slipped quietly into the background — until 2020, when her daughter asked for a pony during the COVID years. Finding a beautiful Welsh pony online, sight unseen, reignited something deep inside. “As soon as I got on that pony, it felt like coming home,” Ananda says.
That spark grew into a renewed commitment. With the encouragement of George Sanna, she began riding again, focusing first on flat work and slowly building toward bigger goals. In 2023 she started jumping once more, and now she’s on a determined path: aiming to compete in the World Cup next year and ultimately represent Australia on the international stage.
Yoga and philosophy remain part of her daily practice, offering a grounding presence and helping refine the mental side of competition. “All of the stuff of the mind I had to deal with when I was younger, I’ve been able to refine,” she reflects. “It’s about being present with the horses, and letting the journey speak for itself.”
Alongside her own riding, Ananda and her family are building Turiya Farms, opening their stables for show jumping lessons and welcoming the community in. Her vision reaches beyond the arena: to grow awareness of equestrian sport in Australia, to show its value to government and industry, and to encourage more people to discover the joy of horses.
“It’s step by step,” she says. “When you share the journey, others feel part of it too. Horses give us so much — and being on this path with them feels exactly where I’m meant to be.”