About Us

Greg Jamieson
Greg has had a passion for horses all of his life. He began specialising in showjumping at a young age and his first major achievement was at the age of 18 when he rode his own home produced 6 year old horse Chichester to win the prestigious Bell Tea Grand Prix at the Horse Of The Year show. Following this he won a string of Young Rider classes and Grand Prix. At the age of 22 he represented New Zealand in Australia after winning the 1986 NZ World Cup series where he qualified for the final in Gothenberg, Sweden.

Chichester - Sydney

Retrospect II

Greg spent 5 years at Cambridge Stud working as stallion manager, assistant yearling manager and private breaker and pre-trainer of the studs very valuable Thoroughbred youngstock. He also spent 2 years at Westbury Stud in a similar role. This gave Greg further knowledge and experience that enabled him to establish his own very successful business "Chester Stables" in Pukekohe, breaking in and producing young horses to competition level while continuing to coach riders of all levels.
In the last few years, Greg has returned to competing full time, producing, among others, the 2 outstanding "Ramirez" geldings "Hez Zurich" and "Retrospect II", and the Holsteiner stallion "Vollrath Chagall", all performing up to Grand Prix level.
Greg is now based at his family property "Chester Farm" in Paeroa where, alongside privately producing the next generations of the young Chester Farm Warmblood horses for competition and sale, Greg is available to assist local riders and horse owners by taking on a limited number of horses for training, from breaking in through to competition level, as well as being an increasingly sought after coach known for his very professional, systematic and enjoyable riding lessons for horses and riders of all levels that get results.

Diana Jamieson (nee Fowler)
Diana has grown up with and ridden horses from a very young age, competing in dressage, showjumping and eventing for fun until the age of 17 when she started work in graphics and design, later running her own website design business and specialising, of course, in horse websites! - www.InteractiveArt.co.nz.
When she moved to Christchurch in 2002 looking for a change in direction, Diana and her mother Sue Fowler (a lifelong horsewoman to whom Diana credits much of her practical horsemanship and knowledge) established the now very well known "Astek Stud" where they set about breeding and producing top quality warmblood horses for all disciplines - from conception to competition this greatly enhanced Diana's knowledge and experience in all facets of breeding, handling and riding young horses through to stallions, stud management and marketing.
Having also spent time with the likes of highly regarded international horseman Steve Houston, Buck Brannaman, and Ken Faulkner, Diana's passion lies in handling young horses and gaining their trust, confidence and respect in-hand before progressing this soft feel, communication and balance into work under saddle - this groundwork playing an important role in the day to day training of all horses in work at Chester Farm.

Astek Rantani

Astek Gianni

As well as managing the the overall promotion, website and photography requirements, Diana shares equal involvement with Greg in the breaking-in and general training of clients horses.
Diana also brings to Chester Farm her quality youngstock and broodmares from Astek. Her oldest home bred and produced horse "Astek Gianni" is now 7 years old, a Supreme Champion in-hand as a 2 year old, she was crowned "National 5yo Showhunter Champion 2010" in her first season competing under saddle, and then in 2011 won 6 Year Old Showhunter followed by "Reserve Champion Amateur Showhunter Of The Year" with Diana aboard.
With Sue at Astek Stud continuing to breed top quality performance horses in Christchurch, Diana has thoroughly enjoyed expanding more into the producing and competition side of the sporthorse business and introducing more of the Astek horses to this area, with a North Island base enabling greater access to national competitions and training expertise.
Diana has now quickly established a reputation in the NZ showhunter competition circuit as a popular and competitive rider, recognised for her well produced horses and professional riding style.