Meet The Team
Brent Albon -CEO
Brent Albon is the Chief of Operations at McKenzie Park, overseeing the day to day operations of the property, horses, facilities and competition team. While his professional career is as an executive with the Australian Government, horses have always been a lifelong passion.
Brent’s equestrian journey began through the ranks of Pony Club, where he enjoyed success in one day eventing, mounted games, dressage and show jumping before moving into the show horse world. He went on to compete successfully at Royal Shows across Australia before returning to his roots in eventing.
Drawing on his leadership experience and lifelong involvement with horses, Brent enjoys supporting the continued growth of McKenzie Park and helping create a professional, welcoming environment for horses, riders and owners alike. He has a strong focus on horse welfare, teamwork and ensuring every detail contributes to the success of the team both at home and at competitions.
Those around McKenzie Park often joke that Brent is the “postman”, because he always delivers. Whether it’s organising competitions, managing facilities or solving the next challenge, he’s rarely far from the action and is always happy to lend a hand.
La’Moza Velisha
La’Moza Velisha is an FEI four-star event rider and coach who is passionate about developing confident, capable horse and rider partnerships. As a member of the winning Australian Oceania Challenge Team and soon to embark on her first international campaign representing Australia at the FEI Eventing World Championships for Young Riders, she combines high-performance experience with a calm, approachable coaching style.
La’Moza particularly enjoys working with young riders, beginners, and those looking to build confidence, creating a supportive and encouraging environment where every rider can learn and enjoy the journey.
La'Moza Velisha
Event horse rider - Rehabilitation Co ordinator - Coach - competition rider - Trainer
Charlize Scott
Event horse Rider - Trainer - Coach - Rehabilitation technician - Competition Rider
Charlize Scott is a two-star event rider with a passion for producing and educating young horses, all while balancing her school studies with a busy competition schedule. Having competed at events across Australia, she brings patience, consistency, and a genuine love of developing horses to reach their full potential.
Charlize is available for horse education and campaigning and has extensive experience operating the ECB rehabilitation machines, ensuring every horse is handled with confidence and care. She has also broadened her experience through international travel, including visiting the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials in the United Kingdom, and is about to head back to the UK for a month based at the stables of New Zealand Olympian Jesse Campbell. Charlize is passionate about horse care and at the recent Adelaide International 3 day event, the ground jury was impressed with her professionalism in the control of our team cooldown on cross country day. It was stated “ they were utterly shocked and impressed at how detailed her care and program was”
John Gyftakis
Photographer - Personal Trainer - Massage therapist
With a passion for fitness, health, and wellbeing, John Gyftakis is McKenzie Park’s resident health and wellbeing specialist, helping keep riders and our team feeling and performing at their best. John is a qualified massage therapist who works with riders to improve recovery, mobility, and overall wellbeing, recognising that successful partnerships begin with healthy, balanced athletes.
Alongside his health and performance expertise, John is also our resident photographer and is available for professional photo sessions at McKenzie Park, capturing the special connection between horse and rider, whether you’re after competition images, portraits, or treasured memories with your equine partner.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to be developing health and wellbeing clinics at McKenzie Park, combining rider fitness, recovery, education, and time with your horse to create a unique experience that supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Danielle Velisha
Danielle Velisha is the heart behind McKenzie Park. While she is happiest behind the scenes, she is the driving force that brings the ideas to life, keeping the wheels turning and ensuring everyone feels welcome. Whether it’s being a mum to whoever needs one, a friend to those who need support, or making sure no one leaves hungry, Danielle’s greatest passion is caring for people and animals alike.
A lifelong rescuer of animals and mother to many, Danielle believes every horse, every person, and every creature deserves kindness, patience, and a place to belong. While the competitive side of the horse world has never been her calling, she finds joy in the quieter moments, watching partnerships grow and seeing horses and people thrive together. A devoted Quarter Horse enthusiast at heart, Danielle’s vision has always been to create a community where everyone feels at home, and McKenzie Park is a reflection of that dream.