MaryAnne Leighton is a horsewoman, educator, author and feature writer.

She conducts Large Animal Rescue information workshops throughout Australia and New Zealand and audiences describe her presentations to AGMs, seminars, clubs and groups as “powerful”, “compelling” and “not to be missed”.

MaryAnne has had careers in public relations, marketing and horse stud management. She bred horses for twenty years – both her own national champions and for studs that ranged in size from two stallions and twenty mares to seven stallions and four hundred mares. She has travelled extensively and, apart from horse-related themes, has written about subjects as diverse as the European Space Agency, the use of computer systems within an abattoir, and the intensity of the darkness in the bowels of Mt Isa mine.

She writes biography and non-fiction and her extensive experience in the horse world allows her to write with authority for equine publications worldwide.

In 2006 MaryAnne was commissioned to write Living the Legend: the Ian Francis Story, the biography of one of the world’s most accomplished horsemen.

MaryAnne’s home has always been a sanctuary for aged, infirm, injured and abandoned animals and her passion for the plight of horses that are injured or killed during rescue from entrapment lead her to publish the first edition of the book Equine Emergency Rescue, a guide to Large Animal Rescue in November 2010 and the second edition just twelve months later. The third edition followed in 2015. This book is proving a life-saver for emergency responders, equine veterinarians, RSPCA and Stock Inspectors, racing and show staff, horse owners and, of course, horses. It is currently being translated into German.

For her tireless work in promoting Large Animal Rescue in Australia, in 2012 MaryAnne was a finalist in the Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network Strong Women Leadership Awards. In 2014, she was again nominated for this award. 

She was also a finalist in the Quest Equine Welfare 2012 Equitarian Award honouring individuals for consistent, compassionate and selfless service that improves the welfare of equines.

In November 2013, MaryAnne was a speaker at the 5th International Large Animal Rescue Conference in Adelaide, Australia.