Ms Read has a passion for rescuing horses and sharing her love for them with others.

And she gets hundreds of people wanting to experience some of that every week.

Her parents, John and Robyn Read, got involved in the business 35 years ago and the riding ranch welcomed more than a million visitors in the first three decades.

Darkes Forest Riding Ranch was founded in 1971 but is now more popular than ever under Ms Read's management and the help of many volunteers.

Ms Read's story is one of nurturing and saving equine lives.

The enjoyment of seeing horses she has rescued or raised from birth thrive is clear for all to see these school holidays.

But the star attraction at Darkes Forest is still Ollie who brings joy to the faces of so many children who visit the riding ranch.

In 2008, he was one of two orphan foals who desperately needed care and a good home.

Ms Read discovered him at an abattoir.

Ollie was only two months' old and she paid $110 to save him.

His mother had been killed by lightning and he was likely to be sold for dog food.

It was then Ms Read discovered he had a sister called Annie and she and a team of staff and volunteers were soon caring for them both.

Ollie used to be scared by the slightest noise but after finding a good home and many years of loving care, he is now a keen participant in trail rides, and saddle club and holiday program activities.

It is not uncommon for more than 200 children a week to take part in the various activities at Darkes Forest.

And all feel good about supporting the business when they learn more about what drives Ms Read who named Ollie after literature's most famous orphan, Oliver Twist.