How does a private horse breeder from Australia’s countryside become one of the nation’s most discussed businessmen? Richard Lavender, a 64-year-old Australian equestrian businessman, built his reputation over decades in the competitive world of thoroughbred horse breeding before his marriage to television personality Samantha Armytage brought intense public scrutiny to his traditionally quiet rural life.
Born in September 1960, Lavender operates from his 40-hectare property in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, where he has established Lavender Equestrian as a respected name in Australian horse breeding. His recent separation from former Sunrise host Samantha Armytage, confirmed in late 2024, marks a significant chapter in both his personal life and Australia’s celebrity landscape.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Lavender |
| Born (Age) | September 1960 (64 years old as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Birthplace | Australia |
| Occupation | Businessman, Equestrian, Horse Breeder |
| Active Years | Multiple decades in equestrian business |
| Notable For | Horse breeding, Lavender Equestrian, marriage to Samantha Armytage |
| Children | Two adult daughters (Grace and Sasha) |
| Recent Status | Separated from Samantha Armytage (Confirmed late 2024) |
| Business Location | Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia |
| Estimated Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Who Is Richard Lavender and What Made Him Famous?
Richard Lavender is an Australian farmer, horse breeder and equestrian businessman who owns and operates Lavender Equestrian, a specialized horse breeding facility in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands region. Lavender established his equestrian business over several decades, building his reputation well before gaining national recognition through his high-profile marriage to Samantha Armytage, the former co-host of Channel Seven’s breakfast television program Sunrise.
An accomplished horseman and keen polo player who has participated in regional polo competitions, Lavender entered the thoroughbred breeding business and achieved notable success relatively quickly. His operation focuses on producing quality horses for Australia’s competitive racing market, with particular involvement in prestigious sales events like the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. What distinguishes Lavender Equestrian is its integrated approach combining traditional breeding methods with modern genetic analysis and specialized conditioning programs for yearling preparation.
Building Lavender Equestrian
Richard Lavender owns and operates Lavender Equestrian, which provides comprehensive services for horses throughout the Southern Highlands region. The business offers specialized breeding programs, professional horse training including yearling preparation and behavioral conditioning, and premium boarding services with customized nutrition programs. His property spans 40 hectares in the Bowral area, positioning him strategically within one of Australia’s premier horse breeding regions.
Business Success Highlight: In 2021, Lavender achieved a significant milestone when he and Samantha sold their first Easter yearling—a Lonhro colt—for $260,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, demonstrating his growing influence in Australia’s thoroughbred market.
How Old Is Richard Lavender and What’s His Background?
Richard Lavender was born in September 1960, making him 64 years old as of 2025. Raised in Australia, he developed his passion for horses and agricultural pursuits early in life, though specific details about his childhood and educational background remain private, reflecting his preference for maintaining personal boundaries despite public interest.
His approach to business reflects traditional Australian rural values combined with modern breeding techniques, including DNA testing for genetic markers and computerized tracking systems for breeding records and performance analysis. Lavender has enjoyed breeding stock all his life, establishing deep expertise in equestrian facility management through advanced pasture rotation systems and specialized veterinary care protocols for thoroughbred racing preparation.
Early Career Development
While Richard Lavender maintains privacy about his early career details, his success in the highly competitive horse breeding industry suggests decades of experience and gradual relationship-building within Australia’s equestrian community. His current partnerships with established operations like Lime Country Thoroughbreds at Burradoo demonstrate his integration into the industry’s elite circles. Lime Country Thoroughbreds is considered among Australia’s premier breeding operations, known for producing multiple Group 1 winners and maintaining some of the country’s most valuable broodmares, making Richard’s partnership particularly significant within the industry.
What Does Richard Lavender Do for a Living?
Richard Lavender’s primary occupation centers on horse breeding and equestrian business management. His work encompasses several key areas within Australia’s thoroughbred industry:
Core Business Activities
- Thoroughbred Breeding: Producing quality horses for racing and performance
- Professional Horse Training: Specialized yearling preparation and behavioral conditioning
- Sales Preparation: Preparing yearlings for major Australian sales events
- Property Management: Operating his 40-hectare Southern Highlands facility
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with established breeding operations
- Polo Competition: Active participation in regional polo tournaments as an accomplished horseman
Partnership Success: Lavender owns property nearby to Lime Country Thoroughbreds at Burradoo. In recent years, he has forged close partnerships with proprietors Greg and Jo Griffin, and together they have achieved success in major sales events.
At the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Lavender sold a colt by Starspangledbanner under the Lime Country banner for $90,000, showcasing his effective integration into established industry networks.
How Did Richard Lavender Meet Samantha Armytage?
The meeting between Richard Lavender and Samantha Armytage occurred at socialite Skye Leckie’s 60th birthday party in April 2019 in the Southern Highlands. This introduction by mutual friends sparked an immediate connection that would reshape both their lives.
Richard recalled the moment with genuine emotion: “I remember seeing her and I got this really nice feeling. I thought, that’s my girl.” He noted that “she had a sparkle in her eye” and appreciated her “quick wit, terrific sense of humor.”
The Attraction Was Immediate
Samantha admitted she was struck by Richard’s authenticity. Her big attraction to Richard stemmed from the fact that he had “no idea” who she was when they first met. This genuine lack of interest in her celebrity status appealed strongly to the television personality.
“He doesn’t care what people think of him, which I admire greatly. He’s very decent, very honest. I love that he’s so modest,” Samantha shared about Richard’s character.
What Happened in Richard Lavender’s Marriage to Samantha Armytage?
Following their April 2019 meeting, Richard and Samantha’s relationship progressed rapidly. They announced their engagement in June 2020, with Richard proposing in characteristically low-key fashion during a countryside bonfire.
The announcement of their relationship and subsequent marriage generated significant media attention across Australia, transforming Richard from a private equestrian businessman into a public figure within the country’s celebrity landscape. The marriage represented a notable cultural moment, bringing together the worlds of rural Australian enterprise and mainstream television entertainment.
A New Year’s Eve Wedding
Rich and Sam secretly married on New Year’s Eve 2020 in an intimate ceremony at Richard’s Bowral property. The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to plan their wedding in just three days, creating a small gathering of immediate family and close friends.
The reception included Sam’s father Mac at the head table, along with Sam’s brother Charlie and Richard’s daughters Sasha and Grace from his previous marriage.
Life Together in the Southern Highlands
The couple embraced rural living on Richard’s property, with Samantha leaving her high-profile television career to focus on their shared interests. “It’s something we do together and we love it. I’m more a passenger in this experience but a very contented one,” Samantha said about their horse breeding activities.
Their shared passion for horses became a central element of their relationship, with both actively participating in breeding decisions and attending major racing events.
Why Did Richard Lavender and Samantha Armytage Separate?
Richard Lavender and Samantha Armytage confirmed their separation in late October 2024, ending nearly four years of marriage just weeks before their fourth wedding anniversary. The announcement surprised many Australians who had followed their relationship closely.
“Yes, Richard and I have separated. All breakups are hard, but it’s somewhat lessened by the fact it’s amicable and we wish the best for each other,” Armytage told The Daily Telegraph.
Understanding the Contributing Factors
Multiple sources suggest that tensions between Richard’s adult daughters and Samantha contributed to the marriage breakdown. Richard’s daughters Grace and Sasha, both in their twenties from his previous marriage, reportedly never developed close relationships with their stepmother.
Public speculation indicated that differences in their career paths and desire for privacy may have contributed to the separation, with reports suggesting Samantha’s return to television work conflicted with Richard’s preference for maintaining a private lifestyle.
The Return to Separate Lives
Following the separation, Samantha moved out of Richard’s Southern Highlands property and returned to Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Richard Lavender has chosen to remain silent about the separation, declining media comments while continuing to operate his equestrian business.
Who Are Richard Lavender’s Children?
Richard Lavender has two adult daughters, Grace and Sasha, from a previous marriage. Both women are now in their twenties and have maintained close relationships with their father throughout his subsequent marriage and separation.
Grace Lavender completed university studies, with both Richard and his former wife attending her graduation ceremony in Melbourne, demonstrating their continued co-parenting cooperation.
Sasha’s Modeling Career
The younger daughter, Sasha Lavender, has pursued modeling and is signed to Priscilla Model Management. Her career choice reflects the family’s comfort with public exposure, though on their own terms rather than through media attention surrounding their father’s relationships.
Complex Family Dynamics
The relationship between Richard’s daughters and Samantha remained complex throughout the marriage, with reports suggesting ongoing tensions that may have contributed to the eventual separation. According to media reports, both daughters maintained polite but distant relationships with their stepmother, with sources noting that the generational differences and lifestyle preferences created persistent challenges. These family dynamics became particularly apparent during public appearances and social media interactions, where the relationships appeared cordial but not particularly close, ultimately becoming a cited factor in the marriage’s dissolution.
How Much Is Richard Lavender Worth?
The question of Richard Lavender’s net worth remains deliberately private, though his substantial property holdings and successful horse breeding operation indicate considerable financial resources. In March 2021, Samantha Armytage addressed media speculation about her husband’s wealth.
“They keep calling Rich a ‘millionaire businessman,'” she said on her podcast. “And he’s like, ‘Where did that come from? I’m going to have a problem with the ATO [Australian Taxation Office]!'”
Assets and Business Indicators
While exact figures remain undisclosed, several factors suggest Richard’s financial success:
- 40-hectare Southern Highlands property featuring specialized breeding facilities, multiple paddocks with advanced fencing systems, and purpose-built stabling complexes in the premium Bowral area
- Successful thoroughbred sales including the $260,000 Easter yearling sale and consistent performance at major Australian sales events
- Established industry partnerships with respected breeding operations like Lime Country Thoroughbreds, indicating substantial capital investment capacity
- Decades of sustained operation in the competitive Australian horse breeding market, demonstrating consistent profitability from an equine business owner perspective
- Professional-grade equestrian facility management systems including specialized feed programs, veterinary facilities, and training equipment
The Southern Highlands region commands premium property values, and successful thoroughbred operations require substantial capital investment, suggesting Richard’s business model has achieved sustained profitability.
What Is Richard Lavender Doing Now?
Following his separation from Samantha Armytage, Richard Lavender has returned his full attention to Lavender Equestrian and his horse breeding operations. He continues to maintain his 40-hectare Southern Highlands property while preserving the privacy that has always characterized his approach to business and personal life, with continued involvement in the horse training aspects of Lavender Equestrian including yearling preparation and conditioning programs.
Continuing Industry Involvement
Richard’s ongoing partnerships with established breeding operations like Lime Country Thoroughbreds demonstrate his continued influence within Australia’s thoroughbred industry. His experience and established relationships position him well for continued success in horse breeding and sales.
Current Focus: Richard maintains his commitment to producing quality thoroughbreds for Australia’s racing industry while managing the personal transition following his high-profile separation.
Richard Lavender’s Impact on Southern Highlands Horse Breeding
Richard Lavender’s presence in the Southern Highlands contributes to the region’s growing reputation as a premier Australian horse breeding destination. His successful partnerships and sales results help establish the area’s credibility within the national thoroughbred industry.
The Southern Highlands’ favorable climate, proximity to Sydney’s racing venues, and established infrastructure make it an ideal location for operations like Lavender Equestrian. Richard’s success demonstrates the region’s potential for supporting world-class breeding programs.
Industry Recognition
His achievement in selling horses at prestigious events like the Easter yearling sale represents more than personal success—it validates the Southern Highlands as a legitimate breeding region capable of producing competitive thoroughbreds for Australia’s racing industry. This recognition extends to his innovative equestrian facility management practices, including rotational grazing systems and integrated veterinary care protocols that have become models for other operations in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Richard Lavender? A: Richard Lavender is an Australian equestrian businessman and horse breeder who operates Lavender Equestrian in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
Q: How old is Richard Lavender? A: Richard Lavender was born in September 1960 and is 64 years old as of 2025.
Q: What does Richard Lavender do for a living? A: Richard Lavender operates a horse breeding and training business, focusing on producing quality thoroughbreds for Australia’s racing industry.
Q: Is Richard Lavender still married to Samantha Armytage? A: No, Richard Lavender and Samantha Armytage confirmed their amicable separation in late October 2024.
Q: Who are Richard Lavender’s children? A: Richard Lavender has two adult daughters, Grace and Sasha, from a previous marriage.
Q: Where does Richard Lavender live and work? A: Richard Lavender operates from his 40-hectare property in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, specifically in the Bowral area.
Q: What is Richard Lavender’s net worth? A: Richard Lavender’s exact net worth remains private, though his property holdings and successful horse breeding business suggest considerable financial resources.
Legacy and Continuing Influence in Australian Equestrianism
Richard Lavender’s story reflects the evolution of Australia’s rural business landscape, where traditional agricultural pursuits intersect with modern media attention and global markets. His decades-long commitment to thoroughbred breeding demonstrates the specialized expertise required for success in this demanding industry.
His approach to business—maintaining quality standards while building authentic industry relationships—represents traditional Australian rural values applied to contemporary markets. A specific example of this approach was demonstrated during the 2021 Easter yearling sale, when despite personal tragedy with the loss of a broodmare, Richard continued to honor his commitments to buyers and partners, earning respect throughout the industry. Even as personal circumstances brought unprecedented public attention, Lavender consistently prioritized his business operations and family relationships, maintaining his training schedules and partnership obligations throughout periods of intense media scrutiny.
The future of Lavender Equestrian appears secure under Richard’s continued leadership. His established partnerships, proven sales record, and deep industry knowledge position the operation for ongoing success within Australia’s competitive thoroughbred market.
Richard Lavender’s enduring contribution to Australian equestrianism extends beyond individual achievements to represent the kind of sustained rural enterprise that forms the foundation of the country’s agricultural economy. His commitment to excellence in horse breeding continues to enhance the Southern Highlands’ reputation as a premier destination for thoroughbred operations.
As he focuses on his business while maintaining the privacy that has always defined his approach to life, Richard Lavender remains a respected figure in Australian equestrianism—a man whose dedication to horses and rural enterprise exemplifies the best of Australia’s agricultural heritage.
Discover more compelling biographies of notable Australian figures on Feelepa. Share your thoughts on Richard Lavender’s story below, or explore additional profiles of influential personalities who have shaped Australia’s rural and business landscape.
