Shania Madden and Ashley Whiting call for reforms after horse trainer Paul Wardell jailed

Ashley Whiting and Shania Madden suffered horrific abuse in silence. But they’ve courageously found their voice, helping to put Paul Wardell behind bars. Now they urge others to do the same.

They were two young girls who only knew of each other as they toured around the shows and horse competitions honing their skills aboard their steads.

They were not friends or even acquaintances.

But they both held a secret which would bring them together and bring down a sexual predator.

Ashley Whiting and Shania Madden were young and impressionable when they were preyed upon by the once-revered stockman Paul Anthony Wardell.

Ashley was abused over two years from 2012 and Shania was assaulted in 2017 and 2018.

But when they stood out the front of Coffs Harbour District Court earlier this month, both young women had found the inner-strength to fight back.

Proudly and courageously, the pair gave The Newcastle News permission to identify them publicly as the victims of Wardell.

In doing so, they opened themselves up to possible criticism – there have been more than a few trolls who have cowardly used social media to take potshots at them.

But both women knew they had found their voice. And they felt compelled to show others that they could find theirs too.

It is definitely my intention to raise awareness to as many people as I can. To mothers, to daughters, to friends,’’ Ms Madden said.

“We need to reinforce that this sort of behaviour is not uncommon, that it is not unusual, that it is more prevalent than we think.

“And we need to make sure we are looking out for each other.

“I had no worldly experience when it happened. I always wanted to see the good in people.

“And these predators can sense that. That is what they prey on.’’

Gloucester stockman and horse trainer Paul Anthony Wardell has been jailed for abusing two teenage girls under his authority. Photo: Facebook

A few weeks after they first outed themselves, they watched on as Wardell was sentenced to a maximum 14 years’ jail.

At 68, and with a non-parole period of nine years, Wardell will be 77 before he gets the chance to see freedom again.

It was the innocence of the girls, Wardell’s public persona and the remoteness of Wardell’s property which helped him offend.

Sitting on the Barrington Tops side of Gloucester, Silverthorn Stud was a 140ha sprawl of some of the most pristine land in the country.

And it was here that Wardell would make a name for himself. Both as a once-revered horseman and as a sex predator.

For decades, Wardell had grown his legend as a stockman, horse breaker, trainer, breeder and riding instructor on the Berrico property.

He was also a sought-after judge at the nation’s biggest shows and horse competitions.

So when first Ms Whiting, and then Ms Madden, were offered a chance to do some work experience at Silverthorn, there was never a doubt they would jump at it.

Both were young and impressionable. But both were also driven by a dream to be in the Olympics.

Wardell offered them a chance to hone their skills – the horse arenas at Silverthorn were perfect for horseriding instruction – and gave them a chance to travel away to competitions with one of the best in the business as a mentor.

And this was perfect for Wardell. He would abuse both in the back of a horse float, which doubled as accommodation while away at the competitions.

“We both trusted Paul and our parents trusted Paul,’’ Ms Whiting said.

“You can’t live your life not trusting anyone, but you also need to be guarded.

“I don’t know how many people have said to me ‘oh I can see it was happening now’.

“We had both lost weight, we had gone from being friendly and outgoing to not saying a word. There are signs.’’

Ms Madden said there needed to be a review of sports where young girls are mentored by older men.

“It is not just in equestrian, it is gymnastics and every other sport.

“There is a power imbalance and it is those people in power, if they have the motive, who prey on the vulnerable.

“They dangle a carrot at us by saying they will help us reach our goals, to fulfil our dreams, and then they abuse us.

“We all need to be aware that there are red flags which we should be looking for.

“Is your daughter or friend starting to isolate themselves, are they starting to remove themselves from everything, do they make excuses not to talk or meet up or are suddenly hesitant.

“There are so many red flags that point to silent abuse.

“And we need to have that conversation to make sure it isn’t secret anymore.

“It can’t be swept under the rug any longer.”

Ms Madden later added: “It is an embarrassing and humiliating thing to suffer. These are young girls chasing their dreams who but their trust into someone who says they can help them, only to prey on them.

“We need to make sure that these people now know there are consequences for their action, that if they prey on people they will be found out.

“No longer can we turn a blind eye.’’

Silverthorn Stud is no longer in Wardell’s name. It was sold for an estimated $2m to fund his legal fees.

Most of his horses have also been transferred from his name.

The Australian Stock Horse Society is still to decide what will happen to his membership after stripping him of his coaching and judging accreditation.