Saving the Snowy Brumbies

by Kelly Wilson

  When I warmed Shyla up for her second class the following morning, I was relieved that she already had a home — never before had she been so diabolical! No one watching would ever have thought that she was suitable for kids; I shook my head in exasperation at the irony of it. At their challenge events, neither my Kaimanawa nor my Mustang had shown to the level they were trained to, and now it seemed that my Brumby was going to do the same. I watched other Brumbies at the far end of the warm-up ring working perfectly, relaxed and confident as they worked through their paces; among them was Ballarat, who’d never looked better. I was so distracted with trying to relax Shyla that I completely forgot the workout routine I was about to perform, and as I struggled to remember it I ended up in tears. Amanda had been watching me, and now rode over and offered to ride in front of me so that I could follow her through the pattern. It was amazing how stressful a simple routine had become, and I tried to shake off my nerves; Shyla already had a home, so it really didn’t matter how she performed.

  Just minutes before I was due in the arena, the class was delayed for 30 minutes. I continued to work Shyla in, and the extra time made all the difference; within 10 minutes, my stressed and reactive pony was working softly and quietly — she was back to the Shyla I recognised! We made our way to the arena and I let Shyla rest before the Pattern class began. We were the first to go, and from the moment we entered the arena Shyla felt good, working accurately through her transitions. As I rode out at the end of our turn I was so happy; it couldn’t possibly have gone better, especially after the awful warm-up. Amanda was next, and it was the opposite for her: Ballarat might have warmed up perfectly, but she was agitated in the arena. Very quickly it became obvious that her tongue was over the bit, causing her discomfort. I ran over to the gate steward to ask if Amanda could fix the bridle and start again and they agreed, calling her out of the ring. By the time the pair re-entered, Ballarat was still a little fussy about the contact but worked well. It was disappointing after how consistently she’d been working over the past few weeks, but Amanda was very pleased at how well she’d performed in front of crowds of people considering just how little experience she had.

  The next class was the Obstacle. Again it didn’t go quite to plan, although both ponies put in a pretty solid effort. The course involved opening a gate, backing between poles, jumping, climbing over a bridge, ground tying and dragging a log around a cone. I was first to go again, and Shyla aced everything except the dragging, which we’d never had issues with when practising at home, but I made a few rider errors. Rather than pulling the log so that the rope was kept off the horse, I let it pull against her rump, upsetting her. Amanda, and every other rider, learnt from my mistake and were careful to pull in the better direction, although some horses couldn’t cope at all and many riders continued past without completing the obstacle.

  In between watching us in the classes for the Brumbies, Vicki didn’t have a minute spare. Each day she would educate the public on horse welfare and horsemanship, and she also competed in the Celebrity Couples challenge, pairing up with our good friend Warwick Schiller as his wife had been unable to fly over from America. Vicki’s sore horse clinics were particularly well received; as in New Zealand, people were impressed by the extensive knowledge she was able to share on teeth, splints, saddle fit, nutrition, sheath cleaning, hoof balance and skeletal issues. Many of the showjumping riders, who knew of us from competing in New Zealand or when Vicki rode in Australia, were so impressed that they asked if she would look over their competition horses who were due to compete in the World Cup that night. One by one she examined horses and identified issues that explained much of the symptoms they were seeing; the horses she worked on finished in the top four placings later that night, and the owners were very happy.

  Going into the fourth and final class, the Freestyle, on the last day, was something I was looking forward to. Nina, Lily, Gaia and Shanti had helped make Shyla a snowflake costume, and I’d designed a workout that incorporated everything Shyla enjoyed. Once again I was the first to go and Shyla was foot-perfect. Although still green, she performed better than I had expected and I was so proud of her. In addition to the basics, I had shown a side pass, jumped Shyla to 90 cm and carried a billowing flag and a ball, as well as executing canter-to-halt and halt-to-canter transitions and a turn on the haunches.

  Amanda was next in, and she too aced her Freestyle. Ballarat did much of what Shyla had done, though her billowing flag was twice as big and she also stood while a ball was rolled between her legs. Amanda was proud of her pony, as were we all: both horses had demonstrated to the public the potential of wild Brumbies and had produced some of the most well-rounded Freestyles of any of the wild horses we had trained. Thrilled with the ponies, we returned to the ring to watch everyone else compete and were amazed by the high level of training: horse after horse continued to raise the bar, and the Freestyles got better and better.

  The Brumbies’ remarkable ability to stay relaxed and perform at such a high level stood out; more of them were able to produce a polished and crowd-pleasing workout than the Mustangs or Kaimanawas we’d seen in similar events. In addition, the percentage of horses originally assigned to trainers that had made it through to the competition was higher; either the trainers had had more success taming the horses, or the horses assigned were sounder and therefore more capable of being trained. Only three adult Brumbies didn’t compete after the 150-day training period: Zali, one whose rider had been injured in an unrelated accident, and a horse that was injured on the way to the competition.

  Amanda and Ballarat in the Ridden Pattern during the Australian Brumby Challenge.

  Shyla, with her snowflake costume, jumping during her Freestyle class.

  To see so many happy, well-adjusted horses at this competition was testament to the breed and to the way that the horses were prepared for the challenge. Of the three wild horse breeds we’d worked with, the Brumbies seemed to be the least affected by the transition from wild to captive, and we honestly believed that the passive trapping followed by the months of transition time at the Brumby sanctuary were major factors: the horses were mentally ready for training and were sounder than their New Zealand and American counterparts. Also, the way the show was held, and the layout of the arena, stables and classes, were all designed to set the horses up to win. They were allowed to graze in the arena between classes and were stabled only metres away from where they were competing; most of the horses responded by behaving as if they were being ridden in their paddocks at home. It was an incredibly relaxing environment, and even the hundreds of spectators watching each class didn’t distract from the peaceful setting.

  AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE FREESTYLE, the judges deliberated the scores and we rushed over to the Grand Pavilion for a book signing, then met at the ring to watch Vicki’s final clinic. She was paired with two of Australia’s leading trainers for a horsemanship feature, demonstrating how they would train young horses over a course of obstacles to foster their confidence.

  Finally, it was time for the prize-giving; the trainers all led their Brumbies into the arena, standing side by side. It was remarkable that so many wild horses, ones that had been untouched just 150 days earlier, could be standing so quietly side by side. Even the older stallions were fine next to mares, and vice versa. We were incredibly impressed with the trainability, talent and nature of these very special Snowy Mountain ponies.

  Shyla consistently placed in the top six in all of the classes, and I was thrilled to finish fifth overall. Amanda, who only a month before had been unsure whether she’d even get Ballarat ready in time to compete, was pleased with how well they’d performed, although they didn’t place. However, that wasn’t what she was worried about — as soon as the final scores had been announced it was straight into the auction; the most critical moment that would decide Ballarat’s future.

  Moza and her grandfather were standing at the ring waiting, and when it was time Amanda led Ballarat forward in fron
t of the auctioneer. We all felt incredibly stressed; because Ballarat had been so well-behaved throughout the event, we’d had many people come up to us to express interest in purchasing her. We’d managed to divert most of the potential bidders, by showing them other Brumbies that better suited either their size or their needs — as Ballarat was one of the smallest of the Brumbies, very few people who approached us were size-appropriate. One grandmother, who wanted to bid on Ballarat for her granddaughter — who was both too big and also a very inexperienced rider — wasn’t as easily dissuaded when we mentioned our concerns about the girl’s suitability. And when we said that we’d already found her a small, young rider who was an approved bidder, she snappily replied that if they wanted Ballarat then they would just bid above everyone else.

  Disheartened and hoping that she wasn’t serious, Amanda stood holding Ballarat’s lead while the bidding rose, and was hugely relieved when it stalled at just $1600 with Moza being announced as the winner; the 10-year-old had raised $2000 to bid with and we were relieved that the bidding stayed within her budget. Ballarat was one of the cheapest Brumbies auctioned that day, with some of the others selling for up to $5000, but she got the home we wanted. As soon as the auction was over, Moza dashed over to the stables to give us all a hug and then proudly loaded Ballarat onto a trailer to take home. Nina, who’d come over to watch Shyla perform and also to visit the Snowy Mountains to see where she’d been born, was also at the stables with us. It was incredibly special to have both of these young girls there, at the very beginning of the next chapter in the Brumbies’ journey. Vicki, Amanda and I couldn’t have been happier. We’d set out to save the lives of Brumbies and set them up for a better future, and not only had we done that but we’d also inspired two great girls to begin their own journey with these once-wild horses. We hoped that, like us, their childhood dreams would take them on their own journeys with horses, both wild and domestic.

  Shyla during the prize-giving, receiving her ribbon for placing fifth overall.

  Moza, Ballarat and Amanda after the auction, a dream outcome.

  EPILOGUE

  Passing on the Baton

  Shyla and Nina shared a connection from the moment they met. Watching them work together really highlighted how gentle Shyla was for a horse so soon out of the wild.

  Shanti’s love for wild horses continues and she has progressed from her 11-hand pony onto Showtym Remembrance KH, the daughter of Major, who we saved from slaughter during the 2012 Kaimanawa muster.

  Nina and Shyla at their first competition together.

  Moza and Ballarat competing in the Victorian State Interschool Championships in April 2017, where they finished 10th out of 50 ponies.

  Ian Ashman

  This book about the wild Brumbies is probably the most reflective of those I’ve written. As always, I haven’t tried to gloss over the taming of wild horses, but instead have shared our journey to get to know these animals through the relationships we built while taming the special few entrusted to our care. It is important to document the good, the bad and the ugly, because we rarely learn if everything goes right.

  We hope that the lessons of patience, dealing with disappointment, triumph and, foremost, putting the welfare of the horses first, shines through. Although this journey began because of the Australian Brumby Challenge, that in itself is not the most important factor. The end result can never be about a few moments in an arena; instead, it’s about learning to put your horse’s needs first, no matter the deadline or the pressure you might be under to perform. In a world where instant gratification is too often sought, it’s about understanding that compassion and patience are sometimes the most important qualities in life; not masking problems to present a horse in an arena, but instead building a foundation for that horse to lead a successful, full and happy life.

  Because of their size, the Brumbies inspired in us a passion to share our knowledge with a younger generation and, in hindsight, it’s been a blessing. Observing the world, and taming wild ponies through the eyes of children allowed us, in a way, to re-live our own childhood. Every insight shared and lesson taught to Gaia, Shanti, Nina and Lily reminded us of our own experiences taming our first wild ponies 20 years ago; although we ourselves learnt through trial and error, and didn’t have someone to guide us, the same feel and understanding on how to read a horse’s body language was learnt from a young age and has stood us in good stead, developing us into the horsewomen we are today.

  We have no doubt that the four young New Zealanders that shared the Brumbies’ adventures with us have a very promising future, as does Moza over in Australia. Never have we seen such talented, determined and positive go-getters who simply don’t understand the meaning of the word no and are willing to give everything a go, who are committed to doing everything to the highest standard possible and always have a smile on their faces. As children we were taught that anything was possible if we were willing to put the time into making it happen and were prepared to make sacrifices while wholeheartedly chasing our dreams. It’s been so rewarding seeing these attributes shine through in the riders we mentor.

  After the Australian Brumby Challenge, Moza and Ballarat’s journey began, as did Shyla’s ongoing adventures with Nina. There is no denying we were unsure how the ponies would transition to constantly being ridden and cared for by 10- and 11-year-old riders, and in both countries we had plans in place if the ponies needed further training. To our absolute delight both Moza and Nina have been able to continue producing their young Brumbies themselves, growing together and developing a solid relationship.

  In Australia, Ballarat and Moza have gone on to enjoy a well-rounded lifestyle, including trekking out in National Parks, swimming in lakes, attending Pony Club and competing in showjumping events to 60cm, most recently placing 10th of 50 ponies at the Victorian State Interschool Championships. A remarkable achievement for a young Brumby who nine months earlier had been running wild, and a real testament to how patiently Moza has continued to produce her over the past five months.

  Likewise, Gaia and Shanti’s work with the Kaimanawas, then the Brumbies alongside Nina and Lily, has set them up for a lifetime of success in their equestrian pursuits. The growth we’ve seen in our young protégés over the past year, from their horsemanship and right through to their showjumping, has come about through hours of mentoring with the wild ponies, jumping lessons, goal setting and endless hard work. We only wish we could have had the opportunities that they have had over the past year and are thankful we are in a position to be able to share our passion with them.

  Since Shyla returned to New Zealand she has continued to become the ultimate second pony for Nina. At home they most often ride out bareback, cantering up the hills or riding down the road in a halter; simply having fun and building confidence together. Frequently over summer they came to stay, joining us for days, or sometimes a full week to ride alongside us, taking their ponies swimming in the river, out on the farm or having jumping lessons on the arena. Just a few months after Shyla returned from Australia, she and Nina competed at their first Ribbon Day, winning and placing in many classes, before going on to compete in the Show Hunter Winter Series — I couldn’t be more proud of how Nina continues to put the best interests of Shyla first and we are excited to see what their future holds.

  I hope these young riders realise how much we have also learnt from mentoring them, how many good memories it brings back from our own childhood, and how much they have encouraged us to continue to share everything our love of horses has taught us. If we can educate and inspire people of every generation to be better horse-owners, there will be a lot of grateful horses in this world. Our challenge to each of you is to always seek knowledge, strive to be better, strive to do better and live life to the full.

  As for the wild Brumbies still roaming free across Australia, their future hangs in the balance. The one thing we are sure of, in any country, is that if wild horses aren’t valued locally, no one can help them. I ho
pe people open their hearts to these wild horses so they too can experience firsthand how remarkable they are, not only for their outstanding ability to thrive in domestication but also how much they can teach us along the way. While we understand that at times there is a need to cull, we strongly believe that this needs to be done in a humane manner — both for the welfare of the horses and also so that it doesn’t become one of the biggest mass slaughters of wild horses in the modern age. From working with wild horses in three different countries, we also know first-hand the importance of preserving viable herds for people to both enjoy and learn from, not only through the domestication process but also from observing them in the wild.

  GLOSSARY

  AGEING — The process of estimating a horse’s age by inspecting its teeth.

  ARENA — An enclosed area for training or riding horses.

  BIT — An object, usually a metal bar, placed in the mouth of a horse. It is held on by a bridle and used with reins to direct and guide the animal.

  BRONCO — When a horse tries to buck off its rider.

  COLIC — Any of several painful digestive disorders, usually involving intestinal displacement or blockage. It is a leading cause of death among horses.

  CONDITION — An evaluation of a horse’s overall weight and health.

  CONFORMATION — The shape and proportion of a horse’s body.

  CONTACT — Contact is the minimum amount of feel on the reins required to evoke a change in a horse’s speed or direction.

  CROSSBAR — A jump formed by two poles crossing to form an ‘X’.

  CRUSH — A strongly built yard for holding horses or other livestock safely while they are examined, marked or given veterinary treatment.