Week 1
BBPG Spartan and I have only been together just under 48 hours in the 2024 Brumby Challenge but what an exciting time it has been. He was relaxed yet alert on the journey home and settled quickly into his round yard with a nice big roll and a trot around. His 3 new horse friends, dogs, goats were all very curious, however Spartan was more interested in his food bucket.
Spartan and I have spent time in each other's company and working on our connection through being present but not necessarily together. I find everyday activity, such has poo cleaning up, smoothing sand, moving signs, and making generalized noise has helped him be aware of his surroundings but remain calm. In under 24 hours, Spartan whilst slightly shut down by such a huge residential change, i can touch him, rub on his ears, and managed to find his itchy spot.
Thrilled to continue in the Brumby Challenge where our next goals move to haltering, leading, desensitization, moving around and relaxation.
Week 3
An incredibly intelligent Brumby is Spartan as we complete our first full two weeks together. I’m forever surprised how receptive to learning more each day as he settles into his environment. Spartan is quickly integrating himself as part of the family, finding close friends with other horses Billy Ray and Jerry Lee, often seen rolling and running around together and Billy is always close by as a training support partner. He is now well exposed to dogs, cats, and goats.
This fortnight, with the found love of carrots by the bag full, Spartan is comfortable being haltered, standing at the tie up, leaving his round yard to play with obstacles such as tarps, bridges, water boxes and flags. He has taken to the next step of training in his stride, now comfortable sporting his flashy pink bridle with snaffle bit and roller. He has not only ventured out of the round yard and paddocks, but to be brave and begin to self-load onto my trusty float. Spartan has quickly learnt, that being in the float is a nice resting place.
It’s such a good thing to have fellow competitors with special skills but to also live nearby for support and understanding. Maddison Buckner who is doing amazing with VBA Major but also owns Victorian Equine Dental Practice, came to Spartan’s first dental appointment, and did fantastic. I’m so proud of Spartan, but thankful to my village who are supporting our journey and as we grow together, skies the limit for us.
Week 5
New fears unlocked and this fortnight with Spartan and I. Spartan braver than I, willing and a kind boy who is teaching me more about myself as a horse woman than the skills I’m teaching him.
Spartan loves being in the float, so out and about we went. We have been to several new places together for little outings, experiencing a wider variety of different livestock, majority bigger and stronger making him looks like a miniature, (he is approximately 13.3hh).
After braving the cold weather to lay on Spartan bareback, the time was right to graduate from a roller to saddle over a couple of days, then a sudden surge of adrenaline and I was on. He stood perfectly still at the mounting block as he started licking and chewing. The first ride we worked on walk, stop and relaxation with a bridle. Before long, he was on a nice loose long rein, getting used to pressure and release. We are now beginning to work on clear stop, walk, trot, backup signals, which I’ve not felt unsafe at any point.
His favourite thing is post workout is to have plenty of carrots, a nice warm rug with a good scratch behind his ear, where he stands happily at the tie up for a nice brush. He is enjoying running around the paddock with his two other friends and rolling in the mud. We were aiming to see a farrier for the first time, however, with limited farrier availability, hoping to tick that box next fortnight. Spartan has certainly made a huge positive impact in my family and can’t wait each day to work with him.
Week 7
I knew this Brumby Challenge was going put my skills to the test, but more so is the emotional rollercoaster this journey I have entered. I have managed self-doubt, fear that I am not good enough and fear of judgement, but even more, I fear that I am not good enough rider for Spartan to succeed. This fortnight Spartan and I have ridden most days under saddle and moving through transitions in the round yard.
I decided with my support people to venture out and, to lead the Brumby back to his roots in rugged bushland whilst I rode another experienced horse. The next day I rode Spartan on lead in the bush. The third day, off lead and away we went (not alone mind you). I never thought, I would EVER be riding a green brumby, who not long ago was wild in the bush, through the stunning Australian trails we have so close to our doorstep. The calmness and magical world our Australian bushland have to offer, helped me to lift my head, take a deep breath of fresh air (no I didn’t breathe a lot that day), and suddenly all my fear went away.
Whilst I led Spartan and was on lead at first, thinking there was no way I could take the plunge to go off lead and ride him unaided, despite my experience and knowledge, we did it. It’s a real milestone for me as a trainer with self-doubt and Spartan who did have some moments, wanted to be with me, listened and was calm and happy to do anything but circles.
Bring on the next two weeks, where we will continue to get out and about, unlock our fears and continue the journey together.