I read and savored the blurb for the Brumby Gentling Clinic. It said that no horse experience was necessary. All I needed was patience, empathy and love. It said that I would be the first one to touch my unhandled brumby. I would learn how to train him, and then take him home.
My whole heart wanted to go to this and bring home my first Brumby. I wanted to learn the skills to train my very own wild horse. It was meant to be as the Gods parted the way for me; renovations finished, our house sold in divine timing and the buyer agreed to quick settlement. I booked in and tested my patience waiting for the date.
All of the boys offered in the Gentling Clinic had initially come from Long Plain in Kosciusko National Park. Their story is tragic and blessed. After being trapped in Kosciusko, 30 Wild Brumbies travelled from NSW Parks holding yards to Kingston, SA, on 20th September 2020. They had been saved from slaughter by a man named Brett Williams. Unfortunately, Brett was diagnosed with terminal cancer while still having 16 wild stallions in his care. The call went out for someone to help these horses and Sally and Steve Brinkworth from SABA agreed to take them on. Not many people have the experience and facilities to help that number of wild stallions, so these horses were once again blessed to be saved.
After a fundraiser, the 16 stallions arrived at SABA’s sanctuary on 20th July 2021. Sadly, Brett passed away not long after. I like to think that he is watching over these Horses who have affectionately come to be known as ‘Brett’s Boys’.
At SABA the Stallions learnt about electric fencing and were gelded on August 18. Some were rehomed, and most were still available to be offered at the upcoming Brumby Gentling Clinic.
There was a video of the horses that would be offered for the Clinic. I would lay awake at night watching it over and over. A pale chestnut caught my eye, and I thought he could be the one. His name was Cooper.