Paint Horse Association of Australia

● FEATURE
STORY BY: LEE ANN HALL
PHOTOS BY: SHARON HUPP & LEE ANN HALL
I was first impressed
with Wills attitude to
horses, competition
and life in general
when I had the
pleasure of meeting
him, along with his
parents Arthur and
Sharon and of course
“Kash” at a local
Dubbo Western
Performance Show
earlier this year.
wWe have all heard the old phrase, it’s
often used to encourage us and to keep
us motivated. Nothing could be closer to
the truth than if you have had the
privilege of meeting young PHAA
member William Hupp. Will is the most
delightful young man and an inspiration
to many older, more experienced Paint
Horse competitors. Born and raised in
the charming NSW country town of
Gulgong, and at 11 years of age, young
Mr Hupp can already claim a NSW State
Championship title, deservedly won with
his remarkable Paint Gelding
Counthekash.
Nothing phases Will, he continues on his
path no matter what, is eager to learn and
not afraid to ask for help, this is all
reflected in his horses performance. The
odds can be stacked against the new to
the industry and the younger youth
competing in Open events, let alone
couple this with an inexperienced
yearling. None the less, Will and Kash
have shared success and enjoyed their
journey headed for greater heights.
The determination and dedication that
Will has shown is second to none, and not
just with his horse. Will was born with a
condition known as Talipes. At birth his
left leg was twisted around facing the
opposite direction and there was no calf
muscle formed on that leg. He spent his
first 6 months of life in plaster, with
weekly changes, and major reconstructive
surgery carried out on the leg. At only 7
months of age he had a further operation
to release the tendons, however this was
not as successful as had been hoped.
Further surgery 1 year later, an infection
set in and Will almost died. Another 6
months later and another lot of surgery.
Will not being able to try to start to walk
until he was 2 ½ years old. As a result of
his condition, Will has one foot 2 sizes
smaller than the other, one regular leg and
one that is somewhat slimmer, and walks
with a slight limp. I asked Will about his
leg and with a cheeky smile his reply was
“Well, I’m lucky to have one”, he then
added “When I ride a horse, all of the pain
The Paint Horse Journal 11
October/November 2007