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Also fashioned a gate from some bollards and rope. Now, if
only I could have the courage to show jump!
Seriously, we have been training every week (weather permitting)
along with organising sponsorship, prizes, food van, etc, etc.
We are really starting to appreciate how much effort goes into
organising an ANMS – and we have a committee – well done
those in the past who have done it all themselves.
We have had some lovely businesses come on board for
sponsorship in the forms of cash and gift vouchers, we also
have trade stalls so we are hoping our first ANMS will be a
success. I have been told by a reliable source that our trail will
be very challenging, can’t wait to see it – expect pictures in
the next MM.
We already know we are having a few interstate visitors which
is awesome. I attended the 2012 ANMS in Adelaide with a few
of the other WA members and we had a great time, so anyone
who is considering coming over, DO IT. We are in the Swan
Valley wine region so there is heaps to do and see.”
News from Gail Nas: “Here are some pics of Phelcrest Tulsa
aka Cruz (Phelcrest Mighty Montana x Karenza Minette) which
were taken last year when we were out at a course. He is coming
along really well and I am having a lot of fun with him. He has
really stretched me to learn as he can be quite feisty at times and
then he remembers that I’m the boss and gets on with things!
He has certainly helped me learn a lot about leadership and I
have really improved those skills with him during our time
together. I just love it when he sees me from across the yard
and comes running over to the fence to say hello, with such
focus in his eyes.
I have seen the info about the Morgan show and emailed Rachel
to see if we can meet so she can explain a few things to me so
maybe I might be able to take him along.”
Gail with Phelcrest Tulsa
Gail & Phelcrest Tulsa
News from Debbie Dowden at Challa Station: “Everything
has gone very quiet around Challa Station. With just six horses
here and Summer in full swing, the workload has decreased as
the temperature has soared. We are in desperate need of some
rain and I’m glad I reduced numbers before the Summer. Challa
Station Tirrakoa and Ariga Park Loquacious have gone back to
live in Perth with Jess Blackwell. I know Jess loves her new filly
and I am happy with the way things worked out. Challa Station
Forever has gone to her new home in southern WA. Even though
Georgina Griffiths bought her sight unseen, it was abundantly
clear that Forever was with the right person when they met for
the first time. Challa Station Boudicca, who shredded her digital
extensor tendon in a freak accident, is recovering well at her
new part time home. It couldn’t be repaired, she just has to learn
to compensate for it. Sam Jones and I have decided to form a
partnership in Boudicca and perhaps ride her in the future but
definitely breed from her. Between us we will provide a good
future for this lovely filly.
Prior to Christmas our new cattle arrived. For 125 years, Challa
Station grew white wool from merino sheep. The plague of wild
dogs forced us out of sheep and into cattle. Running cattle here
provides the horses and I with some wonderful opportunities
to learn new skills. Before we bought our new cows, we had
to muster some of the scrub bulls off the property. Mustering
these huge, dangerous bulls is risky and it alternates between
terrifying and thrilling. It involves the aeroplane, bull buggies
and motorbikes. Muggins here was on a motorbike but that
was better than putting Lenny [Tandarra Millennium] at risk
by taking him on one of these musters.
Once our new cows arrived, it was a different story. They were
off a station further north so were a little touchy but not mad
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