A STOCKMAN AND A HORSE NAMED 'HOPE'
Australian Outback Spectacular’s, Assistant Horse Master Brett Welsh is revered across Australia for his talented horsemanship and experience as a skilled camp drafting champion. Brett was selected as an integral part of Australian Outback Spectacular in 2006 for his natural ability, expertise and raw talent. Through persistence and dedication to his craft, Brett continues to entertain thousands of guests each night as he performs in the Australian Outback Spectacular live dinner show, packed with outback music, drama and action. While living his dream and providing a lifetime of memories to thousands of people, Brett has been candidly harbouring grief from the loss of a loved one through cancer.
This is not a story of one man and his loss - this is a story of hope…
One night during the middle of a performance at Australian Outback Spectacular Brett’s attention was drawn to a young girl in the audience, seemingly suffering the effects of this terrible disease. This image, although it saddened Brett, gave him the inspiration and drive to attempt to make a difference. The only question was how? Brett new that with his skills and passion for horses he had a talent that could be harnessed and used to help raise awareness and funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.
After discussions with numerous horse industry organisations, Brett had several sponsors interested in his objective to raise money for this charity and to his amazement Simon Knight from the famous ‘Warrenbri Stock Horse Stud’, also having suffered loss through Cancer generously donated a two year old ‘Romeo’ colt – Warrenbri Hope.
Hope, by definition is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one’s life.
'Hope’ as he has affectionately become known, arrived at Australian Outback Spectacular in August as a young wild colt, bringing with him huge expectations. Brett always knew he would have his work cut out for him, but was determined to train this cheeky, young colt and transform him into a disciplined show horse. His persistence and tireless efforts have paid off, in less than two months, Hope has exceeded all expectations and will make his debut appearance in Australian Outback Spectacular alongside experienced show horses from mid October.
Hope’s debut also coincides with the new show changes including new music scores written by singer songwriter and ‘Australian of the Year’ Lee Kernaghan, an original replica of a Cobb & Co. coach drawn by five stunning Percheron horses, new extreme Roman Riding - now with four horses and two stockmen jumping fire, plus the Great Australian Pig Race.
Brett will continue to train Hope over the coming months and will closely monitor his progress within the show. Brett is determined to get ‘Top Dollar’ for this talented young colt when he is auctioned at the prestigious Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale on Saturday 10th January. One hundred percent of the money raised through the sale of ‘Hope’ will go to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.
This mission could not have been possible without the kind donations and dedication from each of the generous sponsors that have made Brett’s objective come to fruition. These sponsors include Warrenbri Stock Horse Stud, Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Carnival, Australian Stock Horse Society, Queensland Quality Hay and Produce, Hygain Stock Feeds and Australian Outback Spectacular.
To keep up to date on Hope’s journey over the next few months log on to www.MyFun.com.au.
