Shannonbrook Arabians Pty Ltd is a small but influencial breeder of Arabian horses. A need arose to introduce a new gene pool to the Australian Arabian horse breeder and especially to Shannonbrook's breeding program. The colt Psyches Turbo was inspected in the USA and was susequently imported. His sire was Padrons Psyche and was twice the most prominent sire in America so his son had some weight resting on his shoulders.
A situation exists within the Arabian show horse fraternity that there is no compulsion for a horse to be saddle trained and ridden ! This is not what Shannonbrook believe and regardless of Psyches Turbo's background he would still be trained to be ridden. There are many "breakers" who profess to be masters of their trade but the Arabian horse can develop bad traits if not handled correctly.
Steve Thake was asked to take Turbo on. Steve was aware of the value of the horse but would receive the same attention and tecnique as any other animal in his care. Turbo is now under saddle and behaving just fine.
Steve has a very gentle way about him and finds no need to raise his voice or revert to sticks or whips. He relates to the horse and provides the animal with sufficient new material each session to maintain its interest and allows it to remember its lesson for the day. He works at ground training to instill commands so at the time of moving into the saddle the horse is familiar with further expectations. Steve seems to have an inner knowledge of the horse he is working with and appreciates that horses do have "individual characteristics". He uses his knowledge and experience to bring out the best of the horses ability.
He has travelled overseas to apply his trade and is in strong demand in Queensland. We have no hesitation in using Steve's skills when next years group is ready for training.
Frank Ashman
Director
