NEWSLETTER |
Dear Friends,
Our 2008/2009 season is over and we are now well and truly into winter. Finally I have had a moment to catch up with things including this Newsletter which has been a long time coming! It was yet again another great season and we have meets lots of great people from all over the Australia and some from far distant shores. Each season we marvel at how lucky we are to have the privlidge to show you all the wonderful high country which is our back yard.
Weather wise it was an interesting season with either plenty of rain or no rain at all. Temperatures were varied and it is really getting hard to pick what’s what with the weather which I guess, is pretty much the same everywhere now! At the moment the paddocks are starting to get a bit of a green tinge thanks to some well timed rain; we just hope it keeps coming and, just as importantly, we hope the snow keeps coming.
Still, we can’t complain too much about our lot; at least we have been spared the devastation of the fires that ravaged some parts of Victoria this summer. As I am sure you are all aware, the bushfires in Victoria have claimed a significant number of lives and property. Our hearts and our thoughts are with all of those communities.
On a lighter note, as we all come to terms with the effects of global warming and climate change and in doing so we evaluate the impact that each of us has on our environment; I think we have all come to realise that we must change the way we live our lives and run our businesses.
With the high country being a ‘mecca’ for adventure based tourism the need for the practice of sustainable and environmentally sound tourism has become paramount. In recognition of this High Country Horses decided to step up to the plate and in late 2008 underwent a grueling accreditation process with Queensland based Ecotourism Australia with both businesses proudly achieving Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation.
Founded in 1991, Ecotourism Australia operates a globally recognised ECO Certification Program. The ECO Certification Program provides industry certification to those ecotourism and nature tourism operators in Australia which have been personally assessed by Ecotourism Australia to have established their commitment to best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences.
ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia is certainly not an easy 'green sticker' to achieve and at the time of achievment High Country Horses were the only Ecotourism accredited trail ride operation in Victoria and, to the best of our knowledge this is still the case.
The accreditation process was a rigourous but rewarding experience. Because achieving the accreditation is difficult, it is something both Fiona are incredibly proud of. It is globally recogised and it actually means something.
Some more good news, Chris and Fiona finally ‘tied the knot’. Yes, in June last year we had a simple ceremony at the Lodge with close friends, family and our faithful Kelpie Indi who was our ‘dog of honor’. We tried to surprise everyone but it must have been the worst kept secret in Merrijig! Our honeymoon? Well that was catering for lots of school ski camps at the Lodge!
The horses are once again, doing us proud this season. They are now, with the exception of one horse, all bare foot on both back and front feet although some still pack their boots when heading off into the mountains. It has been a huge job taking a herd of horses that have been shod all of their lives back to their natural bare foot state. I take my hat off to Chris, my husband (yes, I can now say that!) for his perserverence, and dedication over the last 4 years and his passion to make sure our horses lead a healthier, happier and more natural lifestyle. We could never had made it this far without the help and support of our farrier, Andrew Bowe better know to many as ‘The Barefoot Blacksmith’ and, in more recent times, his students; too many to mention but they know who they are! One of riding staff, Geoff Brookman has now taken over the reins or should I say ‘the rasp’ is working hard to keep all of our horses hooves healthy.
Sadly, we have said good bye to some of our cherished horse family over the last 12 months.
‘Delatite’, the living legend; (shown right) sadly left us in June last year, well before her time. She developed a brain tumor which proved to be fatal. Dellie taught many people to ride over her life and had that uncanny horse wisdom that enabled her to adopt her style to suit her rider. If you knew nothing she was patient, if you were scared she took care of you, if you were abit of a cowboy, she showed you how little you really did know! Dellie cantered in formation down the straight at Flemington 6 minutes before the Melbourne Cup in front of 100,000 people and never missed a beat, she strutted her stuff with the parade of champions through the streets of Melbourne as though she had been doing it all of her life with the only thing seperating her apart from the race horses were those good old handle bar ears of hers. She didn’t need to win the Melbourne Cup; she was a champion! She is well missed by all of us but particularly Chris. Rest in peace Delatite.
Another big loss this season was my trusted steed Galaxy. Many people will remember him well. Aside from the fact that he was a beautiful horse to ride he had the proud 
honour of bringing Chris and myself together. A lot of you have heard the story of me coming up to ride at Chris’ for the first time only to be given this scruffy ‘red’ horse to ride. Chris had only had him for about 6 months. By the end of the ride that scruffy horse had one my heart! I offered to buy him from Chris but he wasn’t selling so instead, I would come up from Melbourne every 2 weeks just so I could ride him. As time went by Chris and I became friends and one thing lead to another, now we’re married! Chris often says he should have sold him to me because in the end he gave him to me! Gally gave me and many others hours of joy. He worked hard and with his big heart, always gave regardless of how tired he was or how hard the riding. He and I have the distinct honour of having beaten Sasha and Chris in a race although, according to Chris, he let us win – I don’t think so! He will aslo be greatly missed. Rest in peace Gally.
We also lost a couple of oldies, Sen; who was a yearling in The Man From Snowy River II, Kate, a wiley but sweet old thoroughbred, Brumby’s Mate and our lovely little quarter horse Brandy. All greatly missed.We have also had some new additions to the herd as well as some promising up and coming youngsters.
The rides are already starting to book for next season so those keen to enjoy the spectacular scenery the Victorian High Country has to offer, don’t put the decision off too long. Our New Year’s Eve ride is again proving to be a popular event with close to have the spots for the 2009 ride already booked and I guess I can understand why; what better way to see a new year in than under the stars on top of a mountain followed by a swim with your horse on the first day of the new year!
Two years on from the bushfires, the bush is looking magnificent. Craig’s Hut, which was formally re-opened to the public on Australia Day 2008, is looking all the better now that it has had sometime to weather. The rebuilding team should be proud of their efforts. For those of you who have already visited the pre-fire Craig’s Hut, you now have a reason to revisit and enjoy the new Craig’s Hut!
The human HCH family grows each year so come along and meet some of the new faces and say hello to the loyal old crew. They are a wonderful bunch and help make HCH and the experience we offer what it is.
Well, that’s about all of our news for the moment. For those struggling to find that special gift for a friend or loved one, don’t forget we have gift vouchers available and what better present than memories that will last a life time.
Best wishes and hope to see you all on one of our rides.
Until later.
Fiona, Chris and all the crew and horses at High Country Horses.