By Catrina Godden

When a robust chestnut gelding known only as Brett, was awarded Horse of the Year by Burpengary’s Cartmill Centre for Riding for the Disabled in 1994, nothing was know about his prehistory as a racehorse.

Now as Brett’s second career retirement approaches interest in his life prior to becoming the foundation riding horse for the centre has resurfaced.

Brett has set a standard for the qualities required to be a successful mount for the disabled. At the Cartmill Centre a variety of people regularly enjoy the freedom and non-judgemental contact that this noble Standardbred has provided for the past 13 years.

His stoic and accepting nature have been the key elements during his training and career as a specialized riding horse. Brett is capable of all five gaits and will amble or pace when required for the riders who are easily unseated, while the more capable riders enjoy his floating trot and rocking horse canter. Brett’s abilities are highly regarded among the riders and handlers alike, and he is used by the centre’s staff to train new volunteers on handling the horses while they are being ridden by members.

Performing Miracles

Brett and the rest of his troupe perform miracles everyday by allowing the physically restricted the chance to experience freedom and fluidity of movement. On Brett’s back they can cast away their artificial aids and replace them with the steady forward movement most of us take for granted. The visually impaired are also given the opportunity to feel the wind brush their faces, the fear of stumbling gone when astride their surefooted friends. And the intellectually disabled find confidence and courage in themselves through these horses that welcome their tentative touch.

Brett’s biggest fan is Martin who, as a result of an injury, needs the assistance of the centre and through his contact with Brett has gained some self esteem and structure in himself. Once a shy, hesitant young man, Martin has gained enough confidence through working with Brett to recently participate in the Caboolture Show and the pair took out the Blue Ribbon in their chosen riding event!

About 40 people of varying ages and special needs enjoy Brett’s company every week and he has been a successful dressage horse for competitors and awarded the honour of being the clubs flag bearer at local events. Not bad for a Standardbred that was possibly destined for the knackery!

When Brett arrived at Burpengary’s Cartmill Centre he was very stick shy and, like many of his riders today, he had his own fears to overcome. Perhaps that is what made him Horse of the Year material?

A Shoestring Budget

The Cartmill Centre for the Riding for the Disabled runs on a shoestring budget, and with each horse costing around $1,000 a year to maintain, funding and man hours are always appreciated. Meeting cost such as horse dentistry, feet trimming, worming and gear for the riders and horses is an ever present struggle for all the people manage the facility. Specialized riding equipment is always in demand and examples of this will be displayed at the Annual Expo this month, with Brett prepared to give a riding demonstration as well.

His True Identity

The hands that Brett has passed through before his life at the centre were many and varied, but perhaps with the help of breeders, owners and trainers; we may be able to piece together the true identity of this exceptional Standardbred.

The only clues available are that Brett arrived at the centre in 1986 as a nine year old, donated by a woman in the Caboolture area. His brand is that of a single line style and is unfortunately blurred. He is a chestnut and doesn’t have a stitch of white. It is thought he may have raced interstate before being tried in Queensland.

Old Brett may have not have been Courage Under Fire as a racehorse but he has shown the ability to fire some courage into the people who love and care for him.

For more information visit  Riding for the Disabled Association website