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Life After EQUITANA for Greg Powell and Coolidowns Cascade

Published on Thursday, March 22, 2012 in General

Greg and Coolidowns Cascade at home at Kalandan today

 

...on their second day together during The Way of The Horse 

 

...and with Reg Ryan from Coolidowns Stock Horse Stud after winning.

 

In November 2011, top horseman Greg Powell, with his equine partner Coolidowns Cascade, won The Way Of The Horse at Equitana in front of thousands of enthralled spectators. Nowadays they simply enjoy hanging out together at Greg's Kalandan, Cooma property! 

The Way of The Horse was a pressure test over three days.  Greg was just one of three Australian leading horse trainers who demonstrated their specialised skills in starting young horses.  All three of the trainers were able to successfully ride a previously unhandled two year old horse in three days.  This feat was accomplished in only 75 minutes each day, under very strict rules about how much time each trainer could spend with the horse. 

By the end of the competition, Greg Powell was able to ride ‘Coolidowns Cascade’ through an obstacle course to the rousing applause of the packed stadium. 

Greg was happy with the way Cascade progressed and his success in The Way of The Horse, but admitted he had unusual motivations for agreeing to take part in the competition.  He wanted to promote his charity.  “I wanted people to be aware of my charity the Kalandan Foundation, where I use these methods to change the lives Brumbies and young people”

Reg and Sue Ryan, of Coolidowns Stock Horse Stud, were so impressed by Greg's work with Cascade, they donated him to the Kalandan Foundation, so Greg could continue his training of the promising gelding. 

Jo Johnson caught up with Greg this week, to find out how Cascade is getting on and what he's been up to since Equitana.

Greg was more than happy to talk about the lovely gelding, saying, "Cascade has been taking it pretty easy and growing up. I've given him a couple of rides since Equitana and he's doing really well. I'll campdraft him one day, once he's finished growing. He has the athletic ability and conformation to make a great drafter."

"I would have have liked to have taken him to Equitana 2012 but I missed out on getting him in, which is a big shame. I would have liked to showcase him at The Way of The Horse, but the format has changed and apparently there now isn't time for that."

 "I have been holding a lot of horsemanship clinics since Equitana and they have proven to be very popular."

"It was great to win The Way of The Horse and I've been busy since the competition. As hoped, it has also helped with the Charity (Kalandan Foundation) and has given us the ability to reach more people, which was my main aim in entering the contest."

"The charity has recently been supported by the Bushells Foundation and we will be running a lot of Brumby camps in the near future thanks to their contribution."

When asked about The Way of The Horse and other colt starting type competitions, Greg says "I have mixed feelings about this type of competition as it really can put a lot of pressure on young horses. 'Take the time it takes' is a common expression when dealing with horses and there is a risk attached when we put a time frame on the starting of a young horse. It can be done but it is so important to put the horse first and the ego second. Easier said than done!"

As for the the next few years, Greg plans to, "mainly focus on building the Kalandan Foundation and to run as many Brumby Camp programs as possible and motivate as many young people as we can."

Greg is currently running his popular Horsemanship clinics fortnightly at his property at Kalandan, which cover basic Principles of Horsemanship, getting your horse to lock-on, ground school, preparing you and your horse for the unexpected, working a rope, float loading and safety under saddle.

If you're interested in attending one of Greg's clinics, contact Sofie on 0404 083 292.

Greg also currently has several dvds for sale in his online shopping, including the recently released The Horse Handler new training dvd with Storm and Jess. 

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