ON DECEMBER 18, 1971 President Nixon stood up and declared that wild horses in the US would be protected due to their valuable heritage.
Just as the Americans knew the value of their mustangs plenty of people in this country have the same beliefs about the Snowy Mountains brumbies.
Yet, if the NSW Government has its way, up to 90 per cent of those running in the Kosciuszko National Park will be culled.
And while it’s a state issue there are many who believe a sustainable plan and possibly protection for the iconic animals is a national priority.
“It would be interesting to know how many politicians, scientists and general members of the public have actually been and had a look up there – and I mean not in suits and ties, getting dirty and walking around,” said Andrew Lockley of Temora. Mr Lockley, who says he is not a “horseperson” but cares about Australia’s heritage, visited the area where brumbies can be found at Lone Plain a couple of weeks ago.
“I would think most (people) are going on what they read – I would challenge them to spend a day driving around in the mountains, looking at everything – not just the brumbies,” he said. Mr Lockley said the brumbies should not be shot.
“If they shoot them who is going to remove the carcases,” he said. “I prefer the old way of brumby running and catching.”
He said people complain about the environmental impact of the brumbies – yet there were tracks made by four-wheel drives and bikes.
“I am amazed that people generally drive past things in the bush, however, every time I stop on the roadside to take photos it is astonishing how many cars pull up with people getting out to have a look (at the brumbies),” he said.
THE REASONS FOR A CULL:
The draft Wild Horse Management plan for Kosciuszko National Park aims to reduce wild horses from 6000 to 3000 in the next five to 10 years.
NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman says the brumbies damage the park's fragile alpine and sub-alpine environment.
A range of “humane” control methods including trapping, mustering, fertility control and ground shooting would be used to carry out the cull. The draft plan will be on public exhibition from May 1 to July 8. The community can provide feedback during that time.
THE VALUE OF A BRUMBY:
If anyone could determine quality horse flesh it would be Julieanne Angland of Wagga.
Mrs Angland is matriarch of one of the most accomplished families in the horse industry in Australia. Her youngest son Tye is an internationally-acclaimed jockey and was home this week to ride in the Wagga Gold Cup Carnival.
Her 10-year-old mare Brumbaleena is a daily reminder of just what the Australian bush, and it’s home-bred brumbies, has to offer.
This week she took time out to talk about the merits of the brumbies and the importance of maintaining Australia’s high country heritage.
She said the humble brumby is a horse that should be nationally recognised for its hardiness and quiet temperament.
Mrs Angland vividly remembers the day Rhys – now 28 – came home and said “I have got a present for you Mum.”
She tells the story, while laughing and joking, about how concerned she was about what it might be.
“At the time I was worried about what he would have got for me,” she said.
But the beautiful chestnut brumby mare with a flashy blaze and long white stockings melted her heart.
And Brumbaleena has since won over plenty of other hearts around Wagga and throughout the Riverina.
Family friend Kade Crawford-Golds, 3, confidently rides the mare around the yard and easily guides her where they need to go.
For those who regularly compete at the Millers Flats Open Days and Gymkhanas they know that Brumbaleena is a force to be reckoned with in the pole bending.
She is only small but sure on her feet and boats plenty of acceleration.
Understandably Mrs Angland – and her sons – are disappointed about the plan to cull up to 90 per cent of the brumbies.
“The plan is horrible. It is not right,” she said.
“We were talking about it this week and we are signing the petitions against it,” she said.
She said the plan “fired a lot of people up” because the brumbies were such an integral part of bush heritage.
“All of my boys go brumby running,” she said.
Mrs Angland said just camping in the bush and watching the brumbies in their habitat was a rewarding part of life in rural Australia.
She said whenever the family visited McPhersons Plains, near Tumbarumba, the brumbies were in good condition.
“You get to know the herds and the mares and foals,” she said.
Mrs Angland said it was evident the brumbies were helping to keep vegetation down and prevent major fire hazards in the region.
“We have all enjoyed brumbies and what they have to offer,” she said.
THE IDEAL RIDING HORSES:
Michelle Davies of Berrigan secured a brumby four years ago because she was looking for a hardy trainable horse to ride.
And her six-year-old mare certainly impressed.
She is used for pony club, loves to jump and has even barrel raced at rodeos.
“We need horses to be versatile because my kids like doing different disciplines,” she said.
“I think the proposed cull is disgusting … these horse have a lot to offer.”
Meanwhile, Millie Triggs, 11, of Deltroit Station, Mundarlo rides a brumby called Carlie for mustering, pony club, gymkhanas, showjumping and stockmans challenges.
The brumby mare was caught out of the Kosciuszko National Park and was described as being willing and happy to try anything put in front of her.
