" Here ' s to the horse and hoping we can breed more like Dee in the future."
27
Adding even more significance to the achievement, Decee was also recognised as the Australian Quarter Horse Association Highest Placed Novice Horse, with Erin and Dean collecting $ 2,500 in total through the AQHA owner and breeder awards. For a breeding program built on passion and perseverance, it was the ultimate reward.
While the accolades are impressive, Erin says the emotions behind the achievement are difficult to put into words.
" I ' m not good at public speaking because I get emotional, but if I was... consider this my speech," she shared.
" What an achievement! This is a big one for us. To be the breeder and owner of a horse capable of this is a dream and incredibly special."
For Erin and Dean, Decee represents far more than another successful horse. She is the product of years of planning, commitment and belief in their breeding program, making the title especially meaningful.
The couple are quick to acknowledge that success in campdrafting is never achieved alone.
Erin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the countless people whose efforts make the sport possible, beginning with the committees, judges, cattle donors, sponsors, volunteers and behind the scenes workers who dedicate their time to ensuring campdrafts continue to thrive throughout the season.
Closer to home, Dean ' s unwavering support has been instrumental in allowing the family to pursue their passion.
" Deano, thank you for supporting me and my love for horses and being bloody good at it yourself! You had a cracker season last year and I ' m so bloody proud."
A significant part of Decee ' s journey also came through the guidance of professional horseman Steve Comiskey, whose campaign with the mare produced outstanding results throughout the season. Erin also praised Louise Comiskey for the exceptional care she provided while Decee was in their program.
" This would not have happened without you both."
The National Finals themselves were another highlight, with Erin extending sincere thanks to the Australian Campdraft Association for coordinating the prestigious endof year awards, Paradise Lagoons Campdraft for hosting the National Finals, and sponsors Royalish and the Australian Quarter
Horse Association for recognising competitors through their generous prize support.
Travelling to the Finals also required a team effort, with Mitchell and Anna Hoy generously lending Erin and Dean their outstanding team of horses for the journey north.
" Such a privilege to ride them."
Behind every successful competitor is a village of supporters, and Erin made sure theirs received the recognition they deserve.
From friends and family who stepped in to hold a baby, pick cattle, film runs, offer advice, cheer from the sidelines, care for the girls or manage things back home, every contribution played a part in making the season possible.
" To everyone that has helped us along the way... thank you."
Earlier in the season, when D ' vine Acres was leading both the Royalish Champion
Novice Horse Title for the 2025-2026 season and the AQHA Novice Horse Award for the highest-placed registered Australian Quarter Horse, Erin reflected on what the campaign meant to their family. Those hopes have now become reality, with Decee finishing the season exactly where they dreamed she could.
Perhaps the most touching part of Erin ' s reflection was her message to the next generation of horse lovers.
" To that little girl that loves horses, I would say don ' t give up... even when it gets tough."
It ' s a sentiment that perfectly captures the journey behind D ' vine Acres. Success rarely comes overnight, but through resilience, hard work and belief in a vision, remarkable things can happen.
As Erin so fittingly concluded:
" Here ' s to the horse and hoping we can breed more like Dee in the future."
For D ' vine Acres, Decee D ' vine Acres is much more than a champion mare. She is living proof that thoughtful breeding, dedicated horsemanship and a supportive community can produce something truly extraordinary and her story is sure to inspire many more breeders and competitors chasing their own dreams.
2026 AQHA ~ JULY / AUGUST ISSUE