PG . 12
AQHA FEATURE ~ HALTER
Kellie Thompson
A CHANGE FOR SUCCESS !
WORDS BY : LYN HOFFMANN © 2023 D PHOTOS BY : ACE PHOTOGRAPHY
BEING BORN INTO A NON-HORSEY FAMILY NEVER STOPPED A YOUNG KELLIE THOMPSON FROM WANTING TO COMPETE ON HORSES . SHE LOVED TV SHOWS LIKE CISCO KID AND FURY , BUT HER ‘ HORSE ’ BACK THEN WAS A BROOM HER FATHER HAD ATTACHED REINS TO . SHE RODE THAT BROOM AS FAR AS HER IMAGINATION ALLOWED . WHEN HER AUNTY MARRIED HORSEMAN , KEVIN MCGREGOR , 5YO KELLIE TRADED HER BROOM FOR THE REAL THING .
Kellie ’ s first horse , a mountain brumby colt , wasn ’ t a perfect match , but eventually she had some amazing horses , for Pony Club and other events , and had access to beautiful country trails . Although her Uncle Kev suggested cattle and sporting events , the young Kellie wanted to be ‘ a pretty rider ’, riding beautiful hacks at shows , and was soon competing in English events . She says she rode and showed , right up until her marriage took her to Mackay , in Queensland .
‘ Years later , when my marriage ended , I returned home , a single Mum with three gorgeous girls . But eleven years ago , Yella Oak Q-61683 , aka Kid , came along , and after 25 years , I was riding again , perhaps my greatest equine achievement ! I jumped at the chance to purchase Kid , without realising how lucky I was . Some amazing new horsey friends helped & supported me to regain my knowledge and confidence to get back into the showring . Kid was highly trained in Halter and Western Performance , so I tried Western Pleasure , but we weren ’ t bonding ! With my limited understanding of Western , and no trainer for the transition , I almost sold Kid three times ! Thankfully , I converted Kid to English , and he adapted easily . We became a team , attending agricultural and breed shows , competing in Hacks , Show Hunter and Rider classes . In twelve months , Kid successfully qualified for the Sydney Royal Show !’
However , in 2014 , a Hack show Judge told Kellie ; ‘ I can see your horse is well-educated , however , he ’ s too much Quarter Horse for my liking and you
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