AQHA MAGAZINE May / June 2020 AQHA May-June YB 2020 WEB LR | Page 28

PG.26
AQHA FEATURE
Ben broke her in as a two-year-old, not rushing
her, just taking her steady. Throughout her
training, she was a natural. From day one, she
was just like an old horse, consistently going
forward, never having an angry moment. Her
ability to learn was incredible; having the
balance of both physical and mental awareness
and remembering what she had been taught.
She was the pick to catch.
Long days mustering amongst helicopters and
scrub cattle; she’s had more hard day’s work
than most people… not because she needed it
but because Ben treated her like a horse, and
she was part of the work string. In later years
there is no doubt she gets special treatment.
Last on the truck, so she gets the spot where
she can stick her head out the door, and most
importantly, first off the truck.
along with,” says Ben. The big old rub after
each Campdraft run where you have to turn,
and she nearly pushes you over, rubbing her
head against you.
Based in the NT at the time Ben would travel
south to compete in 5-6 Campdrafts including
the Condamine, Chinchilla and Warwick
run. Her first maiden draft was at Injune as a
3-year-old, on their way to Paradise Lagoons.
Terry Hall helped Ben pick the Bullock for
the final, advising Ben “don’t push her too
hard.” But sometimes you have to “let them
be themselves, If they want to have a fast
run, let them do it,” said Ben. Cooldust was
running like a good open mare and won her
first Maiden draft as a 3-year-old.
Described as having a strong character, in the
pecking order she’s the Boss. The other horses
just know not to mess with her, and they all
want to be with her. She never makes too much
of a fuss and is like the wise old owl until you
saddle her up and canter into that arena; she
acts like an eager 5-year-old. The Mare always
has her mind on the job and “is so easy to get
Together Ben and Cooldust have travelled
many miles throughout the NT, WA, QLD
& NSW until he moved to Warwick in 2012.
Although Ben has never chased a title on
Cooldust, she has consistently been in the
top ten ACA Open horse standings and since
moving to NSW, the ABCRA Open horse
standings.
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