PG . 31
In 2008 , Brianna Miller started riding lessons at Dalson Park on the southside of Brisbane , where her wanting to learn to ride became an obsession . Her parents told her they wouldn ’ t buy her a pony until they knew she was totally committed , because , ‘ horses weren ’ t just a hobby , they were a lifestyle ’.
‘ It must ’ ve been obvious that it was much more than just an obsession , because my parents purchased a chestnut Quarter Horse / Thoroughbred gelding named Jo . He was perfect and after more lessons , Jo & I headed to Pony Club , where we spent the next few years learning & growing together . Jo was always a gentleman both on the ground & under saddle & gave his all . We competed in all areas of Pony Club including Gymkhana ’ s , sporting days , jump days , Dressage & Hack days , winning many ribbons and trophies together . Sadly , 2013 saw Jo become lame , ending his Pony Club days along with mine . I have so many fond memories of those days – it was all about who could go the fastest & jump the highest !’
In 2014 , when Brianna ’ s Mum and Dad began looking for another horse , a friend who was into Western Performance suggested a big palomino gelding , named So Good To Be Cool Q-61834 . Macca was sired by Good Prophecy Q-58896 & out of Playin It Cool Q-47610 , and was owned by Christine Sewell . Chris allowed the Miller ’ s to bring Mac home for a trial period , given he was a big horse and Brianna was only turning 13yo .
‘ When the float arrived and Mac stepped off the trailer , I thought the Barbie horse had arrived ! He was gorgeous ! My first ride on him was amazing and after a few more rides , it was clear that Mac knew way more than I did about this Western stuff . But , I knew we were meant to be , so our journey began , under the mentoring of Christine . My parents joined us up into the Burpengary WP Club , and I went to as many clinics and camps as possible . I attended Ken Davison camps & clinics , with Ken eventually becoming my Coach . He & Nicole are still a big part of my learning .’
The first 12 months of owning Mac was tough as Brianna tried to learn Mac ’ s way . Looking back , she believes he must have had his own fair share of frustration having to put up with her .
‘ Mac was the teacher & I , his student . We spent our first show season in 2015 doing only ‘ B ’ shows . In 2016 , after more clinics , our confidence grew , and we stepped up to the ‘ A ’ shows . Terry McSweeney
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE 2020