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A Horse Back Riding participant
CHIARA & BERT
Bert, also known as Guyson Classic Whiz, became a part of my life in February 2024. Described as a“ unicorn” horse who had yet to find his person, I didn’ t fully understand the meaning of that phrase— until I met him.
Standing before me was a striking palomino with a gentle presence and the softest eyes, and in that moment, I knew there was no turning back. Just a week later, Bert made the journey to his new home on the coast of Victoria, settling into the quiet town of Aireys Inlet, where he quickly bonded with his new paddock companions, Bobby and Finn. Bert is my first Quarter Horse and my first registered horse, marking a significant milestone in my equestrian journey. In July 2024, we officially joined the Australian Quarter Horse Association( AQHA) and enrolled in the Horseback Riding Program, beginning an exciting new chapter together.
Our early days together were marked by a number of hurdles and moments of uncertainty. Bert often froze and appeared unsure— understandably so, as he was in a completely unfamiliar environment and had not yet learned to trust me. I came to recognise that I was unintentionally rushing the process, driven by a desire to recapture the connection I had shared with my previous horse, who I had sadly lost to colic. It became clear that I needed to slow down, be patient, and acknowledge that we were starting from the very beginning. We were strangers learning to understand one another, and building that bond would take time, empathy, and trust.
I adjusted my approach, allowing our partnership to develop gradually with each ride as we steadily accumulated riding hours together. During our first year, we rode bitless, taking time to explore the local bush tracks at a slower, more mindful pace. To better understand his background, I reached out to his breeder, which provided valuable insights into his prior training and helped me communicate with him more effectively. As our trust and connection deepened, I felt we were ready for the next step. At the beginning of this year, I introduced neck rope riding— something I had never felt compelled to try with previous horses, but with Bert, it felt like a natural progression. His willingness and unique presence inspired me to explore new ways of connecting and riding together.
There is something truly special about Bert— something difficult to articulate, but undeniably present. I found a level of trust in him that I had never experienced with previous horses. Perhaps it’ s his naturally calm and grounded nature, but whatever the reason, our connection felt genuine and right for both of us. Despite being in my 50s, which some might see as a time to step back from new challenges, I felt more determined than ever. Bert reignited a sense of confidence and purpose in me, and together, we’ ve continued to grow in ways I hadn’ t imagined possible.
With that intention, we began— not in the safety of a round yard, but out in the bush, where our journey felt most natural. I started with both a neck rope and a bitless bridle, gradually teaching Bert how to respond to subtle cues while we refined our steering. Over time, I relied less on the reins, testing his responsiveness to the neck
2025 AQHA NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE