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FEATURE: BEHIND THE BUCKLE- TERRY AND LIZ SMITH STAR MARE VINTAGE WHISKEY Q-81337
in cutting, Terry gave her a start in the drafting world, and then their two daughters Kaitlin and Abbey took the reins. In 2023, when the girls stepped back due to work, they offered Vintage to family friend Brent Trotter, knowing Terry was too tall to ride her competitively.
Brent clicked with her instantly. He finalled her multiple times and secured her first draft win. But when Willinga Park 2025 came around, they turned again to Hugh Miles— a rider they’ d always admired.
“ We love the way Hughie rides— he’ s kind in the hands, he rates cattle well, and looks after his horses. He’ d taken our stallion Treasured Acres to Willinga Park before and made the final. Vintage is a smaller mare— so Hughie really suited her.”
In the lead-up to Willinga, the focus was on fitness and fine-tuning. Vintage worked regularly with their daughter Kaitlin and had a strong run with Hughie at the KPH Dash for Cash the weekend prior, finaling in the Open.
“ She doesn’ t need anything fancy,” they explain.“ She gets trotted up a few times a week, works the mechanical cow, and occasionally sees live cattle. She loves it— it’ s what makes her so easy to prepare.”
And it shows. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in heart.“ She gives everything she’ s got, every time.”
As the final round approached at Willinga Park, the field was stacked.“ It was extremely tight— any of those combinations could’ ve taken it. It would come down to the cows. We were lucky enough to draw 13th out and get fresh cows.”
The run was sharp, fast, and full of feel. When the score came in, the celebration began— but the disbelief lingered until the very end. Adding to the pride was winning the AQHA Incentive Buckle, awarded to the top-placed registered Quarter Horse in the Willinga Park Gold Buckle.
“ To be recognised by the AQHA Breed Association in such an elite field— it meant the world to us.”
Programs like the AQHA Incentive, they believe, are vital for encouraging recognition and giving owners a sense of community.“ It gives people a reason to stay involved— it creates belonging.”
So, what’ s next for the little mare with the big heart?
After a well-deserved spell to freshen up, Vintage has just come back into work. She’ ll do a few local drafts in spring
Brent Trotter and Vintage Whiskey Q-81337- Photo credit: Brie Stanger Photography
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au