LOCAL LIFE
Is it a bird ? Is it a plane ? Nope it ’ s a bison !
by Greg Martin
Just after the arrival of European settlement in the United States , such were the numbers of ( fat and juicy ) Passenger Pigeons , it was reported that a flock of the birds would take several hours to pass .
For numerous reasons , numbers plummeted , mainly being slaughtered by the American pioneers – just load your musket with buckshot , take aim , fire , and bring down dozens of birds .
The last of the species , Martha , died on 1 September 1 , 1914 , at Cincinnati Zoo .
Another icon which was quickly heading towards extinction was the American Bison , which prior to , yep , the arrival of Europeans , grazed over most of the country in vast numbers .
Due to commercial hunting and just being slaughtered for fun , and the
introduction of bovine diseases from domestic cattle , bison numbers declined markedly so that by 1889 there were just 325 of the remarkable animals still alive . But since then , there has been an amazing resurgence of their numbers , not only in the United States but in many countries worldwide to where they have been imported .
It is estimated that numbers around the globe have risen to over 500,000 – and two of that number are now living the life of luxury in North Richmond .
Not that the two magnificent animals are having a “ bludge ” – indeed , they are earning their keep preparing twin sisters , Jessica and Michelle Niass , for a major campdrafting event on March 8-10 at Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park .
Both girls are excellent horsewomen who have performed against the best of company in equestrian events but over the past few years both young ladies have developed a passion for campdrafting .
The twins and their parents , Sally and Trevor , live on a large property along Kurmond Road at North Richmond , and the two six-year-old bisons – Waylon and Willie – occupy a large paddock abutting the road .
Where on weekends , I ’ m thinking of camping myself , flogging coffee and donuts to an increasing number of passersby pulling over to marvel at the massive beasts . And huge they are !
Willie stands 15 hands ( 1.52 metres ) while Waylon is even bigger at 17 hands ( 1.72 metres ) – they have the physiques to match and truly are impressive creatures .
Jessica and Michelle Niass round up bisons , Waylon and Willie , to herd them up to the campdrafting training arena . Photos : Kathryn Johnston .
Jessica was the first of the sisters to take up campdrafting , doing so four years ago , with Michelle following suit two years later .
The Niass clan purchased Waylon ( Jennings ) and Willie ( Nelson ) from renowned breeder and trainer , Kendall Neilson of Dungog Bisons , who pre-trained the animals to campdrafting .
“ These animals are tireless in comparison to cattle and that makes them invaluable when riders are training for campdrafting ,” Sally explained .
“ When we used cattle , the girls ’ time in the training arena was limited due to the cattle tiring but the bison are just tireless so the girls can continue to hone their skills for extended periods .” So , you can bet your bottom dollar that Michelle and Jessica will be ready to rumble down at Camden !
The twins have been riding gee-gees since they were toddlers .
They both left Colo High with their Higher School Certificates and have found fulfilling careers in the equine world .
Michelle is stable manager at Bella Jane Lodge , a boutique thoroughbred racing and spelling property at North Richmond and Jessica , who has a strong interest in cloning , is a valued staff member at Catalina Equine Breeding and Reproductive Services , also at North Richmond .
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