Each has its own challenges but each has its own reward as well!” he says. “What I really want to do in the future is set up my own property or stud where I can undertake all my work in one place. Although I like going to different places and seeing different clients’ individual settings, I’d ideally like to purchase a specialised property where I could employ other young horse lovers and offer them the same sort of opportunities to learn horse skills that I have had.”
So what has been the inspiration for horse work in Josh’s life and what were the significant influences that have led him on this developing path? Apart from those he’s discovered in his work along the way such as John Shrader and Kendall Neilson, there are inevitably numerous paternal influences as well. Both his mum and sister were horse owners also who enjoyed riding, albeit not on any competitive or professional level, however his great grandfather, Lloyd Makin, was in the Australian Light Horse Brigade. Although Lloyd may never have seen combat in that capacity, it’s a moot point when it’s the general horsemanship of the Light Horse Brigade which appears to shine through in Josh. If he can get kicked in the teeth by a race horse on December 23 last year and be back shoeing the same horse the very next day is anything to go by, this man is one committed horseman and a credit to the industry.
We wish you well Josh and by all accounts so far, the future for you is bright. It’s always great to have a skilled and gifted horseman around and the horse owners of the Mid North Coast of New South Wales are indeed fortunate to have such talented professional in their region.
Josh’s Horse Training & Re-Education Clinic is easy to find on Facebook by simply searching the name given. It’s well worth a look.
The list of Agriculture Certificate III units is available from the TAFE SA website at:
http://www.tafesa.edu.au/xml/module/crsemod_TP00183.aspx?src=\xml\course\aw\aw_TP00183&Y=2014
Information about Glengyle Station can be found at:
http://www.kidman.com.au/properties/1/glengyle/
Information about Kendall Neilson and his property ‘Leeburn’ can be found at:
http://www.dhtc.com.au/history.php
10 Love Thy horse Magazine