The next addition to Living Equine’s Equestrian Profiles, is the down to earth, Maddy Branks.
EQUESTRIAN QUICK TEN
1) What made you fall in love with horses?
I fell in love with horses at an early age like most people, when I realised how willing they are to learn and to please and how rewarding (almost addictive) it is to help them overcome their fears and gain their trust. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a horse you’ve bred yourself become a reliable and versatile mount.
2) How long have you been riding for?
I’ve been riding all my life. Mum and Dad didn’t have anyone to babysit me when I was a toddler so I got to sit behind Dad on every mustering trip until I was big enough to ride my own horse.
3) Have you done any Tertiary Education in horses?
I haven’t gained any formal education with horses. I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Accounting in the hope that I’ll be able to afford to keep up my horse addiction as a hobby. I hope to further my knowledge at a later point when I have more time.
4) Have you broken any horses in yourself?
I’ve broken in a few of my own horses, mostly miniatures into harness and a couple of our stock horses but it’s mostly a joint effort with my Stepdad putting the finer touches on mouthing and longreining, I usually do the ridden work.
5) What are your greatest Equine Achievements?
My greatest achievements would have to be placing in the top ten across different sporting events at a state level for Zone 6 and qualifying for State Equitation and representing Zone 6. They’re not big or important achievements but I feel they’re pretty good because I didn’t have sporting pegs or more than one jump to practice with at home. The only time I got to practice was at events or rally days.
6) What has been your deepest Equine low?
The biggest low would have to be losing our horse Cloudy to cancer a few weeks ago. He was the horse that took me to state and won a lot of high point scores because he was so versatile. He was a legend in his own right.
7) What jobs have you been able to work with horses so far?
I haven’t worked in any jobs with horses yet.
8) What are your current Equine ambitions?
I hope to afford my horse addiction as a hobby once I finish my Bachelor of Accounting.
9) What is your favourite movie?
Pearl Harbour or Seabiscuit
10) Favourite accessory?
Sunglasses
Living Equine thanks Maddy very much for taking the time to be profiled, and wish her all the best with her future equine endeavours!
