Brooke Palmer

26/03/2019

Look at Chance, my 2016 Australian Brumby Challenge horse all grown up 😍 can’t believe when I got him he was only 6 months old.

09/03/2019

To the fierce mares who give it 110%. To the sweetheart mares who follow you like a shadow. To the mother mares raising future superstars. And to the sassy mares who keep you on your toes... happy International Women’s Day.

02/03/2019

Took Louey for a trip down to the beach yesterday ☀️

27/01/2019

He’s my dream pony! Baby Chance had his first proper ride (only third time sitting on him) and he’s still remembers how to bow. How did I get so lucky!

19/01/2019

I guess if it’s good enough for us humans, it’s good enough for Chance! Here I was wondering why the clients pony kept getting let out into the paddock with the other horses! Chance has obviously watched me do it and now he can do it too 🤦🏼‍♀️

16/01/2019

Amber is currently half way through her week here and I am absolutely blown away by this little mare. She truly is a very special horse. Thank you Criss 💕

12/01/2019

Client horse here for training!

This counts doesn’t it!? 😂

07/01/2019

Wow! I’m exhausted! Yesterday I spent the day travelling, teaching lessons and meeting lovely new people and their gorgeous horses (I also worked all three of my horses in that time too 😂). I am beyond grateful for those who have taken the step and given me the chance. There is absolutely no denying that my passion truly is teaching people and working through issues that we all face with our equine pals. The horse world can be a tricky one, and creating a “career” out of it can be even harder! But my clientele is growing and I am beyond honoured for this opportunity.
I travel to all Portland and surrounds, as well as Hamilton, Dartmoor and with the hopes of expanding Warrnambool way too so please get in touch if you’d like to know more or book a in a lesson 🤗

05/01/2019

Have a read. It’s got a lot of great points 😀

THE THING ABOUT HORSES ...

“He MUST be good to load on the float”
“He MUST have no “dirt”!”
“He MUST be good to catch!”

I could go on, but I’m sure you have all read and heard the statements, and many many many many more.

As soon as I see this in a “wanted” ad, or hear someone talking about it, I know two things.

1. They have probably had a problem in one of these areas before.

2. They didn’t learn how to fix it.

It seems like witchcraft that the people who strive so hard to find these horses that fit the MUST list, actually end up with exactly what they don’t want.

Here’s my feelings on that -

If I didn’t train it, I don’t own it.

If I buy a horse that can do 86 one time changes in a row, and I don’t know what a flying change is, then I’m not going to be able to perform 86 one time changes on my new fancy horse. Maybe I could stay in the saddle for a few, but it would dwindle down until the horse either quit doing them, or got anxious about it and did something else instead.

If I get a horse with a fantastic stop, and I use a different cue, or release out of time, my horse isn’t going to have a good stop for long.

Then factor in poorly fitting gear, difficult surfaces, a random work schedule, some junk food and badly fitting shoes, perhaps a dose anxiety or uncertainty, or lack of faith in the new “leader”, and suddenly we have a horse that has changed from the well mannered, reliably loading, easy to catch beast we MUST have.

Look at the gear, look at the diet, look at the housing and workload, the quality and quantity of work, and look in the mirror.

Rarely is the problem, the problem. The problem is a SYMPTOM of the actual problem. Which may be several small problems, culminating in one bigger SYMPTOM.

If you want a horse that’s great to load on the float, learn how to load horses on the float.

If you want a horse that’s great to catch, learn how to teach a horse to be caught.

If you want a horse with no “dirt”, learn what causes these behaviours and how to identify and diffuse the small sticky bits before they become symptoms of something much bigger.

Learn how to train it, so you can own it.

04/01/2019

First lesson for 2019 completed last night 👌🏼 my lesson times are starting to fill up with both new and existing clients. For anyone who may be interested I am available both weekends and weekdays after 5pm. I have also had interest in the Warrnambool/port fairy region, however require 3 or more appointments to secure that. Please do get in touch if you’re interested 😀

02/01/2019

Happy new year to you all!

I am pleased to be offering horse lessons to all current and new clients for 2019.

For those who don’t know me, I have worked with problem horses for the last 7 years, competed in the 2016 Australian Brumby Challenge, went on to work with other wild brumbies, broken in horses including clients child ponies, have been teaching lessons for the last 2 years (including at Hamilton Alexandra college) especially to children (however also offered to adults). Studied Equine behaviour (receiving 100% in all assessments), I am also insured and hold a working with children check.

My price includes travel to Portland and surrounding areas.

Please feel free to pm me for more information 😀

23/12/2018

Hey guys! Can’t believe it’s been over 6 months since I’ve last posted! Thought I’d give you a bit of an update as to where “baby” Chance is at!
For those of you who remember, VBA Gambler who I paddock named Chance was my 2016 Australian Brumby Challenge pony! I got him when he was just 6 months old, pretty small and very wooly (I’ve included a photo!). Chance is now 3 years and one month, he stands between 14.2-15hh and is very solid! He’s been getting the occasional play around with and has started to be more open to interacting with new people (something he hasn’t always been comfortable doing). With two other horses, show season, and a full time job I have only been able to do bits and pieces with chancey. Two weeks ago I loaded him back on the float (first time in over a year) and took him to a local show for a look. He behaved perfectly and demonstrated he hasn’t forgotten anything! Last weekend I decided to have more of a play around with him and actually got to sit on his back for the very first time! Life got crazy again so I wasn’t able to work him all week until today. Today not only did he let me sit on him but we also got our very first steps! I am beyond proud of him because for the last 2 and a half years of his life all Chance has ever known is me beside him as his comfort. He’s taken all this in his strides and couldn’t have handled it any better (slept for most the process). I definitely got lucky with him and I am so excited to continue working with him and see what his future holds! I can see him being the perfect alrounder! But he’s definitely a forever horse 💕

19/06/2018

I have been so quiet on my page and for that I am sorry. Brumby Chance is going fantastic, he is so big now and has just had his teeth done. I can’t wait to start breaking him in. Unfortunately my horse update doesn’t come with a lot of great news. A couple of months ago I gave Joey to a man who works absolute magic with horses. I wasn’t able to progress with Joey so I looked to see if I could find him someone to give him the best start to life. Daryl and Donna agreed to take Joey on and I was absolutely blown away with that they did for him. Daryl put in endless amounts of hours working with Joey and creating a bond. He got him to a stage he was able to climb up and all over him, rug him and Joey even got his own stable. Things were really looking up for Joey and at 10 years old he was about to have the life he deserved. Unfortunately however Donna made contact with me today with the absolutely devastating news that Joey was involved in a freak accident and the best and kindest option was to have him put down. He has taken a piece of us all and we are all so sadden by the situation. It’s the horrible part to owning horses. He was a very special horse and made his mark on us all. I can’t thank Daryl and Donna enough for everything they did for him, and Daryl for making the absolute heartbreaking call and ending Joeys pain - it takes an extremely strong heart for that. His time was short lived, but he’s free again - running back with his herd 💖

01/01/2018

Happy new year horse lovers. My day was spent the right way which consisted venturing out of the yards with Joey to have a pick at the grass. Second time out of the yards since I’ve been working with him and both times he was a pleasure!

28/12/2017

Update on Joey the unhandled Guy Fawkes Heritage horse. Day five working with him and he is like a new horse, actually more like a little lamb now. He is going superbly.

17/12/2017

I’ve been working with this little mare for a few weeks now, she has had a lot of body issues going on and quite a bit of anxiety, she was difficult to catch and highly strung. She was put out in the paddock for 12 months while the owner focussed on studies which gave this mare the perfect opportunity to focus on being a horse. Today I backed her for the first time since she threw her jockey off 12 months ago. It’s amazing what a bit of time can do. We are working on engaging her body correctly and giving her some confidence.

As you can see by my incorrect attire I had no plans on working her when I was visiting her owner today, but I just couldn’t help myself.

12/11/2017

Today is the beautiful Chance’s second birthday. We spent it at the beach with our closest friends. I have included a picture of Chance last year from Equitana, he is developing into a very strong and beautiful boy. If you remember what he looked like when I first got him you’d think there was no way he would look the way he does now! Happy birthday special boy, thanks for being part of the best years of my life! 💕

12/10/2017

LISTEN TO YOUR HORSE! Your horse does not lie, not only is it proof of your training, they are also great indicators of something not right. Today I went to catch Louey, he ran away from me, this was strange, he is usually first up to the gate for attention. Immediately this told me something was not right. I caught him and begun working him thinking him not wanting to be caught was just behavioural. As I was riding him I thought he was a bit stiff, and a little reluctant to hold his frame but being green I thought it was just that. Getting off I thought now his body is warm I’ll run over him and just rule out any pain so we could focus on his “behavioural issues”. I reached for his poll and without putting any pressure on he reared, ok definitely sore. I then ran my fingers down to his shoulder he went to bite. I then put my fingers down his girth with a bit of pressure and he nearly collapsed. Continuing to find any other sore points after his back presenting not too bad I went to his hamstring, I ran my fingers down there with some pressure and his response was a cow kick. Louey is not a kicker. What does this all tell me? Well apart from me having a bloody trooper of a horse who quite easily could have bucked me off (and should have), Loueys entire body is in just endless pain! My point of this is horses do not wake up one morning and go “I’m going to be hard to catch” or “I’m going to buck”. They do not mean to be bad. You need to look past behavioural. Something is going on. His whole body is a mess and how did I figure that out? Because he didn’t want to be caught. You need to listen to your horse. You need to look over your horse. Just because they haven’t bucked you off does not mean their body is sound. After a ride check over your horse, if he is giving any reaction to pressure AT ALL then something is not right. Make sure feet are done properly, they don’t have any sharp teeth creating sores or their wolf teeth needing to come out. Make sure they are sound in the body and mind. Take care of your horse, you owe them the world.

03/10/2017

Three consecutive days working with Joey. As mentioned earlier he is a horse who relies solely on his flight instincts so I thought what better way to build his confidence than to ‘attack’ him with the plastic bag! I don’t believe there would be any point putting the halter on yet, not until he trust me that little bit more.

01/10/2017

Back working with Joey today, for those that don’t know Joey is a 9 year old Guy Fawkes River Heritage horse who was captured from the wild as a 5 year old stallion. From there he was gelded, branded and put out in the paddock unhandled for virtually the next four years. He came to me in January transported by M & J Peterson Horse Transport all the way from Yass NSW. From there he was put in my yards which were not on our main property. This meant I needed to get him haltered quickly and move him over where he could be better watched, and able to socialise with other horses - this is important. The journey from the yards to our main property Joey pulled away from me three times each time running on to the road, where he waited for me to come and get him, this pulling away was a bad habit I assumed picked up somewhere and he knew he was much stronger and could get away. He was put out in our paddocks while I focused on year 12 which is where he is today, being brought in to the yards inconsistently. Joey is full of anxiety and if you ask him he is much happier being miles away from any human (with all the food in the world of course). Because of Joeys anxiety his initial thought is flight, and he will run and run and run, I have a round yard and after studying Joey I knew this needed to change so he could stop running and start thinking. Giving him a corner in my ‘round yard’ seemed to work wonders for him and he started to feel slightly comfortable in that corner. Today was our best day, after a bit of negotiating and getting him to use his thinking instead of the flight response I was able to get Joey into a position he was happy to stand still and be patted, before I was able to pat him but he would become full of anxiety and quickly run off. Now that I feel I am working with him and no longer against him I am greatly looking forward to seeing how much he is willing to offer. The picture attached is just after him ‘releasing’ - extremely important, and about to walk towards me. Good stuff Joe!

21/09/2017

Just received a pack in the mail from Victorian Brumby Association, inside included our score sheets *15/15 for the umbrella, If you saw it you’d know why, took forever until I worked out how to use it 🙄🤦🏼‍♀️😂* and it also included our weekly updates that we had to write each week, I won’t show them all because there was heaps, but here is week one, back in June 2016. Maybe it’s time for a comeback in 2018 🙊

17/09/2017

Baby Chance having a play in his big boy bridle! He's looking more and more like his dad VBA Maximus every day!

12/09/2017

Lessons available - Saturday 16/09/2017 & Sunday 17/09/2017

Sat

12:30 - 1:30

2:00- 3:00

3:30-4:30

Sunday

11:00- 12:00

12:30- 1:30

Lessons are $40 p/h for private or $30 p/h for shared.

Price includes travel to you. Please message page only as I don't not get notified of comments.

09/09/2017

He makes me proud every day! Only a year ago he became touchable after being wild, now he has had the saddle on for the very first time and all he wanted to do was keep eating 😏 he is the coolest little man, I got super lucky when I became paired with him for last years Australian Brumby Challenge. I look forward to breaking him in next year when he gets a little bit older.

09/09/2017

A week an a half away holidaying in the Sunny Gold Coast and I am officially back doing what I love - teaching. Weather is no where near as good as the Queensland, but having a super student like Indy makes being in the cold enjoyable! Top job today Indy!

02/08/2017

Almost out of winter and we are starting to get into the nice sunny days!! Don't forget that I am available for lessons on weekends and some week evenings! VERY AFFORDABLE prices and I come to you! What better way to form a bond with your ponies than in the comfort of your own property! Pm the page for more information or to book. I don't get notifications of comments. 😀

07/07/2017

How's this for a one year comparison! Chance is such a hunk now!! So solid! You really couldn't imagine this time last year that Chance would grow into this!

Thanks Equine Vit&Min! Look at that shine! Unrugged and hairy!

01/07/2017

I held my first clinic today and what a great day for it! I saw owners gain confidence in theirselves, in their horses and most importantly in their journey! I also got to see horses gain confidence in theirselves, their owners and their ability to try new things!! So very proud of the girls I had the honour of helping today! 😀

20/06/2017

Client horse 'Nelly' third ride under saddle, whips are not an issue! Also her first ride with her little partner in crime! Melts my heart watching the love shared between these two!

19/06/2017

A year ago I took a chance on a horse, and in return he took a chance on me. Guess there is no surprise as to why he is known as Chance. You have given me all that you could offer Chance and you have showed me more about myself than I could have ever known. You're truly the light in any dark situation. Thank you for giving me your heart, your willingness and for trusting me over your own instincts. I am forever grateful for you and all that we have been through. ❤️

17/06/2017

Update on Joey, unhandled Heritage Horse. He has been slowly introduced to handling but will officialy commence training on July 2nd. I hope to be able to do a few videos as well as photos. He is a very sensitive horse so it will be about not changing him, but encouraging him to look for other answers.

16/06/2017

The greatest achievement to date - transforming a wild brumby in 150 days to be showcased at such a prestigious event - EQUITANA. 150 days worth of hard work, determination and dedication paid off. It's strange to think that the hardest part wasn't actually earning the trust of a wild mind, but dealing with the negativity that came from fellow "horse lovers". The nasty statuses, the hurtful comments the words that went beyond immaturity - even the actions of people trying to get me eliminated from equitana based on their opinions fuelled by lies. The challenge made me stronger, wiser and it put a large amount of drive in me. The drive was what ultimately got me through such a stressful time, so with out the hate of others who knows if I ever would have made it.

We may have came third overall, but that isn't what matters - one more brumby was saved and given a fresh start to life - a 'chance' and I was given the experience I needed to grow - as a person and as a horsewoman too.

15/06/2017

Client horse 'Nelly' having her second ride! First time with the saddle. When I first met Nelly she was difficult to catch, she would trot away, avoid human contact and often turned her hind in attempt to get away. She had to always wear a halter in the paddock because of her catching difficulties. Doing ground work she would often cut into your space and even go to the extent of throwing kicks at the person in the middle. She was a reactive mare however she held her own independence well. After installing the 'try button' Nelly has truly transformed her attitude and has such a willingness to please. The biggest thing when working with horses like Nelly is to truly listen to them and their needs and to always set them up to succeed. Never expect more than 1% improvement - because to be honest they don't owe us anything more than that.

14/06/2017

This is babe brumby Chance (from the Australian Brumby Challenge 2016) mum! Owned and trained by Vicki Wilson! Check out this awesome competition the Wilson Sisters are running!

*** COMPETITION TIME: WIN $500 FREE FEED ***
High Definition has been a game changer for us and now it's your chance to fall in love with the feed too! Being high in both essential fats and protein it helps our horses gain condition and shine whilst being easily digestible and fizz free, so our team look AND feel like superstars. The best part? You only need 1/2 scoop per day as a supplement with your normal feeding regime, making it extremely cost-effective (we generally feed it with CopRice Show and Competition or CopRice Stamina and Performance.

CopRice have a special offer to celebrate it's launch in Farmlands nationwide (also available in specialist saddleries and feed stores), they are offering a 60 Day CopRice High Definition Challenge!

THE CHALLENGE: Feed CopRice High Definition for 60 days, then submit your 'before and after' picture to [email protected]. The winner will be announced on Facebook, showing their horses transformation, and will receive $500 worth of feed complementary of CopRice!

NOTE: The before and after photos shown are of Vicki's wild Brumby Zali after 100 days being fed the CopRice range (Show and Competition and High Definition).