First Choice
A mob of sixty horses with a black mare in the lead,
a compact well bred brumby with an awesome turn of speed.
Resilience, poise and balance, her agility was unreal,
a standout from the get go, presented nerves of steel.
Yarded up and drafted, culling under way,
the black mare was selected, her statue on display.
Turned her out unhandled, with a mob of station mares,
prancing with her freedom, tail up in the air.
Soon became accustomed, not so cavalier,
settled in amongst the mob, lost her sense of fear.
A stallion from The Clayton, on offer as a sire,
Anthony’s Choice, given name, the black mare his desire.
A filly born and thriving, a leggy stock horse breed,
First Choice named in honour, breaking to proceed.
Advance, retreat with progress, direction was a must,
a special bond right off the bat, quickly gained her trust.
A pleasant disposition with ability to excel,
bridal, cloth and saddle, girthed without repel.
An instant recognition as I climbed upon her back,
responding to instructions, was time for whips to crack.
The muster done and dusted, turned out for a spell,
grew so much, ten months on, muscled up as well.
Second muster in full swing, ridden every day,
now a strong and powerful mare, gallops underway.
Trials held on a claypan, let her have her head,
balanced, riding hands and heels, left the rest for dead.
Marree races, district bred, maiden nomination,
crossed the line in record time, confirmed my expectations.
The joining of a thoroughbred, with a brumby station mare,
a filly of distinction, raised with desert care.
At last I had a winner, just couldn’t believe my luck,
ordered a load of chaff and oats and set her for the Cup.
Systematic training, early morning starts,
building strength in unison, together, played a part.
The day arrived, excitement, the race was under way,
run and won, the cup held high, remembered to this day.
1976 – First Choice – Marree District Bred Cup
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