One of Australia’s most accomplished horsemen, Troy Palmer, has been a quiet visitor on a mission to Bawley Point.
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At the massive new development of the Willinga Park equestrian complex, snuggled away in the bush between the Princes Highway and Murramurang Road, Mr Palmer has been breaking in Australian Stock Horses.
On the backs of a number of mounts, particularly his most accomplished and renowned, Impressive Destiny, Troy Palmer has reached the pinnacle as one of the premier national campdraft champions.
Together, Palmer and Impressive Destiny - or “ID” as he abbreviates the horse - have over 10 years won 17 national titles run by the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association.
When the Times visited Willinga Park, Mr Palmer and day-to-day trainer Scott Everingham were working with a two-year old Australian Stock Horse, Bazooka.
Mr Palmer had ridden Bazooka with a halter during the day and then in a small yard late in the afternoon, slipped a bridle over the horse’s neck and around his nose to familiarise him with it.
“Bazooka was one of 10 horses we had on the list for Troy to break in during the day,” Willinga Park owner, millionaire entrepreneur Terry Snow said.
“He has been assessing the stock for a week and will be back in again shortly to break the rest in.”
The equestrian centre is being constructed to host major international events for show, event and performance horses, and campdrafts.
The complex will have four sand arenas build to international standard, one covered arena with seating for 1000 people, stables for 30 horses, horse hydrotherapy pools, all ringed by countless stockyards and has been two and a half years under construction.
Mr Snow, who with family built Canberra Airport, has invested in local labour and currently employs 120 people from the region on the project.
The mounts Mr Palmer broke in were among 60 two-year old, yearlings, brood mares and ridden Australian Stock Horses Mr Snow and his wife Ginette have bred.
They are preparating for their first sale in November, to coincide with the official opening of the centre.