Team Thoroughbred takes on the King of the Ranges

FIVE TEAM THOROUGHBRED HORSES FROM BELLTREES FARM UNDERTOOK WEEKS OF RETRAINING TO COMPETE IN THE KING OF THE RANGES STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE IN THE UPPER HUNTER

The King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge is a multi-day event in Murrurundi NSW, celebrating the traditional skills of Australian stockmen and women through a series of tests in cattle work, packhorse handling, whip-cracking, cross-country riding and more.

This year, five Team Thoroughbred horses from Belltrees Farm underwent an eight-week retraining program with their respective trainers before stepping up to compete in the challenge, each pairing showcasing the incredible adaptability and heart of the Thoroughbred breed.

The team included Lisa Tetley and Sacramento (9yo bay gelding), a former Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained stayer who returned nearly $700,000 in prizemoney winning seven races including the VRC St Leger and the Canberra and Parramatta Cups.

Also, Ella Lathlean and Sailing (9yo chestnut mare), a galloper that won five races in the Northern Rivers – two at Casino and one at Coffs Harbour, Murwillumbah and Grafton.

Others in the team were Maddy Dunbar and Brash (9yo bay gelding), Danielle Hamilton and Jackson Storm (11yo brown gelding), and Lyric Pepperall and Kashikoi (9yo brown gelding).

BUILDING BONDS THROUGH THE CHALLENGE

For these trainers, the challenge wasn’t just about competition, it was about connection, patience and discovery.

Over eight weeks, they worked to retrain their ex-racehorses introducing them to new skills like mustering, obstacle courses and whip-cracking, all while building trust and confidence.

Maddy Dunbar and Brash were one of the standout partnerships of the event, finishing an incredible second overall, a remarkable achievement for a horse that only eight weeks earlier was nervous, unsettled and unsure of his new purpose.

“Words can’t describe how proud I am of this horse,” Maddy said. “Brash was not easy, but he came such a long way in such a short time.

“He went from being a horse that would be in a full body sweat after five minutes on the float, to calmly loading every week for lessons.

“He learned to appreciate trail rides, mustering, jumping, and his favourite, cross country.”

Brash’s success is a testament to the resilience and versatility of Thoroughbreds, proving that with patience and the right partnership, they can excel in disciplines far removed from racing.

He remains available for rehoming and is ready to continue his journey as a calm, capable and athletic all-rounder.

Sacramento: The Gentleman of the Group

Lisa Tetley described Sacramento as “a pure gentleman” who approached every new challenge with curiosity and willingness.

Over the eight weeks, Sacramento experienced everything from pony club ribbon days and ranch riding clinics, to barrel racing and mustering cattle and sheep.

“He took everything in his stride and was always willing to try,” Lisa shared. “He especially loved barrel racing – the run home was his favourite part.

“He’s a kind and gentle giant suited for any rider level.”

Jackson Storm: A Story of Connection

Among the standout stories to come from the challenge is Jackson Storm and his trainer Danielle Hamilton, who formed such a strong bond that Danielle decided to rehome him permanently after winning the event.

“When I first met Jackson, he took a sip of my coffee like it was the most normal thing in the world,” Danielle shared.

“He was confident, sharp and aware of everything happening around him, I knew then we’d get along.”

Over the eight weeks, Danielle worked to rebuild Jackson from the ground up, approaching his retraining “like a breaker” to understand his strengths and mindset.

Together, they tackled every challenge from whip-cracking to cattle work, learning patience and trust along the way. By the time competition weekend arrived, Jackson had transformed.

“He stayed so calm and brave, nothing fazed him,” Danielle said. “By the end of the eight weeks, he wasn’t just a horse with two months’ training; he was a whole new horse with a heart of gold.”

Renamed Ernie, Jackson now enjoys life as Danielle’s daily mount.

“He’s improved so much in his jumping and even helps new breakers settle in,” she said. “He’s just full of character and ready for whatever comes his way.”

Finding the Right Path: Kashikoi’s Journey

While some horses thrived in the Stockman’s Challenge environment, Lyric Pepperall’s partner Kashikoi showed that success sometimes means finding the right fit.

From the outset, Lyric recognised Kashikoi’s intelligence and willingness but noticed he was more sensitive to the noise and movement that came with stock work.

After introducing him to her jumping arena, everything fell into place.

“When I brought him into the jump paddock, none of it phased him,” Lyric said.

“He accepted all the scary wings and fills, and once he started locking onto the jumps, I knew then he was better suited to the equestrian world.”

Making the decision to retire him from the challenge wasn’t easy, but Lyric prioritised Kashikoi’s wellbeing.

“He was loving his flatwork and the job of jumping, but I didn’t want to push him into something that didn’t suit him,” she explained. “Belltrees were so understanding – they knew I was putting his best interests first.”

The experience taught Lyric valuable lessons about patience and adaptability in retraining Thoroughbreds.

“They all have different quirks from their racing days,” she said. “The key is to make them comfortable and recognise where their potential truly lies.”

Lyric believes Kashikoi’s future will be bright in showjumping or dressage, where his athleticism and soft carriage will shine.

“He loved having a job to do,” she added. “He’s such a kind, responsive horse, I have no doubt he’ll excel in the right hands.”

The Legacy of Team Thoroughbred
The King of the Ranges Challenge not only showcased the versatility and resilience of off-the-track Thoroughbreds but also the dedication of the trainers who help them transition into new careers.

For some, like Jackson Storm, it marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. For others, like Brash, Sacramento, Kashikoi, and Sailing, it was a stepping-stone toward their next opportunity.

Each story of growth, patience, and connection embodies the mission of Team Thoroughbred NSW: Giving every retired racehorse the chance to find purpose beyond the track and shine in a new arena.

These horses have proven time and again that the Thoroughbred is truly one of the most adaptable breeds able to step from the racetrack into the world of stock work and western disciplines.

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