News
December 2011
New Book - "Riding the Rough Road" by Heyward Robertson
We are honoured to be presenting this book which is written by a truly inspiring man, Heyward Robertson.
At the age of 21, known for his rodeo and camp-drafting exploits, Mr Robertson was diagnosed with MS, an incurable disease of the nervous system, which has seen him endure a life journey more challenging than most. Good friend and fellow quadriplegic, Mr Sam Bailey said the short stories in Mr Robertson’s book are about his life, the unwavering love of his family, his insatiable love of the bush, his own personal battles and his struggle for life itself. “They are stories of courage, passion and fear; they tell of one man’s dreams, achievements and happiness and Mr Robertson’s zest for life is an inspiration to us all,” Mr Bailey said.
Having spent many of his younger years growing up on his family property, Golden Grove, near Glenmorgan in South East Queensland and then Carnarvon and Roma later on, Mr Robertson is now 62 years old and a full quadriplegic. He said he started writing short stories more than 15 years ago using his voice-activated computer.
“It’s been a very slow process, however I originally went about capturing the short stories for my nephews and nieces, to satisfy their unquenchable curiosity about my life in the ‘Old Days’, when I was a boy,” Mr Robertson said.
“Gone are the days of the great cattle drives, the long lonely stock routes, packhorses, mustering camps, tough and rugged stockman and equally rugged, tough horses.
“Riding the Rough Road was an opportunity to share what I’d learnt during various episodes of my life and share knowledge of how we lived and worked, which is very different to how it’s done these days in the bush.”
To find out more about Mr Robertson's book click here
May 2011 Dont forget Mothers Day!
There is something for all mums in Our Store. If she is into Quarter Horses she will love the new book by Karen Thrun (see below). If she loves to relax with a good DVD check out "Cattle, Grease and Greenhide. Memories of Australian Drovers" or one of the beautiful fiction movies that are suitable for all ages. If you mum has lived on the land she might really relate to Norma Brown's book "Avarest to Avarest" or perhaps she would prefer to cook up some traditional favourites from Jan Hall's book " Grandmas' Recipes."
10 April 2011
NEW ! Quarter Horse Book
After four years of comprehensive research, Karen Thrun from Mt Compass in South Australia, has released the first book ever written on the history of our Australian Quarter Horses. The book, designed to capture and preserve the history of the breed by profiling the most influential stallions and mares, was launched at Tamworth's exciting new equine centre over the nine days of the NCHA's 35th Anniversary Futurity. "I had a great response and some really encouraging feedback especially from those that were around in the formative years," said Karen. "Many were asking me how soon I would be completing volume two."
The book begins with a brief introduction covering the American history of the breed then moves quickly onto a detailed chapter of the birth of King Ranch (Australia), the inaugural Quarter Horse Stud responsible for the introduction of the first purebred stallions and mares to our country. The next chapter - A Little Bit of History - consists of forty pages and covers the development of the breed through early rodeos and campdrafts, the history of cutting, reining, reined cowhorse and sprint racing and features some of the most memorable horses and special events from those early days. Following on from this eleven chapters feature nine stallions and two mares that had a profound effect on the industry. They are Vaquero, Quarter Elgrando, Clover Cherry, Dell Mingo, Hill King Pistol, Hollywood Return, War Beaver, Commander's Boy, Jet Master, Chickasha Dan and Doc's Misty Morn. These horses were selected, in most cases, for their contribution and impact on the breed in this country and many of them are Hall of Fame inductees. Each of the chapters profile the story surrounding their purchase and importation, their greatest achievements, and the people associated with them, and feature some of their best progeny. Four-generation pedigrees are included for each of the featured horses and the book is packed full with some really wonderful historical photographs, many that have never been seen before.
"This book was well overdue, and as a passionate breeder and owner, I feel proud that I can leave this legacy to the breed," said Karen. "It has a little something for anyone who has ever had anything to do with these beautiful, intelligent animals." Karen explained that the book is not only a tribute to the Australian Quarter Horse, but to all of the remarkable men and women who were the early founders of this impressive breed. "It has been a fantastic experience, I have learnt so much and met some truly wonderful people. And I can't just stop at one, there will be volume two and most likely volume three. I still have a lot of good horses to cover!"
January 2011
Doing our bit to help the Queensland Flood Victims
Like many people we have be overwhelmed by the news and images of the Queensland Floods. We live north of Crows Nest in Queensland and are fortunate to be safe on high ground, however many of our friends and family are effected by this disaster and we wished to help in anyway we can. As of today 11 January 2011 to 31 Janaury 2011, we have decided to donate $5.00 from proceeds of any sale of "Cattle, Grease and Greenhide" to the Red Cross to assist the Queensland Flood Victims.
Please considering purchasing this DVD, you will not only get 3 hours of entertainment and education but also be helping those in need.
In watching the DVD you may also be inspired by the resilience and true Aussie battler spirit the interviewees show.
The Drovers we interviewed for this DVD saw many hard times - drought, flood and isolation, long before there was emergency services, mobile phones, helicopters and so many services we take for granted now. If you watch this DVD please take a moment to appreciate the tough lives these drovers lived to help make Australian what is it is today but also consider - despite the disaster - how fortunate we are.
Keep safe, Help where you can.
NOW A
VAILABLE - CATTLE GREASE & GREENHIDE.
Order your copy now for Christmas!
It is finally here so make sure you get your copy for Christmas. OUR STORE
Once again a big thanks to all those who helped us with this project. Any drovers we didnt catch up with the first time around we would love to catch up with you! We are already planning the next DVD as we are determined to capture as many stories as we can. Send us an email or give us a call if you have a story you would like to share.
October 2010 - A Drover goes to the last Long Paddock
We are sad to announce that Merv Rowland, one of the wonderful people we interview for the Drovers project, passed away late October. We send our condolences to his family. We were honoured to have the opportunity to record Merv's story and preserve it as part of Australian History.
October 2010 - Drovers DVD on its way!
It has been a tough year pulling together the footage for the Drovers DVD, we have had a few stops and starts including moving house but the DVD is nearing completion and will be available for Christmas.
We wish to thank all the wonderful drovers and people who have helped out so far. We travelled to Longreach, Winton, through Diamantina Channel country, over to Julia Creek and Millungera Station to meet up with and interview old drovers and film the country they travelled through. The DVD will also feature old photographs and footage from the 1930s.
Keep an eye on the website for the release date or send us an email if you would like to receive the newsletter and special offer for the release of the Drovers DVD.
info@waggingdog.com.au
Thanks Merv!
27 February 2010 - Today we had the pleasure of interviewing Merv Rowland. He took some time out from making the beautiful saddle pictured here to speak with us - thanks Merv! Merv worked as a horse tailer and ringer when he was a young fella and he shared some great stories of this time with us. It was a real education listening to him and we are pleased that yet another important part of Australian life is recorded and will be shared with thousands of people as Merv will be featured in the upcoming DVD about drovers. If you have a droving tale to tell or would like to know more about this project - contact us soon!
2009 - 2010 - WANTED Drovers of the 1960s & earlier!
What a year 2009 was! We had a whirl wind ride catching up with Pete Comiskey to film his Campdraft for Beginners to Winners DVD and we started our research and interviews for our latest project about the drovers of the pre-roadtrain, helicopter and motorbike mustering days. So far we have met and interviewed some great characters for this DVD, including Ken Hall - whose books are a great read too! |
We will be filming and interviewing for this project up to about April this year so if you know an old drover who has some good tales to tell, get in touch with us.
We are also looking for working cattle properties that are willing to have us film so we can show how mustering etc is done today. To find out more about this just send us an email or call Chris on 0427 510 827.
Thanks to everyone who assisted us in 2009 and who showed interest in our website and products.
Keep visiting this site and see what we get up to in 2010.
'UP ON THE SHOULDER' The Australian Stockman's sport of CAMPDRAFT
Buy it NOW on this website or call us on 0408 963 241. ‘Up on the Shoulder’ takes a look at the unique Australian horse sport of Campdraft. Like the American horse sports of Rodeo, Cutting and Roping, Campdraft came out of the day-to-day work of horsemen, the stockman, our ‘cowboy.’ Campdraft is preserving many of the skills and traditions of the men and women who opened up the vast Australian outback, and forged the beginnings of Australia’s great cattle industry.
The DVD Video will follow competitors as they prepare and compete in a display of horsemanship and cutting - selecting a beast, working it in the yard before competing against the clock to herd the animal around a set clover leaf course on the "camp".
Campdraft competitions attract competitors at all levels, men, women and children and among them are some of the finest horsemen and women in the country. Campdraft is a great leveller where even the best ca
n be beaten on the day by a novice, all in the spirit of good natured competition.
While Campdraft doesn’t attract the big money of Rodeo or Cutting the list of participants is growing year on year. It is as opportunity for people from the country to compete at a sport, which reflects their day-to-day work. Around country and regional Australia each weekend men and women test their horse skills on the Camp as the cry goes up “get up on the shoulder” to turn the beast and beat the clock. So whether you are into Rodeo, Cutting, Roping and just enjoy watching some of the finest horsemen and women compete we think you will enjoy the unique Australian horse sport of Campdraft.
Available NOW on DVD through this website.
2009 Pete Comiskey Campdraft Schools
We had the pleasure of filming and taking snaps at Pete Comiskey's Campdraft schools at Monto and Chinchilla recently. It was great to see so many people keen to improve their horsemanship and learn from a champion campdrafter like Pete. We're working on a new Project with Pete so keep an eye on this space. Thanks to all the participants who were good sports allowing us to film them. Great job by the Monto and Chinchilla Campdraft Commitees hosting these schools!
Put a bit of OZ in U.S.A
Do you have family involved with horses in the U.S.A.? We see so much American horse sport and culture coming here to Australia that we think it's about time we sent a bit more Aussie culture over there. We are interested in speaking with anyone who is based there and is interested in dealing with Australia products. Want to know more? Drop us a line at christine@waggingdog.com.au If you're an Aussie living in the states we'd like to hear your story too.
Australia Day, 26 January
We are kicking off the year by supporting the Australia Day celebrations at the Highfields Pioneer Village. This is a great day out and entry is free to the Village for the day so grab the family and come along. It will be open all day from 9.30am to 4.00pm with the official Australia Day ceremony at 2pm followed by free billy day and damper. We will be there so come and say G'day. Highfields Pioneer Village is 15minutes north of Toowoomba, at Wirraglen Road Highfields, Queensland. Check out their Easter Vintage Festival www.eastervintagefestival.com or if you can't wait until April - buy the souvenir DVD here in Our Store - it's great!
2008
We are excited to be launching our brand new web site. Keep visiting this site as there will be lots of exciting changes on the way. Our thanks to Lee of PX Web Design for making it all so easy!
Ap
ril 2008
ACA National Campdraft Finals at Capella QLD
The 2007 Equine Influenza outbreak has been devastating to many horse related businesses and it severely curtailed the enjoyment and competition of horse sports as diverse as horse racing to the local pony club gymkhana. It also put our Campdraft documentary on hold for over 6 months. Today we are pleased to say we are recently attended the ACA National Campdraft Finals at Capella in Central Queensland. It was a great event and a real celebration of the return to competition. The quality of horses and the skill of the riders was absolutely outstanding. Congratulations to all the winners, and also to the Capella Campdraft Committee and the Australian Campdraft Association for putting on a fantastic event. We would like to thank the organisers for allowing us to film some of the action for our documentary.
Special thanks to 14 time National Champion Pete Comiskey Jnr for his help and encouragement and agreeing to be interviewed for our documentary. At the ACA Award Dinner it was said that Pete is the Don Bradman of Campdraft, having seen him in action we have to agree! The family aspect of the sport was never so evident with father and son, Pete Comiskey Senior and Pete Comiskey Junior achieving equal scores in the National Final Open Campdraft Competition; a tie breaker saw Pete senior taking out the honors.
March 2008
Highfields Pioneer Village Easter Vintage Festival
While the Campdraft documentary was on hold due to the Equine Influenza outbreak we kept busy being involved with the Easter Vintage Festival. As well as helping with the marketing of this event we filmed the entire weekend and will be producing a souvenir DVD for the Highfields Pioneer Village. If you love old machinery, tractors, heavy horses, Australian pioneer history – you will love this DVD. This DVD can now be ordered online from Our Store page.
Short Films and other projects
The EI outbreak also gave Mark the opportunity to work as Location Sound Recordist on several short films including “Head Over Heels,” “The Home Stretch” and “The Grandfather Paradox.” “Head Over Heels” has been accepted into the Sydney and Venice WOW Film Festivals. He has also had the rather arduous task of starting the editing of the many hours of footage we have so far for the Campdraft DVD. Most recently Mark was part of the 48hr film project in Brisbane, where 34 teams had just 48 hours to write shoot and edit a short film as part of this international short film program.
