South Australia horseman Matt Bleby is the toast of EQUITANA tonight after winning Globetrotting The Way of the Horse.

With mentor and great mate Ken Faulkner by his side, Matt and You Bet I’m Reddy shone before an appreciative and very focal crowd.

“The plan was to just stick to the process with my horse who is very kind but extremely nervous – a bit like a nail biter. It was important to build his confidence. The setting was hard for him but he did so well.”

Matt produced a masterclass in process, which was just what the trio of judges wanted. “He is a great horse. I hope whoever finishes him off does a good job.”

Ken Faulkner, the 2012 TWOTH winner, admitted to being more nervous as a mentor than a competitor.

The two work together a lot and share similar philosophies when it comes to backing horses. “For 30 or 40 years I did it by myself but then Matt came along 12 or so years ago and it reinvigorated me.”

Matt had been a student of Ken’s first, attending courses and classes. “He’d yell at me all the time but one day he told me it was because he knew I was better than what I was doing. I honestly can’t thank him enough,” said Matt.

“To win is validation – and that’s really nice. The best thing about TWOTH is all the coming together to share knowledge.”

He praised his fellow competitors, saying both were “super impressive”.

The camaraderie between contestants was clear to see as they wished each other luck for their final efforts.

Competitors had 30 minutes in their round pens before the three were joined to create a large pen and each combination had 15 minutes to showcase their methods and progress.

The crowd were again loudly supportive of their favourites but also encouraging of all.

Riders compared their 15-minute final, explaining to the crowd the ins and outs of their horse and why they were doing what they were.

Amber Scriven and the showy palomino gelding Potentially Goodbar were first up in the final her delivered an entertaining commentary. She said Buddy – as her horse is known in the barn – had given her a lot already. “This is an intense environment for us both,” she said. “I appreciate him a lot but sometimes you have just got to take the moment and see what you have got.”

They walked, trotted and cantered their way around the arena and through the obstacles and poles.
Next up were Matt and Turbo, as You Bet I’m Reddy is known to his mates. He took things very easy on his “newest” mate. “He’s a nice little guy but very sensitive. He’s got a great mind but has been starry eyed about the environment and gets worried about the noise and activity.”

He opted to concentrate on the fundamentals for a horse he said would undoubtably make a “great little riding horse” one day.

“I made a promise to him I wouldn’t push him past what he wants to do,” he said. Matt got up in the saddle briefly but took things easy.

Flinders Greentree and Clairveau Made Hot were the last to go. The rather sensitive filly has been challenging for him but they showed more great progress today.

“It is such a privilege to be here,” said Flinders, “and to follow the journey with this gorgeous horse. I want to do the right thing by her. I have no expectations and will be just taking things nice and easy to make sure I don’t start anything I can’t undo.”

He was incredibly proud of how far she had come. Flinders described TWOTH as “life changing” for him.

Judge Will Rogers said the process of the education for the horse was at the heart of the judging for himself, Skye Liikanen and Tom Curtain. “Between us we have many, many years of starting horses and the most important thing for us is the process of the education.”

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Will praised all three trainers. “They are incredible,” he said. “This is one tough competition. I have huge respect for the confidence required to come here and put oneself on the line.”

Amber and her little palomino had won the hearts of the crowd. “That was beautiful to see,” said Will. “Flinders had a very sensitive horse and it was a difficult situation but we were all happy with how you handled today being so respectful of the horse.”

Will, the dressage star presenter, had thoroughly enjoyed EQUITANA. “It’s so nice to be part of this,” he said. “Full credit to these guys – it is not easy out there. There are a lot of eyes on you and it is challenging. One of the biggest things is finding your own way to get comfortable in these arenas. Know what you and the horse need to be comfortable.”

Fellow judge Tom Curtain also praised the trainers saying it was “phenomenal” to watch TWOTH evolve.