Quill, The Buloke Times
It would appear that in my enthusiasm for everything equine, I’m gathering a collection of Coffeys!
There is often mention in my regular race reports of thoroughbred trainer Austy Coffey, and his son, Harry, a successful jockey, both based in Swan Hill, but regularly attending the Donald and District Race Club meetings.
And I have previously written about my visits at Squatter Coffey’s Bush Trail rides and his amazing facilities over at Beulah.
This time my equine adventures led me a little closer to home, with a visit to one of the local Coffey horsemen, Ted, who took me for a tour of Birchip like I’ve never had before.
It was pure coincidence that I happened to be travelling through the town when I saw what most Birchip residents see on a regular basis, Ted Coffey in his cart, pulled along merrily by his handsome gelding Rocky.
I witnessed this with elation as I have had a growing interest in harness horses for some time, but absolutely no experience whatsoever and, up until that point, no one I could impose upon to share theirs.
So I approached Ted (like a weirdo) and asked if he’d be willing to give me some lessons – turns out he was just as enthusiastic as I was!
He nearly overwhelmed me with his knowledge of harness and cart within the first five minutes; Ted’s a talker, and only too willing to share his passion. I learned quickly about the different carts he has, and the one he regularly uses for his outings around town with Rocky, which I must admit is a very comfortable ride.
When it was time to put the harness on the horse, Ted explained the different parts of the tack to me and how it should be safely fitted. With two pairs of hands making light work, it wasn’t long before Rocky was ready to go, so off we went! Out and into town!
We headed straight down the main street of Birchip, and Rocky so familiar with the route, didn’t bat an eyelid at passing motorists, though I’m sure he revelled in the waves and attention he was drawing.
In fact, Rocky pulling Ted along in the cart attracted so much attention, the horse would often pull up of his own accord to allow Ted to have a chat with someone passing by, but after a short time he was ready to move on again. It was almost as if Rocky knew that his driver might be there all day talking if he didn’t take the initiative himself (smart horse).
It wasn’t just a meet and greet in town though, along the way I learned handy tips and pointers from Ted.
Approaching a give-way sign, he warned me to brace myself, because well-trained Rocky knew to pull up on approaching an intersection where there might be traffic.
This was a new sensation to me, as I’ve never had my own harness horse out of a walk or even out of the paddock yet, I didn’t know they could pull a cart up so quickly!
It wasn’t that the greater speed or being out and about made me fearful at all, in the care of two such capable gents, I felt entirely safe, even gaining enough confidence to take home and try out some of the things I’d learned.
Trotting along behind Rocky, chatting with Ted and seeing a little more of Birchip was just about the best way to spend the morning. To finish it off, we returned to home base to share an award-winning Sharp’s Bakery vanilla slice and a coffee with a Coffey, that’s how friendships are formed, you know. And I don’t think it will be the last time I tag along with Ted, though next time I’ll remember to bring a treat for Rocky too!
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 1 September 2023.
