Our Horses

In 1986, Steve and Kath arrived in the beautiful Kiewa Valley with a truck load of horses and a dream. Over decades they’ve bred horses suited to mountain work, and at Spring Spur we’re proud of the hard-earned reputation of our mountain horses — a reputation built on years of breeding, training and management focused on creating capable, manageable and talented mounts.

Breeding — Brumbies and Stock Horses

Early on, Steve and Kath bred horses suited to mountain work, including crosses with local stock horses and brumbies. Notable early horses included Feathertop, a black mare from crossing a local stallion with a brumby mare, and Ellie, acquired from respected horseman Wally Ryder.

In 1989, Australian Stock Horse stallion Inca Gold arrived at Spring Spur, establishing the foundation of our breeding program. His grandson Eddie carries on the legacy today. Spring Spur names its foals after the mountain landscape they work in: Feathertop, Dargo, Dungey, Mitta, Bogong Jack, Eskdale, Lankey, Bundarra and Swindler.

Foundation timeline:

• 1987 — Leased foundation ASH sire Inka Gold, featuring Radium, Abbey & Bobby Bruce bloodlines
• 1988 — Purchased registered QH mare Leesa Bluegrass
• 1989 — Australian Stock Horse stallion Inca Gold arrives at Spring Spur
• 1992 — Bred foundation mare Mitta Mitta
• 2008 — Purchased registered ASH stallion Simply Red, with Red Oak & Fenton Melody bloodlines
• 1990–2012 — Purchased other ASH-registered mares and proven High Country bred mares
• 2009–2021 — Spring Spur mares covered by outside ASH stallions, including Barwidgee, Future Direction and Red Robin at Ashlar ASH Stud

Saddles and Equipment

We ride in Australian stock saddles for their durability, comfort for horse and rider, and suitability for mountain riding — offering both open-seated and deeper-seated styles. Our equipment includes Australian-made extended head bridles, red hide reins with Kimberly knots, hobbles, saddlebags and leather pack saddles.

Our camp equipment blends traditional and modern elements: swags, Bedourie ovens and leather packs alongside thermarest mattresses, chilled containers, solar lights and satellite navigation. Meals on the trail feature local produce, wines and smokehouse smallgoods.

Training — Natural Horsemanship

We respect the beauty, power and grace of all horses, we respect their wild heritage as herd animals, and we recognise that the strength and instincts of a horse need to be harnessed in a safe and respectful manner.

Understanding horse instincts lets us build safe working relationships suited to our unique mountain environment — steep tracks, bush camping, light electric fencing and wild weather. Our team safely guides riders of all abilities through remote High Country landscapes.

Foals are handled regularly from birth, run with the herd as yearlings, started in the foundations of natural horsemanship as two-year-olds, and working the remote High Country as four-year-olds — developing well-rounded, capable working horses.

Natural Horsemanship Clinics

Wayne Banney conducts summer clinics emphasising the natural horsemanship principles introduced to Steve and Kath around 15 years ago. These track-based clinics combine guiding expertise with behavioural insights, offering real-world challenges for horse and rider at all skill levels — and the occasional brumby sighting offers a glimpse into wild and domestic horse behaviour side by side.

Horses for Sale

Spring Spur Stud offers horses bred on strong High Country Horse bloodlines and recognised stud practice, to meet market demand.

Memorable Characters

Every Spring Spur horse earns their stories. Louie bucked daily before settling into packhorse work, carrying provisions without incident before later retiring. Captain and Tally helped transport materials up Eskdale Spur. Clancy disappeared in a snowstorm, reappearing at Tawonga days ahead of the main group. Digger led a tour group across Mount Fainter in whiteout conditions, despite having only been over the track once before.