Freedom Off The Track
Photo by StephanieTrekking Ex-Racehorses Across Australia
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“Freedom Off The Track is a remarkable journey across Australia, led by Stephanie, a passionate horsewoman and advocate for mental health. She and her partner, Daniel, are trekking two ex-racehorses, Future and Karma, along the 5,330km Bicentennial National Trail (BNT). This ambitious adventure aims to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health while showcasing the versatility and resilience of Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs).”
Background
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I was born in Australia but spent the first 16yrs of my life travelling the world with my parents who were international schoolteachers. I think this upbringing helped establish my love for adventure, travel and gave me a perspective on the world I am very grateful for.
When did you first become interested in horses? And what was it about them they drew you in?
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I pretend to blame my parents honestly, who I joke foolishly gave me a horse ride for my 8th birthday. From then I was hooked, taking any opportunity possible to be near or on horses. Yet it wasn’t until I was about 12yr I started taking regular riding lessons at whichever our local riding school was at the time.
I then became fortunate enough to find a horse trainer, who let me shadow her while she worked. And I fell in love with the ability to communicate on such a deep level to another animal. And a flight animal at that. To me it is just remarkable what these animals will do for/with us when asked kindly.
I am now very fortunate to live on site with my coach and mentor, Alycia Burton, helping to run youth programs, riding lessons and showjump.
Photo by StephanieCan you tell us about the motivation and inspiration behind Freedom off the Track?
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I can’t take credit for the idea of the trek. One of my very good friends, Zsófia Homor, who initially came for 2 months of work experience, suggested it. She has completed long rides across Hungary, South Africa, Argentina and Mongolia.
She had heard of the Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) and one afternoon, after a long day of riding and lessons, I walked into our shared house to her very chipper; “I have an idea!”
I’m usually one to say yes to adventures and work out the details later, and this was no exception. Quickly realising there isn’t much detailed information surrounding the trek, we set out to learn as much as we could, from optimal weather, to average distance covered and who has completed the trek to date. (53 individuals since 1988!)
Photo by StephanieZsófia and I started trekking on August 1st 2023, with our personal Ex-Racehorses (Corr and Future) and one brumby pack pony (Flint.) About 800 km into our journey Corr got an injury resulting in us pausing the trek and coming home. After a few months of rehab, the very hard decision was made, with the help of our team of vets, to put Corr down.
We then spent a little while re sorting ourselves, and re organising the team. Which now consists of myself, my partner (Daniel Grubb) and two ex racehorses - Future and Karma (my newest addition.)
Photo by StephanieWhat is the Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) for those who have never heard of it and your plan of tackling it.
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The BNT is the longest self-contained trail in the world, stretching 5330 km along Australia’s Eastern Hinterland. From Cooktown (Far North QLD) to Healesville (South VIC).
Our very rough outline has always been to complete approx 30 km each day, at a walking speed, alternating riding/walking the horses to keep them as healthy and safe as possible over our estimated 9 month total trekking time.
With such a massive undertaking, I think it is impossible to really plan it all out, and the idea is honestly terrifying. We’ve found it best to think about each day at a time. Provided the horses and us are safe and well, slowing everything down to ‘step by step’ problems to solve has made the whole expedition a lot more tangible.
Photo by StephanieDo you have any stories from the trail?
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Honestly, I think I’d like to write a book! The stories and lessons learnt will stay with me for a lifetime. My personal biggest takeaway though is just learning to show up as myself. The people we met along the way were the most authentic, helpful, genuine people I’ve met.
Do you have any particular considerations when choosing an ex-racehorse?
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Quite a lot of my work (showjumping, horse riding lessons, horse training) is with Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB’s) and they have firmly become my favourite breed.
We chose to do the trek with our current horses, who had previously been trained in showjumping. And who we already knew quite well.
Photo by StephanieWhy ex-racehorses in particular?
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We chose to do the trek with OTTB’s to promote them as a breed.
Ex Racehorses often have a reputation in the horse world for being flighty and unpredictable. As well as not being as hardy as other breeds. And we wanted to try something that hasn’t been done (or at least recorded) before, in trekking two OTTB’s across the country.
Of course, their wellbeing, safety, comfort and happiness is at the forefront of each day.
Photo by StephanieWhat does Freedom off the Track mean to you on a personal level?
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To me, it's about trying something new and scary. And taking each challenge one step at a time. Quite literally as it turns out!
We are also raising donations and awareness for youth mental health and suicide prevention. Teaming up with my coach and mentor: Alycia Burton and her new charity Freedom Youth.
We want to share our struggles on the trek, and how we work through them. We want to share our hard days as well as our bright, to inspire people going through their own challenges.
Photo by StephanieWhat do you hope to achieve from this movement?
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Our two biggest goals are to inspire others to ‘do the hard things’ and to promote off the track racehorses and show there is a lot of life in them after racing.
Photo by StephanieTo continue following our explorer Stephanie’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with Stephanie on the following accounts:
Website: www.freedomoffthetrack.com.au
which has links to all our socials/contact/sponsorship and donations :)
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