Brett Parbery takes the reins...
Story and some pictures by Berni Saunders.

The Magnificent black stallion Whisper has recently been re- to New South Wales, where Sydney based professional rider Brett Parbery (pictured right) has taken over the ride.

Whisper  is by Weltmeyer from Feiner Dame (by Feiner Stern, from a Pik Bube mare).  He brings to Australian breeders some of the most respected international performance bloodlines. 

Whisper was imported in late 2003 by Dr Kerry Mack from Mernda, a pretty rural town North of Melbourne.  Kerry came across the stallion  while visiting Holland as part of her trip when she competed at the  2003 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, with her Jazz stallion Mayfield Pzazz.  "Whisper was too good not to bring home with me.  He  won the ZZ Licht with Hans Peter Minderhoud when he was 7 years old (this is the Advanced Championship of Holland), prior to this he was 2nd in the Bundeschampionat in the 6 year old class.  It is not often that we see well performed stallions coming into Australia." Kerry said.

Whisper and Mary Hanna in January 2004

Soon after his arrival in Australia Whisper had his first show outing, at the Royal Melbourne Summer Horse Show where he wowed the crowd with his presence and movement. I was lucky enough to be there and Whisper was in a class of his own.  He was ridden by Mary Hanna who worked with him for twelve months and made remarkable progress with his dressage training.  The pair earned a 'wild card' entry into the CDI-W (at Grand Prix level)  which was held at Dressage with the Stars in November 2004.

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Mary Hanna & Whisper at DWTS 2004

Mary has now purchased a couple of new horses from Europe and is very busy campaigning them with the 2008 Beijing Olympics in mind.  It is very difficult to keep three horses at peak performance and everyone is pleased with the arrangement  ... which ensures that the horses come first!

Brett enjoyed a very successful 2004 campaigning several horses - all of them achieving outstanding results at their level of competition.   When the opportunity to take over the ride on Whisper came up,  it was a timely case of ... 'one door closing to open another!'

Brett had been campaigning the talented Aachimedes gelding, Challenger Aachilles and together they gained 1st place in the Advanced class at the 2004 NSW Championships and a very rewarding 3rd in the PSG.  The horse received the NSW DC Silver medal for achieving more than 3 performances over 65%.  Brett and Chillie took part at the 'invitation only" Ulla Salzgaber clinic in January.  Chillie has now gone back to his owner, and while Brett is very sad to lose him, he accepts that it is always a possibility, when you ride for other people.

Brett on Challenger Aachilles (Pic:  Photo Finish, with thanks)

All of the Dressage community in Australia marvelled at the skill of a rider/trainer who could take two, four year olds through to first and second place at the prestigious Australian Young Dressage Horse Championships, which were held as part of Dressage and Jumping with the Stars in Melbourne in November, 2004.  Brett was able to do this with the gorgeous Rotspon filly PPH Racqel and Welton Fyne FF by Weltmeyer. 

PPH Racqel

Welton Fyne FF.

This outstanding effort got everyone asking about 'Brett Parbery' and I discovered that he has a rather unconventional background for a dressage rider!  Brett's family are involved in western riding, in particular cutting ... and much of his experience has been gained through this interest.  He was a professional rodeo rider for 10 years, and is quick to add,  that he had more falls when he first got dressage horses into his stables. "In the beginning I got many of the naughty ones".

I spoke with Brett late today (Thursday 17th) and he was very enthusiastic.  "I have just had my first ride on Whisper and it went so well.  He felt really good, much better than I thought would be the case.  I am very fortunate to have been offered the ride.  Kerry is right behind the plans to aim for Beijing - we have a way to go, but the horse is very talented, a real boy with loads of charisma.  I am planning to campaign him at PSG and Inter 1 for most of this year with the EFA PSG Challenge being our goal.  We will aim for a start at Inter 2 at the end of 2005.  Mary has proven that he can do the Grand Prix work and if we establish a good partnership, I would hope to start our Grand Prix campaign in the first part of 2006.  I will let Whisper's work tell me when he is ready".

I asked Brett about the other horses he has in work, and he said.  "I am very fortunate as I have got some lovely horses to work with at the moment.  Samsara Hit, an imported filly by the well respected European stallion Sandro Hit, is delightful.  She is owned by Jenny Rapson (who also owns the 2004 Young Horse winner, Rhodes).  This filly placed 4th in the 4YO class at the 2004 NSW Championships.  Then there is, Northern Simba by Falklands Victory from the very good mare Northern Carousel.  He is owned by Mr & Mrs. Harrison and is very talented"

"Kerry Mack sent me her young Rotspon stallion Razzamatazz for some early training ... and at his first competition he had a Novice win with 73%.  The horse has now gone back home to Melbourne, he was a super ride and very pretty." 

Brett promised to keep me up to date on his progress with Whisper as so many Victorians are captivated by the imposing black stallion with the talent to reach the sky.

This delightful 2004 filly foal is by Whisper from a TB mare.
Click here to go to Whisper's web site

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Brett Parbery, Kerry Mack and Whisper a very happy and successful partnership and trust that they have good luck and friendly judges.