For those in the equine industry the name ‘Brown’ is a well known one.
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It’s a prefix that has created a reputation to be extremely proud of and it’s led by a man who has made his mark on the world of horses across Australia.
Ken Brown is one of the locals we are lucky to call our own.
He is a man who has had a remarkable influence on the equine industry in the Upper Hunter, as well as further afield with horses of his breed making their home in all states of Australia.
On Saturday, it was Mr Brown’s time to shine as he was the centre of attention at a special award presentation at the annual Bunnan Campdraft.
Being a keen campdrafter, although he has long retired, Mr Brown was there to support the event and watch his horses, ridden by Ken MacCallum and family in action.
Also a long term Bunnan resident, operating a 5,500 acre beef cattle operation at ‘Gathabawn’, he is a life member of the Bunnan committee.
However, on Saturday it was recognition of the highest order when the Australian Bushman’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) chief executive officer Hunter Jones, president Greg Frewin and several other distinguished guests gathered to bestow ABCRA life membership upon Mr Brown.
The local man is one of just 11 life members recognised in the 68 year history of the organisation.
Not only a big supporter of the ABCRA, Mr Brown is known to many in the Australian Stock Horse world as a true horseman and supporter of the organisation with a “natural way” with horses.
He has bred and sold many a horse through the organisation, and himself showcased his horses in polocrosse, campdrafting and stock horse events.
In his younger years he also competed in hack and riding classes, and was a repeat competitor at the Sydney Royal Easter Show where he won the Supreme Exhibit.
From the get go, Mr Brown was born into horse knowledge with both parents being riders using horses on the family dairy farm, and since then horses have been a way of life for Mr Brown.
There were eight of the Brown bloodlines at Bunnan on the weekend, which is true testament to his influence on the industry.
Throughout the years since he started his breeding program in 1974, Mr Brown has found success with stallions such as Brown Myway, Brown Highway, Luke and Victory – who is still being successfully campdrafted by Mr MacCallum today.
These stallions formed the founding legacy of the Brown breeding program and their progeny can be seen within the industry these days.
The ceremony was a tribute to a man who was a very successful competitor and gave a lot back to the sport.
Mr Brown was described as a mover and shaker in the ABCRA as he has been a competitor, judge, pick-up man and cattle donor to many campdrafts, including Bunnan, Scone and Merriwa.
He has judged in every capital city except Hobart and Darwin and has travelled across Australia to compete.
Mr Jones said not only was Ken himself a very successful competitor, but he also gave a lot back to the community and his fellow horsemen.
“Ken is known as a man of few words who would not hesitate to help out a fellow mate.
“If he saw potential in a person and they couldn’t afford a good horse he would lend them one and expect nothing in return, his reward was watching his horses do well,” Mr Jones said.
“Ken has a keen eye for a horse and is known to still make the odd purchase if he sees one that will suit his program.
“Ken’s hard work and dedication to his sports has paid off and he can proudly look back on a life where he has been a very successful polocrosse and Campdraft competitor, consummate horse breeder and cattleman.
“In bestowing life membership, we honour Ken and his commitment to the sport of campdrafting, the Bunnan Campdraft Committee and his support of the ABCRA for more than 50 years.”
In speaking on behalf of Mr Brown, close friend Mr MacCallum said Mr Brown would have a horse competing in each state of Australia.
He said Mr Brown has never advertised his horses, they have always been known through word of mouth and he believes the ‘Brown’ prefix will live on for a few more years yet.