Jasper’s Ride

By Karen Gray - 2024

I love to be a muster horse and have a special job,

to carry my vested rider and look out for the mob.

I like to think I am a mid fielder, as the front is a bit too fast,

for a spunky Fjord with shorter legs and a big white chunky ass!

I was happy to meet so many of you and I think you'll remember me,

I wore my heart up on my mane for all of you to see.

So I start the ride with a happy stride as a trusty muster steed,

but before I know, I start to slow, is it longer legs I need?

Seems no matter how much I try, I am bringing up the rear,

hanging out with the drag queens, but I think I like it here!

So maybe I'll be a drag horse, maybe that's the job for me,

for even though I start out strong, it don't last long before it's only butts I see!

So I think I'll be a drag horse, I think I can get that right,

I'll let you overtake me keeping to the left as you go right.

Yep! I want to be a drag horse, a drag queen to be exact,

shaking my big booty, loving it up the back!

So when the Muster rolls around again next year I will know my place,

except maybe Adelargo, maybe then I'll up the pace!

Oh and just for my rider Karen, a bit of a thought,

if you are going to pass out with excitement going with the road crew... best stick to your horse!

The Crew

By Judy Forde - 2024

Hurry, hurry wait
Get to the corner, PLEASE shut the gate
Drive ahead, fall behind is what we do
On to the next stop, lights flashing too.

Horse Marshall’s bible on the seat in the car
Some trails on dirt, some trails on tar.
Some in the paddocks, better by far.
Help from the Council, thanks to you all
Made a big difference, a UHF call.

Morning tea, a welcome stop
A rest for the backside, off they all hop
Lunch in the paddock, a feast to behold
Icy drinks, refreshingly cold.

Cookies, water boys, portaloos and all
Not one through the week, has dropped the ball
September next year, please save the date
And the crew here in Grenfell will
Hurry, hurry wait.

Winner 2023: ‘Horses ARE poetry’

By Jayne Murphy - 2023

I’m a child of the seventies…
it wasn’t THAT long ago
But things were different then
Maybe better, you know?

Just be home by dark
In time for dinner at the table
Make sure you wash your hands
And leave those boots back in the stable!

At our house, after dinner, it was only books we had
And my favourite bedtime story was
The Man From Snowy River
Read to me by my dad

Screen time
was what we saved pocket money for
at the cinema! The Man From Snowy River
was the first movie I ever saw

I loved how poetry had been brought to life
Across that giant silver screen
So I decided to become a teacher
and take poetry to teens

I hate poetry.

Well how about we read a book?
Use your imagination, kids
No need for that Miss, look
On our phones – we’ve got NetFlix

Right then, a short story
Lawson’s The Loaded Dog – you’ve read it?
Yeah Miss, but it’s not short, the dog’s not rich
And, well, I just don’t get it.

So I tried to make things fun with an excursion to the beach
Breathe in the atmosphere class and capture it in a poem
Then a kid pipes up, good onya Miss,
I’ll take a selfie on my i-phone.

I hate poetry.

Alright. I love a sunburnt country…
There’s a metaphor in that
Aw Miss, if the country just used sunscreen
Or maybe wore a hat…

OK some Banjo Paterson…
There was movement at the station
Aw Miss, that’s what my pop says
after he’s had constipation

Well sometime by the end of term
We’ve got to cover structure
and how punctuation changes pace
Semi colon. What? Miss; that’s just a winky face.

I hate poetry.

If every time I heard that, I had a five buck note
Guaranteed by now I’d have a REALLY fancy float.

Now I hate poetry!!!

Then I came to Weddin Mountain
And a light bulb flashed inside my head
Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson, Dorothea Mackellar
None of them were dead.

Because…
Horses. Are. Poetry.

To understand poetic banter
Like metre, rhythm, rhyme
Just feel the walk, the trot, the canter
As the horse keeps his own time

And to learn about visual imagery
Without tantrums and tears
You can see the world so clearly
From between a horse’s ears

To truly get what is meant
by “movement at the station”
Try being saddled up by 8.15
Forget the Melbourne Cup – THIS is the race that stops the nation!

Yep, horses are poetry.

So I have a great idea – Bec, and the committee
For next year’s Weddin Mountain Muster
Can I bring 30 Year 8 kids from the city?

Runner-Up 2023: ‘For Fat Snakes’

By Carol Files - 2023

Just up the road - 496 km to be exact
Grenfell is hosting a muster, so let’s go do that!

We’ve never done one like this before.
You never know, it could be good, we could come back for more.

1000 k’s to go to drop off the precious cargo,
only to hit a whopping roo and smash up the front of my brand-new Prado.

We come here early to get a good spot.
Oh great neighbours they better not start any rot!

Robin, Mel, Willis and Robert are just to name a few.
They’ve now joined to the B team and are part of the crew.

The crew come over for a laugh and a drink.
Storytelling got too much for Willis he couldn’t even speak.

The circle got bigger oh my god, what’s that sound?
Oh, it’s just you to ferris wheel and merry-go-round.

Don’t be alarmed the carnival wasn’t on.
It’s just them two nags belonging to John

The scenery, the country. Oh, what a beautiful view!
Could sit here for hours. Just having a few…

We got fed along the way up hills or where it’s flat.
The food was amazing. How about that.

Tea, coffee and cakes galore!
How do we get skinny when they keep feeding us more?

27K trek on the first day.
Most people behaved - only a few had things to say

Keep to the left, two abreast.
Some people got it, but what about the rest???

The Township parade, although not that far,
it was such a shame they put down that new tar.

Walking the streets of Grenfell in our best attire,
I hope the prize is good enough for someone to retire.

The Committee should be proud of the trails and their view,
except for one name Sally, telling us to go to the far-que.

Breakfast was the best cooked by the Grenfell PonyClub.
Our tummies were so full. They could definitely outdo the pub.

Friendships were made, addresses exchanged.
Sorry crew, but I am now drained.

The journey is complete without getting a sore bum.
110 total kilometres - it’s definitely time for some cold rum.

But before we could make it happen there just had to be a dirty brown snake.
We had to use a shovel as we couldn’t find a rake.

For fat snakes!

The Government got it wrong when naming Victoria the place to be,
Grenfell New South Wales. You certainly won me!

The Committee Horse

By Ashleigh Leibick - 2023

The committee horse:
Strong, fit and smart.
They carry our trail boss
and they've got a lot of heart.

They stand still
as we move stray wire.
They go all day
and rarely do they tire.

Horses jig and they jog by their side,
but watch for those red tails -
by them,
you must past wide.

They travel the paths less travelled,
bush bashing machines.
Steady on their feet
but sometimes full of beans.

The trail boss horse
is a special kind, you see,
they put up with so much more
than your average pony.

The lead horses
following that GPS device.
Leading the riders on their way
to that delicious vanilla slice

Then there's the runners -
they have an interesting life!
Running up and down the group,
keeping riders out of strife.

You've got the floaters,
the bulk of the crew.
Up for a chat,
and always there to help you.

Then the tail end Charlies,
they are a laid back kind.
Happy to meander along
and enjoy the ride.

They have a tough job
there at the back.
Dealing with the joggers
and a dust filled track.

To the left to the left!
They hear their riders shout.
They say to get everyone home safely,
of this we have no doubt.

The muster is not where
their work starts and ends,
they do pre-rides through out the year
to get you safely from am to pm.

The committee horse:
Strong, fit and smart.
They lead our muster
and have one hell of a heart ❤

Grenfell 2023

By Maria Morton - 2023

What an opportunity we have to come to Grenfell and ride our trusty steeds.
They don’t live rough with new stables, green grass and plenty of rich feeds.

We have accommodation in all shapes and sizes, from open floats to caravans galore.
Some sleeping on spring mattress’s some on the floor.

Those that came early can enjoy the Grenfell Picnic Races.
First the painting of our toes all the way up to our faces.

We got dressed to the nines with our beautiful attire, dress and hat.
We found a table and chairs in the shade and that’s were we sat.

Jumping up to place our bets and see the horses run.
It was a day of drinks, laughter and so much fun.

Did you see Brian in his pink jockey shirt from Lowes?
That shows you anything goes!

On Sunday night the Regos began.
Find a table in the hall wherever you can.

Sit and look at your Merchandise you ordered so long ago.
Out come the shirts, hats, jackets with the proud Muster logo.

Get the drink out and the nibbles too.
Don’t forget the cans and bottles so you can have a few!

The raffle tickets are sold and people are generous with their money.
Did you see all the halters, rugs, shirts and local honey?

Robyn sold little crochet flowers, wear them with pride.
How lovely to see them pinned to bridles on the ride.

The first day of riding started at 8.15am at the gate.
Stewards rode round to make sure you weren’t late.

’Come on’ they cried to make sure you were there.
That was enough to make everyone stir.

The speeches were done and off we all walked.
Shouting our numbers out as we all talked.

The best year I have seen for well behaved horses on Day 1 as we began.
Riding to the left and only 2 horses abreast we could span.

Well done everyone, as the 2023 Muster begins.
New friends, old friends, smiles on faces and grins.

The weather was great during the day.
A little too hot though others would say.

Before we knew Wednesday was here.
Who would think that oldies like us would dress up in kids gear?

Out same a knight in shining armour.
Clowns, toy story including spiderman, brides and much more.

The 3 Amigos with their chant.
The 3 Musketeers with their moto ‘One For All and All for One’.

Kids lined the kerbs with joy in their eyes.
To see their favourite character come alive.

Back to the showground we paraded our wares.
To leave our dress up to become keen competitors.

In the Gymkana the adults didn’t stand much chance.
With the kids on their ponies to the finish they did prance.

We thank you Grenfell Pony Club for letting them feel young again.
Although their bodies did the workout and we felt the pain.

The days have been glorious but getting hotter as they pass by.
Too hot for me you can hear me cry.

I’ve chickened out on the last few days.
I’ve gone out the back and only done 5 Ks.

It’s time now to say Goodbye and as they say when you enjoy,
Doesn’t time fly?

Grenfell – The Weddin Mountain Muster

By Jenn Stonebridge

I’ve never been before
Got very excited when the letter came to the door
Where’s Grenfell? Will my horse Pip be OK?
There are lots of instructions, and not much hay
The entertainment looks great, picnic races and a town parade
Must tell Pip it’s the 60’s – don’t be afraid
We arrived in one piece and claimed our spot
Cementing the piggy’s into ground just right for it
But my electric fence didn’t pass the test, and the ladies were very clear
You’d better fix that or you will find you won’t be welcome here!
Settling in my heart was happy to be out on the plains
We can only hope before long it rains
Day 1 ride was a frightful sight
Pip overwhelmed and prepared for flight
But the bush embraced and friends protected
And riding home a few smiles detected
Another dawn broke soft and clear for our first ride with the herd
We’d prepared for days and I could only hope it would be mine not Pip’s last word
We stepped out ok and with great relief Pip settled with the pack
100 horses in the lead and still a few at back
But the roads, the houses, the noises and cars frayed Pip’s nerves and fear emerged
Psycho and sideways I prepared to dismount
But calmness prevailed and I stayed for the count
And then riding past grand vistas on the Central Slopes and Plains
We calmed our nerves and looked around and were blessed with not a sound
The muster committee did us proud
The guides were clear to see
And who could forget the dinners and lunch and scrumptious morning tea
Geraniums in the porta loo and sparkling amenities too
It paid to take care on your way there to dodge the kangaroo!
And now in the soft evening glow brightened by the moon
It’s time to say thank you all
We’ll see you again real soon!

2019 Weddin Mountain Muster

By Rhonda Davies

The registrations were in order, preparations all done,
Horses and riders arrived at the showground mostly one by one.

 The WMM committee and crew with one bursting at the seam,
Give their time and work so hard to let so many experience their dream.

 They came and assembled their horses by the showground gates,
Most of them were strangers, some of them were mates.

 This year’s WMM was a dry and dusty affair,
With willy willies of dust spiralling in the air.

 The riders come from all around, nearby and far away,
Prepared to ride their pony about 25kms nearly every day.

 Morning teas and lunches and sometimes dinners too,
Were well stocked and presented with plenty of bush dunnies and two porta loo.

 Birthdays were celebrated at least Don and Maureen received a cheer,
But there is one other birth date that isn’t quite yet clear.

 Our horses are asked to WALK a good part of the day,
Then their riders treat them to a wash, some yummy feed and hay.

The newly painted silos, looking very grand,
Were our morning tea stop for our sixties themed band.

Following was the town ride, peace and love everywhere,
Plenty of colour and plenty of hair.

 Grenfell Pony Club started our Wacky Wednesday with pancakes, bacon and eggs,
And in the afternoon had some riders go through the pegs.

 Property owners we are grateful to you for letting us ride,
Where crops, sheep and perhaps cattle have died.

 We know many have seen your district lush green and yellow in some previous time,
Mother Nature isn’t being very helpful but your generosity is sublime.

We may see each other tomorrow, next year or never again.
Though, we will always have in common this WMM, in drought, without a drop of rain.

Short Poems

by Hillary Killen

My third Muster year,
so I bring three times more gear,
three times more food
and three times more beer!

Horses, people, wine and dust;
Weddin Mountain Muster is a must.
The Main Street parade,
what a fabulous charade
and next year’s Muster, we will lust!

Where would we be without Bec?
Emails sent out,
facebook posts up to date.
Photographs a-plenty,
megaphone expertise
organisation skills fit for CEO,
all whilst incubating!
Good luck Bec!

When the riding day’s over
and the sun’s setting lower,
the ladies from Crookwell are ready to go.
Food, music and wine a plentiful flow
but they’ll be back the next day to put on a show.

There was a young mum from Laggan,
mammoth float she was draggin’.
She came with a cluster
to the Weddin Mountain Muster
and has since NOT been on the wagon.

The Cooks – 2019 Weddin Mountain Muster Poetry Competition Winner

By Tori Pellow

What happens behind the scenes people will never know,
but let me tell you now, it’s not a joke -
it’s not just a present neatly wrapped with a bow,
it’s hard work and dedication done by your fellow folk.

Dawn comes around and we’re all awake.
Us cooks meet downtown ready for the day.
We’re all grouped together ‘cause we dare not be late,
otherwise our boss will give us the sack and we’d be on our way.

 We rock up to our destination, all ready for work.
Us women setting up slices, while the men have a smoke.
Virginia walking around making sure it’s all done right,
while the men gossip away in the bright sunlight.

 Next thing we know the riders are here.
All eyeing off the vanilla slice like it won’t be here next year.
While the riders tie up their horses us cooks rush around,
yet the men are all laughing with the new committee clown.

 Barry always laughing and making people smile,
riders lining up in a single file.
Virginia walking around with a knife in her hand -
anyone who sees this, dares to take a stand.

 All the meals we’ve prepared soon disappear
and all us cooks are wanting to go home to a nice cold beer.
The riders taking off, riding over the hills,
while we stay behind and clean up the grills.

 Sweets, lunch, tea and coffee,
all riders going home with a full belly.
However, they wish they had used Keith and Bryan’s dunny,
as the ride home would have been a lot less funny.

Little Red Ribbon

By Missy Worner 

Little red ribbon I place you upon my pony.
Warning you he may kick.
I hope you see me as I’m tied upon his tail,
in a beautiful bow for all to see.

 You may have come too close
and found my pony is quite quick on his toes.
For this I am sorry,
but I did tie a little red ribbon upon my pony.

The Brumby from Kosciuszko

By Karen Casey

There were tears and disappointment as the vet’s voice rang out loud,
‘There’s a fracture in that foot that hasn’t healed.
She needs 12 months off to rest – that’s going to be best’.
So with heavy heart, all plans were put on hold.
Tough decisions even harder as the Weddin Muster looms -
my favourite week - long hours in saddle and camping out with mates,
but there’ll be another Muster, plenty more adventures if we want,
and with disappointed resignation, I accepted my fate.

Then up piped lovely Rachel – best riding buddy around
‘But wait…my Brumby, Puzzle, would love to come along!
She’s cool, calm, collected and she needs the exercise’.
Well, I’ve ridden her many times,
and, yes, she’s pretty cruisy but tough as nails mate!
She’ll go anywhere you point her,
so ‘thank you Rach – that’ll be great’.
We arrived on Saturday morning – set up camp and settled in,
and the horses thought ‘Not this again!’
So we relaxed and soon got comfy – sharing coffee and pineapple cake,
and we sat atop the hill, taking in the sights of Grenfell.
Watching floats and dusty cars bringing riders and their horses.
Old friends and new rolling in from near and far,
for the Muster week – it’s both tough and fun,
and its dedicated riders love it all.

And so the week began as usual – bright and early at the gate,
the little Brumby not quite rearing to go!
Her name is Jigsaw Puzzle and a fitting name it is -
she is simple and straightforward, and yet she’s not.
She likes the path of least resistance, but will do most things for a Scotch Finger biscuit,
and she’s headstrong when she feels like it.
So as we warmed up for the week we had a little conversation -
‘I’ll ask nice and you play nice and we’ll both survive the week!’

 Well the land is dry and dusty, not the usual pretty sights,
thanks to this drought that won’t go away.
But still, the farmers let us ride through and we thank them with all our might.
We ride up the hills and down the dales,
round the town, through dusty paddocks and along winding bush trails.
It really is a trail riders paradise,
unless of course you’re at the back – that’s where you cop the dust.
But tough riders that we are, we just keep coming back.

 And so the week rolled on and on and what a great week it was!
Friends, family and horses - what more can a girl want?
With the lovely Darcy Rose and my big little bro,
towering over us on Big Jang and Young Bo.
There were laughs and tears and jokes out loud,
though Bo was not a fan of the crowd.
But the little Brumby Puzzle, and her fancy-gaited friend,
brought up the rear and saved his hind end.

 And I guess it’s no surprise to those who’ve been before,
the Muster crew excelled once more.
They think of everything – they’re worth their weight in gold!
From the trusty road crew, directing traffic and keeping us safe,
to the catering crew whose vanilla slice never gets old.
And don’t forget the port-a-loo boys and the water for our steeds,
and, especially, hats off to the vested riders tirelessly watching up and down,
‘To the left, to the left’ ringing out through town.

 As I sit here smiling thankfully, just a little tired and dusty,
thinking of more fantastic memories made.
Riding and laughing alongside Rachel – best riding buddy and such a clown.
Aboard the Brumby Puzzle – best stand-in pony around!
Just a few little discussions and then we found our groove,
not a spook or bolt or muck-up – once I got her on the move.
She’s such a little trooper and a legend from the get-go,
my fantastic week made possible thanks to the Brumby from Kosciuszko.

Weddin Mountain Muster

 By Jan Olariaga

Remember that bloody Pali-
the one that jogged and jogged?
Well, Hello - we're back again
His owner didn't have him dogged!

You know that we've been practicing
on town streets and country roads
With horses many and horses few
To Walk ! Not jog.. at the front
'n' middle and at the rear, too!

Last time ( which was 2011 and 2012)
I thought - I'm clever as can be.
There was chamomile for him
and valium for me.
This time, I'm a smart arse
The valium is for him
and I'll drink the bloody tea.

But I'm tired now and the bones are sore
Six times we've been to Grenfell.
And with a tear and a heavy heart
I feel that there will be no more.

In my memories
I'll dream about the Muster.
Of all the hills we've climbed,
the views, the friends and laughs we've had
and the few times it's been bad.
With storms and winds and rain and hail
who cared - it was all good fun.

To the Committee, assistants and all the helpers, too
I'll say, from the bottom of my heart
a very big, thank you!
So now my dears, I'll say farewell
To the Weddin Mountain Muster.
I'm sad, but happy, cause I know for sure
Forever in my heart, you'll dwell.

The Weddin Mountain Muster

By Amy-lee Sullivan, Timothy Sullivan and Austin Perkins

This is the tenth year of this muster
And my mum had a buster

Austin rode Wonder
Even through thunder

Dad rode mum's horse
Buck And got a saw butt
We gave him no sympathy and said bad luck

My mum, Linda, went to do a pee
Locked herself in the float and cried
'Help Me'

Tim and I came on Wednesday
And Austin was keen to play
My dad had driven home and back
So we could camp the remaining days

We saw how Wonder
Born with no FUR
Could stand on LOGS
And is even good for a 30k slog

Sandy and Kevin came early for as all
They brought everything
But the front door

The Muster committee have organised a week
The vanilla slice was 'o' so sweet

We've had Rain, Hail and Shine
But the Weddin Mountain Muster was again
DIVINE

Weddin Mountain Muster

By Ann Sant

Saddling up our horses in the morning,
Weddin Mountain Muster sure ain't boring,
Stopping for Smoko, scones, cake and tea,
There's no other place in the world to be,
Mount up there's more trails to ride,
Thru properties, stock routes and mountain side,
Smoke rising thru the trees, lunch must be near,
Curried sausages on the menu I hear,
Sit down catch up with old mates,
Victoria Jeff, Narrandera Barb and Cowra Kate,
It's been twelve months since we've been here,
Must catch up tonight and have a beer,
On our trusty steed again, homeward bound,
Arriving into camp our ponies pull up sound,
Washed and fed our ponies are put away,
Time to kick back and discuss the day,
A Bourbon and Cola sounds great,
Sitting around the campfire with ya mates,
How could you not be a part of this?
One hell of a week not to be missed.

Grenfell & The Muster

By Piano Pesterson (Ted Chapman)

Now The Weddin Mountain Muster,
I'd go back every year.
The people great - The town is beaut,
AAH! and that bloody Reschs Beer.
But getting back to riding,
For that's what horse folk seek.
I can highly recommend it,
You'll never have a better week.
The riding - now that is great,
The food - well that's something to behold.
You'll really be contented,
Whether your choice be hot or cold.
And if old Henry's looking down he must
be pretty proud,
To see how the local folk have pleased this
horse riding crowd.
And if the Maker is willing,
I'll be back next year, For the riding,
The mateship - The town - The Tucker,
And That Bloody Reschs Beer.

Grenfell Ho!

By Denis O'Mullane 

They said come out to Grenfell for the annual Muster ride
I said you must be crazy, you know I'm on the slide
I um'd and ah'd and tossed about, trying to decide
In the end I thought I'd come to see if I'd survive
Now I'm here I realise what they are on about
Everyone's so friendly, the views and food I'll toot
My photos and my memories, I will proudly flaunt
I think I'll be back again, of that there's not much doubt

Weddin Mountain Muster 2008

By Di McGowan

We're going to Grenfell the girl's all said
Come on woman get out of bed
So here we are for the week
Having a beer at Emu Creek

The girls all wore their flashy boots
Cleaned up at the races, what a hoot
With short shirts, to show off their legs
That should be worth the Emu Egg

The members of the FIFO club
Made the CRI their favourite pub
Watch out when they run amuck
If you were there half your luck

We made our campsite on the hill
Overlooking Grenfell, what a thrill
With all the lush feed and grass
All Cheryl's horse did all week was fart

Up hills and down went the rides
Great scenes of the countryside
I especially liked the Port a loo
On the hill with a view

Thanks for all the great morning tea's
My scales are no longer a friend to me
And the lunches that we ate
Sitting around with our mates

Now the week is at an end
Our intention was not to offend
But we will be back next year
Full of happiness, fun and cheer

The Weddin Mountain Muster

By Don Bourke

Don was the leader of the pack
on a big grey horse called Jack.
The riders had nothing to fear
with Livo Bringing up the rear.
On The Weddin Mountain Muster

At the walk the trot and canter
with loads of jovial banter.
We rode the mountains and the flat
with plenty of time for a friendly chat.
On The Weddin Mountain Muster

There was a Clydesdale and Clumper
and I think and old Buckjumper.
Appaloosa, Arab, Paint and Hack
and some straight off the bloody track.
On The Weddin Mountain Muster

From a drover to a pretty girl
we all came to Grenfell to give it a whirl.
Old and young small tall and stout
Grenfell town knew we were about.
On The Weddin Mountain Muster

The food they supplied was simply grand
the Club even put on a bloody band.
Oh we partied and danced into the night
it surely was a splendid sight.
On The Weddin Mountain Muster

Jeans and Joddies, Spurs and Chaps
R M Williams, Akubras and Caps.
Parelli gear was there too
at times it looked like a bloody zoo.
On The Weddin Mountain Muster

Now I'm not the type to beg
But I really like that Emu Egg.
So this poem is really a plea
and I hope you give that Bugger to me.
On The Weddin Mountain Muster