2024 NCHA Futurity update
Yulgilbar was very well represented in the show arena at this year’s 2024 NCHA Futurity and aged event show, with Yulgilbar bred horses making every Open Final.
In the Open Futurity we saw four Yulgilbar horses cross the timeline for their very first time. The first go round saw Yulgilbar Nifty Lil Chic and Dean Holden finish in second spot with a score of 218.5. Nifty Lil Chic is by Meteles Cat out of Yulgilbar’s imported Dual Smart Rey, SVR Ray Smart Chic. Dean and Nifty Lil Chic were again successful in the second go taking them to the final where with a tough draw they finished seventh.
Yulgilbar Nic Nac Sugar was ridden by Pete Kennedy to a great finish in the Limited Open Final finishing third. Nic Nac Sugar is a bay gelding by Kit Kat Sugar out of Yulgilbar’s proudly owned mare Spins Gypsy Queen.
One of the most memorable entrants of the Futurity was Graham Amos riding Yulgilbar New N Shiney. Graham or Mouse as he is widely known turned a very respectable 80 years old during the show. It was amazing to see him ride New N Shiney (Shines Like Metallic / Yulgilbar Exquisite Rey) into the Gelding Incentive Final.
The open derby again saw Yulgilbar branded horse in Yulgilbar My Kinda Girl (NNR Car King Cole / Yulgilbar Well Played Oak) finish in the finals. Dean and My Kinda Girl, a beautiful brown mare were the second highest aggregate going into the final where even with a tough draw finished third.
Yulgilbar Keep Kool and Jamie Seccombe were the team representing Yulgilbar in the open classic final. A crowd Favorite this gelding is always exciting to watch. A tough herd of cows saw Jamie and Kool finished 12th.
Not only was Yulgilbar successful in the open category but also in the Non Pro as well. Lori Mackay and her gritty little mare Yulgilbar No More Sugar (Kit Kat Sugar / Yulgilbar Well Played Oak) were stand outs in the Non Pro Futurity taking equal number one spot in the first go round with a 217, add to that a 216 in the second and they secured their spot in the final.
Last years open Futurity champion, Yulgilbar Magic Stevie was back this year looking great and the saddle of proud owner Jason McClurg in the Non Pro derby. They together were very consistent through the go rounds and finished reserve champions in the Non Pro Derby Final.
But last but defiantly not least was Sidney (Sid) Myer and the great blue roan mare Yulgilbar Made To Roc take home the Amateur Derby Champion title. Made to Roc is by Hashtags out of Yulgilbar Roc N Roy. Sid and Bluey sure do make quite the team and will be a duo to watch in the future.
2023 Victoria Futurity
The 2023 Victoria Futurity saw Yulgilbar Quarter Horses very well represented with Sid, Ed and new show team member Georgia all making the trip to Bundalong. Yulgilbar Made To Roc had another successful show finishing equal third in the Open Futurity with Dean in the saddle. Sid had a successful show finalling Yulgilbar Kinda Tuff in the Non Pro Classic Challenge. Ed had 2 mounts over the week showing Bulla Nickel in the Non Pro Derby and Yulgilbar Crystal and Sweet in the Rookies. The Pink Cutting saw Georgia in only her second run in the show pen on board Yulgilbar Crystal and Sweet, what a team to watch! Looking forward to seeing more of the whole team in the 2024 Show Season.
Yulgilbar Magic Stevie Made of 'Tuff' Stuff
Enjoy a read of a lovely article by Amanda Young at EQ Life Mag on Yulgilbar Magic Stevie Made of 'Tuff' Stuff
Smooth Talkin Style - Spin Gypsy Queen (ET) Filly
Smooth Talkin Style - Spin Gypsy Queen Filly (ET)
D.O.B 25/08/2022
Bay
Reys Ya Garter - Yulgilbar Crystal and Sweet Filly
Reys Ya Garter - Yulgilbar Crystal and Sweet Filly foal
Red Roan
D.O.B 24/08/2022
Yulgilbar Quarter Horses 60th Anniversary Ranch Cutting at Elgee Park.
The Elgee Park hills were alive with the sounds of Yulgilbar Ranch Cutting this April. After drought, fire and floods at Yulgilbar Station for the past three years, the Yulgilbar Ranch Cutting experienced a hiatus. The idea was put forth to celebrate the Yulgilbar Quarter Horses 60th Anniversary and reinstate the Yulgilbar Ranch Cutting at the home of the Yulgilbar Quarter Horses, Elgee Park.
Elgee Park, is a diverse property that fattens around 300 head of cattle, runs 30 or so horses and manages the Mornington Peninsula’s oldest vineyard. The park like setting of the property provided the perfect platform for the 2022 Yulgilbar 60th Celebration Ranch Cutting. To ensure every detail was perfected for such a celebration, the Yulgilbar QH and Elgee Park teams worked together to bring some cowboy to the Peninsula.
Yulgilbar Ranch Cutting brings together Yulgilbar friends, family, clients, and trainers for a holiday and fun on horseback. Ranch Cutting is not a school, although if you ask for help or coaching there are some of the best professional cutting horse trainers in Australia more than happy to help. It’s not a competition, although the most outstanding run this year was awarded to Victor Vickers.
At Ranch Cutting, all riders join in the morning muster and gather the cattle from the hilly paddocks that overlook Port Phillip Bay. The cattle are then driven to a paddock where the ground has been prepared for the day’s cutting. The day ends where everyone ends up in the Stables for a cold one where everyone brags about how good their horse worked with no fences and super fresh, almost perfect cattle.
The cutters started arriving on Friday April 8 where cattle were in the arena waiting to be worked by those seeking some last minute tuning. After all guests arrived and set up their goosenecks or took up residence in glamping tents then all horses were put to bed.
A ranch style dinner of slow cooked smoked brisket was provided in the Elgee Park Art Gallery. Art plays a large part of the uniqueness of Elgee Park where sculptures are also strategically placed throughout the gardens and paddocks.
Early on Saturday, the Elgee Park crew provided a hearty breakfast in the Gallery then after filling their bellies, everyone mounted up to go MUSTERING. This is always a highlight of a Ranch Cutting as some 30 horses and riders assemble to ride across the paddocks to muster the cattle for the days cutting. Mustering at Elgee Park is not only reasonably easy but it is also a wonderful experience as the view on a sunny still morning overlooking Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne is truly breathtaking.
We often forget that the sport we all enjoy started on ranches with ranch hands cutting cattle as part of their day job. Ranch Cutting is all about cutting as it originated, in the wide-open spaces, no fences, often working around the mob. So, the riders held a herd of about 200 head of cattle on the prepared ground beside a largest dam on the property which is shaded by trees. All riders encircle the herd to hold it in position for the settling.
This is where the action begins. Settling the cattle usually ends up in a few breakaways, and the chase is on. Some young horses who have not been exposed to all the action become a bit excited, and some riders who also have not had the opportunity to ride at speed after an escaping beast can get a little loose in the saddle. It’s all part of the fun and it’s all part of Ranch Cutting. In time the herd is settled and the first cutter enters the herd.
Many family friends who have not been introduced to Ranch Cutting were invited to spectate. It was never expected that so many would take up the invitation, but they did. Every space provided for spectators was taken up and they all enjoyed watching the action. As it often happens, some of the spectators wanted to “have a go”. A few who were very competent riders were given the opportunity to cut a few cows out of the herd and had the ride of their life. Others who were not confident to work a cow, were able to ride a horse working the mechanical cow or given a riding lesson in a western saddle.
At the end of the day the cattle were driven back to their paddock. Of course, there were cold ones at the Stables and then…all assembled for the night’s festivities. The Elgee Park team really turned on a night of all nights. A huge teepee was erected in the Hill Top paddock. The view is just spectacular from this paddock especially at night where the lights of Melbourne and extending towns and cities along the Bay can be seen. The teepee was surrounded by string lighting that enclosed the PARTY. As guests arrived for the Party, tables were laden with charcuterie boards as margaritas, beer and Elgee Park wine was passed around to arrivals. Then an Argentine barbeque was served, followed by an assortment of delicious sliders to ensure every single person was filled to the brim.
A Ranch Cutting regular, Golden Guitar and multi award winning country music celebrity, Amber Lawrence along with her band understands exactly how to warm up any party. Being one of the Ranch Cutting family she knows how to get the party really rockin! Amber loves to invite budding singers and entertainers up on stage to sing along with her. Both family and friends got up on the stage and belted out songs much to the delight of the crowd. What a night it was!
Sunday morning started with a big breakfast, a few sore heads from the night before and another muster. Again, the day was full of laughter, good cutting and so much fun. After lunch cutters started to pack up and drive home having experienced cutting in its purest form as well as the hospitality of the Yulgilbar and Elgee Park family and staff.
It’s no secret that everyone who is involved in Ranch Cutting enjoys it due to the enormous planning and effort that goes into the production of the event. It’s a thumbs up to all at Elgee Park for another successful Ranch Cutting and the opportunity to celebrate 60 years of Yulgilbar Quarter Horses.
A Tribute to Baillieu (Bails) Myer
A Tribute to Baillieu (Bails) Myer
By Gail Ritchie
Australia and all of those who knew Baillieu Myer in the equine and livestock industries have suffered an immeasurable loss from his passing on Saturday, 22nd February, 2022 aged 96. He passed away at Elgee Park peacefully with his wife for 66 years Sarah by his side.
I have read many tributes written about Bails which focus on his many business achievements, his philanthropy or what Bails preferred to be called a social or community investment, as well as being an agriculturalist and viticulturist. All of which he was, but he was so much more.
I have known Bails since 1968 when I first met him and Sarah at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Bails and his family came to the Block A Horse Pavilion to visit the King Ranch horses and to see the recently imported Clover Leaf horses that were at the show to perform cutting and cowhorse demonstrations. Both Bails and Sarah were foundation Councillors of the newly formed Australian Quarter Horse Association. Sarah’s father was instrumental in the importation and development of Santa Gertrudis cattle breed and Quarter Horses in Australia. Bails became deeply involved in his father- in- law and wife’s passions. He served as a Councillor and President of the AQHA and was instrumental in the success of the breed’s introduction to Australia.
The Yulgilbar Quarter Horse Stud is celebrating it’s 60th anniversary this year and Bails was very involved in organising the celebration activities. Throughout those 60 years Bails has supported Sarah in every aspect of their Quarter Horse Stud. Through those years as head of the Myer dynasty leading a demanding life in business, he never lost his love for the land and his wife and family. Sidney, Rupert and Samantha would religiously spend holidays with Sarah mustering at Yulgilbar when Bails would fly from Melbourne to land on the Clarence River only to spend a few days at a time.
Weekends were spent at Elgee Park, where again horses were the main activity until Bails decided to established the Morning Peninsula’s first vineyard. This was his passion on “The Farm” and he spent days nurturing his vines as Sarah, Sid and Samantha and less so Rupert, rode horses. Over the past 60 years Yulgilbar Quarter Horse Stud have bred nearly 800 horses all of which Sarah and Bails have supervised in some way. They were delighted to receive Hall of Fame Awards from the AQHA along with many horses they have bred. Winning the NCHA Futurity twice has also been a highlight of their 60 year breeding program.
Despite many interests and proficiency in other sports, riding horses was not one that Bails had time to master. However, he never did faulter to support Yulgilbar Quarter Horses and his family. Not only did he support Yulgilbar Quarter Horses he also was generous in supporting the local, State and national AQHA and NCHA events through sponsorship.
In Bails latter years he spent more and more time on the land at Yulgilbar and Elgee Park. His quick wit, sense of humour and sage wisdom was nearly surpassed by his generous and inviting demeanour that he shared with all he met. I never saw him pass a person he knew at a horse show or cutting without having a chat. He loved singing the Yulgilbar song with Greg Anderson at his famous parties and telling jokes around the dinner table with friends. Most of all he loved Sarah and he loved his life. We who were lucky enough to spend time with Baillieu Myer can count ourselves as fortunate.
SIDNEY Baillieu “Bails” Myer, businessman, social investor, agriculturalist and viticulturist, has died aged 96. He was born in San Francisco on January 11, 1926 to Sidney Myer, retail entrepreneur and founder of the Myer Emporium, and his wife Merlyn Baillieu.
Returning to Australia permanently in 1932, the Myer family settled at Cranlana in Toorak, where Bails and his three siblings grew up.
During WWII, Bails enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy and rose to the rank of sub-lieutenant. He was aboard HMAS Pirie in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, when Japanese officials signed the official surrender document on board the US battleship Missouri, marking the end of the war.
After the war, Bails spent one year studying commerce at The University of Melbourne before completing his studies at the University of Cambridge, where he attended Pembroke College, stroking the college’s first eight, and graduated with a Masters of Arts, majoring in economics.
While he had worked as a boy in “the store”, as the family called the Myer Emporium, he began his retailing career in earnest after graduating.
He joined the Myer Emporium in 1949 and as part of his apprenticeship he spent time overseas studying retailing methods at Harrods in London and Macy’s in New York. In 1950 he returned to Myer and was made an executive director in 1955.
That year he married Sarah Hordern, a member of the Hordern retailing family from Sydney. The couple had three children, Sidney, Rupert and Samantha, and enjoyed a happy marriage of 66 years.
An avid sportsman, still skiing into his late 80s, Bails was a keen tennis player, swimmer and lifelong supporter of the Richmond Football Club.
Bails was influential in the Myer business from his earliest days in the organisation. He and his elder brother Ken believed the future for the retailer lay in the opening of suburban shopping centres to serve Melbourne’s sprawling new suburbs.
Despite some reluctance from incumbent management, they commissioned research and pushed the idea, which was eventually accepted. The first suburban centre, Chadstone, was opened in 1960.
Through the 1960s, with Ken serving as managing director, the brothers successfully pushed their decentralisation agenda developing more suburban centres and expanding the Myer business nationally. In 1972, following the successful launch of Target, Bails stepped down from his executive position at Myer but remained on the board in a nonexecutive role. He was appointed non-executive chairman in 1978 following the retirement of his brother, Ken.
When the company was hit by a slump during a major recession in 1983, Bails was called back into executive management. He served as executive chairman and was instrumental in negotiating a successful merger with Coles.
He then served as deputy chairman of Coles Myer from 1986 to 1994.
Bails also played a significant role in business outside the family retailer. He served as a director and chairman of National Mutual (1978- 1992) and had board positions with Cadbury Schweppes, Henry Jones, Elders IXL, The Commonwealth Bank, Ten Network Holdings and NM Rothschild and Sons.
Inspired by his Russianborn father’s desire to serve the community that had allowed him to prosper, Bails, in conjunction with his family, continued this work.
Using their philanthropic vehicle, the Sidney Myer Fund, they brought the Sidney Myer Music Bowl into existence in 1959. A landmark architectural work and music venue, it was a gift to the people of Victoria.
Bails preferred to be called a social or community investor rather than a philanthropist and it was an area in which he was very active. From 1958 to 2001, he served as a trustee of the Sidney Myer Fund.
With his brother, Ken, Bails also established The Myer Foundation in 1959.
Bails served as vice chair and chair of The Myer Foundation between 1959 and 1995. He also served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army from 1987 until 1991.
With Sarah he shared a passion for rural pursuits, breeding Santa Gertrudis cattle and quarter horses on their properties at Grafton, NSW and Merricks North, Victoria. They established the first vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula at Elgee Park in 1972, the awardwinning Elgee Park Wines.
Bails is survived by wife Sarah, children Sidney, Rupert and Samantha, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Rod Myer is the author of In Full Stride: The Life and Times of Baillieu (Bails) Myer
The unveiling of the life sized sculpture by John Brady of Sarah Myer and Ima Little Scottie
1. Celebrating on Christmas Eve the unveiling of the Sarah Myer and Scottie sculpture. 2. There is no doubt the connection between these two. 3. Monty, the next generation of Yulgilbar riders…..starting early. 4. Sarah's saddle and bridal used while competing.
