Volunteers of the Month, Dwain and Tracy Hose - July 2024

This month we would like to celebrate two Queensland volunteers, Dwain and Tracy Hose, and showcase their work with horses and the special rewards of volunteering.

EA caught up with Tracy to chat about the Hose's involvement in the sport.

“Dwain and I had an involvement with horse people as we grew up and Dwain often reflects on his time growing up in Terang and getting to know horses through the neighbours, Bill and Mavis Roycroft. Many stories could be told but they would probably exceed the scope of this volunteer profile. But I will add that Bill’s first Olympic horse, Solo, came to retire on Dwain’s family’s property, where he happily lived out his days."

Tracy continued, “I grew up on a pineapple farm in Queensland’s Glasshouse Mountains and our neighbours, the Gatties, had horses and I would occasionally go over for a ride. But for me it was literally stay on if you can!  So, both Dwain and I only had fleeting horse experiences in our youth, but there was always an interest that seemed to be waiting for an opportunity to come to the surface."

“After purchasing a rural supplies business in Maryborough Queensland, we found ourselves in regular contact with horse people and made it our mission to learn more so we were able to offer advice or simply talk the same language as our valued customers. It was a staff member that got us into horses by offering our daughter a ride on a pony owned by his family, that is how we got started.  At 10 years of age, our eldest Madison was immediately hooked, and from there her 6 YO brother, Spencer, was also keen to saddle up. Our middle son, Riley, never did catch the ‘horse bug’ but was always happy to help.

"Shortly after, we purchased this pony, Rex, and to this day, we consider him to be the best pony that ever lived.  Rex - the Appy, taught both of our kids how to ride and now at almost 30 years of age, he is still alive and well. Rex was so safe, versatile and talented. He showed by example that having a super pony for kids to learn on is so important as they feel safe and can enjoy the thrill of riding along with the other lessons of caring for animals, setting goals, and working with other kids in the team environment of Pony Club. In a one thing leads to another chain of events, we bought a horse float and started competing” explained Tracy. 

“In the early years, Rex was agisted and in the happy progression of horsey interest, we purchased a 25-acre property and over following years, the number of equine residents has grown substantially.  You could now say we are a horse family through-and-through, and this has taken us on many happy adventures.”

“I guess, as a family we gravitated to Jumping and appreciate the skills involved.  Our kids progressed from Jumping to Eventing, so as their support, Dwain and I have had an involvement with all three disciplines in Eventing.  We appreciate the complexities of training for Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping and putting all three phases together over a two or three day event.  

“We have become good friends with Roger and Carolyn Wagner and admire Roger’s achievements as a 6 times, World Cutting Champion.  The Wagners have introduced us to Cutting and we are finding the journey great fun and fascinating.  We are also intrigued with Boyd Exell’s amazing results as Australia’s ‘winningest Equestrian’ and follow Driving competitions by paying attention to Australian and International results.”

“Like most volunteers, we got into helping at shows and equestrian competitions as a consequence of our family’s involvement and participation. But as we did more, Dwain and I gave up our time on the Golf course and attended horse events, because we both loved it.  We always remember the people that held our hands and encouraged us and the kids to compete and keep on going.  This interest and encouragement made all the difference to whether we would make the effort to ‘have a go’, or not!  Without this friendship group, we probably would have stayed at home and not bothered.  I think this scenario is true of all sports and it is the coaches, Olympians and clinicians who have travelled to our area that has kept the spark alive, and without volunteers to run these activities, they will not happen.”

“Pony Club has always held a special spot for us, that is where we learnt the ‘lay of the land’.  Whilst our kids have now finished PC, we still sponsor and turn up to help when we can, even if it’s just to set up. For the last 9 years we have been on the Committee of the Fraser Coast Horse Trials.  The Club runs 2 official One Day Event’s each year and clinics usually every 2 months.  We have started organising Jump days which are a great opportunity for riders to practice, but we still need volunteers to make these days happen. Like most sports, volunteers are required to make it work, and we see that if everyone does just a little bit, the task becomes easier for all.  We are just doing our part to contribute and ensure that Equestrian sport in our community continues to go forward.  It is also worth saying that we have met some great people and had wonderful family fun through our involvement as volunteers.  We urge people who love horses to become volunteers and know they will love it, as we do.”

EA asked Tracy if there were any special challenges facing Equestrian sport in their area and she said, “Our sport needs Equestrians that compete to keep supporting the clubs that continue to offer events.  Maryborough Showgrounds has the most amazing facilities, it is literally a hidden gem and we believe there are only three other facilities in Australia that can compare - now that’s impressive! The Western disciplines in our area have become very strong and we want to keep Jumping and Eventing going, and the only way to do this is to offer regular clinics and opportunities to practice. This is what we are trying to do. It is a difficult task co-ordinating dates with the facility, various organising committees, EA, Pony Club and judges for all of the various disciplines involved."

Tracy explained the simple reason that she and Dwain volunteer, "On a positive note, Dwain and I are volunteers in Equestrian sport because we love it and enjoy seeing reward for effort. I would like to thank Equestrian Australia for focussing on the role of volunteers and sharing our story with their membership."

"I urge all equestrians and people who are involved in shows and general horse events to remember to say thank you and show appreciation to fellow competitors, judges, officials volunteers and even the people in the coffee van, as a little thanks means a lot and puts a smile on everyone’s face."

Happy riding, Tracy and Dwain.