THE inaugural Northern Territory Field Days being held at the Katherine Research Station on September 18-19 continues to expand in scope with the 100 exhibitor mark firmly in sight.
A special attraction at the Field Days will be twice-daily performances by Katherine’s renowned horse breaker, animal trainer, singer and songwriter Tom Curtain.
Tom said his 45 minute demonstrations will illustrate his work in breaking in horses.
“In a year I prepare approximately 150 horses, the demo’s will hopefully give people an good idea of the process required to get a horse ready to ride,” he said.
“Lot of tourists come through Katherine but only stay on the main highway, they don’t really get to see what goes on at a cattle station.”
One of the horses Tom will be working will be given away in a raffle after the completion of his last show on the Friday.
Reg Underwood from Bunda Station in the Victoria River region south-west of Katherine donated the 6yo brown mare Bunda Speed which Tom is preparing.
“I’ve been breaking in and training Reg’s horses since 2003, and the progress with Bunda Speed has been ticking along nicely.
“She has a lovely quiet nature and would be great for a family looking for a first horse for young children.
“She has great breeding coming out of Bunda Poppy on the dam side. I’ve worked many of her brothers and sisters and they all share the same gentle nature.
Speed has also inherited some great characteristics from his sire Smart Little Lucifer who in turn came from the great Docs Spinifex.
“During the show I’ll try and catch and saddle her then hopefully be able to take her for a ride.”
Tom said he’ll also have an older quarter horse stallion Acres of Ra in the ring as well.
“I’ll be attempting to ride him without a bridle and try and cut out some cows.
He’ll also have a team of working dogs on display which he’s training up for sale at present.
“Working dogs are becoming increasingly popular on property; one bloke with three or four dogs can quite easily handle 1000 weaners.”
As a special treat for the crowd Tom is currently attempting to break in a buffalo in time for the Field Days which should be quite a sight to see him ride.
An accomplished singer/songwriter, Tom said he’ll finish up the shows with a few songs.
“I’d like to thank Jim Pola from the North Queensland Register for the opportunity to appear at the Field Days and Reg Underwood for choosing me to work his horses over the years, it’s very humbling to have their support.
“I’d also like to thank the Katherine locals who have really backed what I do over the years.”
Exhibitors to the Field Days can setup on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Those wanting to exhibit at the Field Days should contact Jim Pola on (07) 4759 3000 or 0408 756 438, or email him at jim.pola@fairfaxmedia.com.au to obtain a prospectus and booking form.
Alternatively, visit the NT Field Days website at www.farmonline.com.au/events/NTFieldDays/home