Before Cockatoo Park began I had a ride on a magical buckskin horse by the name of RanchBoss Cortez who spun a web of charm over me. I had no idea where this would lead me at the time but I left that day and started the search for my own Morgan Horse. Soon Oz Hicountry Mitch (aka Aussie) came to live with us to set us on the path of Morgan Horse collection. Full sister Oz Hicountry Heaven Scent (aka Hayley) soon joined us as well and in 2014 Cockatoo Park Morgans began with the birth of Cockatoo Park Dream. We expanded in 2015 with the birth of Cockatoo Park Playboy and the purchase of Wilga Park River Gum and Fernleigh Creek Scarlet.
Cockatoo Park, on the outskirts of Warwick, Queensland, is so named because our landscape and many trees are home to families of cockatoos every summer. All videos of Cockatoo Park Morgans are to the music of cockatoos singing in the background.
Our first three Cockatoo Park babies are all by Wirraway Trademark (aka Brikki). Brikki has certainly left his trademark on them all, having amazing temperaments and personalities that just love to be with people.
Resident stallion about to start in his career is Wilga Park River Gum by Ragtime Oro Blanco (Casper) out of full Lippitt mare, Haymeron Park Ruby Jane. This boy, I believe, is where I was headed from the day I met the Morgan Horse. Although no relation, I now have my very own ‘Cortez’. In looks and temperament they could almost be twins. As we are about to start on our ridden career together, I can’t wait to see what our future holds.
Our dark horse is the son of Brikki, Cockatoo Park Playboy. Playboy is the only entire gaited Morgan colt in Australia and, I believe, in the southern hemisphere. This black boy holds loads of potential that is only beginning as he prepares for his future. He is rising 3 years old so will soon begin training.
The highlights of my time with Morgans have definitely been the enormous enjoyment I have had taking part in Morgan displays with Aussie. He has been my partner in demonstrations at the Ekka (Brisbane Royal Show), Toowoomba Show and also at eventing competitions held at Warwick Horse Trials. The ‘try’ in this horse just blows me away, he is my heart horse and he tries his heart out for me.
To finally ride my very first Cockatoo Park baby, Cockatoo Park Dream, has been the culmination of my dream as she is the one I bred for myself. I am very proud to be heading into the future riding my two chocolate ponies, Aus and Dream, with my golden boy, River, soon to join us.
The universal nature of Morgan Horses shines true with Wilga Park River Gum! With his totally laid back nature and easy going attitude, I am excited about the potential of his future progeny. Our dream with our breeding program is that they will be perfect for any discipline and any rider age group.
Ruth McGill