ABOUT US
In The Beginning
There is no doubt from the time I was born I was destined to have a lifelong love and involvement with horses.
Hillview Thoroughbreds
Contact:
Rebecca Brown
Singleton
NSW 2330 Australia
Ph: (02) 6571 3561 Mobile: 0412 469200
My father (Bill Brown) had the opportunity of riding for the late TA Fields, along with his brother Dick, whilst also competing with his own team of horses. Horses such as President, Victory, Egypt and of course his own sensational galloway, Glen Boy. Back in those days horses competed in the hack ring and were often also A Grade Show jumpers. At one Sydney Royal Glen Boy competed in 6 show jumping events, winning 5 and a third, before being decorated reserve champion Galloway hack.
I received my first pony (to educate myself) when I was six - Rippowam Capriole. Cappy as he became known, was at the time a green broken but very quiet 2-year-old APSB gelding. Together we learnt the ropes and by the age of nine I was competing successfully at Sydney Royal Show. Through the years our family had the opportunity of successfully showing and training a number of different horses, which further entrenched my passion and dedication.
By the age of eighteen I had moved to Sydney and still continued to show but it was at this time that I entered the Sydney racing scene. My partner at the time was a No.1 trainer at Randwick. The ensuing 14 years provided an invaluable wealth of experience where I was able to gather much knowledge through the expertise of leading trainers, equine veterinary specialists and stud personnel. Travelling with horses overseas and working in the horse transport industry added to the understanding and handling of horses, predominantly the Thoroughbred. From yearlings, broodmares, stallions to the hard fit racehorse – they all had something to contribute to my equine experience.
Premiership winning Australian trainer John Size, currently based in Hong Kong, was entrusted with the training duties of my much loved thoroughbred Don’t Disturb (Ronald) from his second race preparation. At the time I was working full time in the horse transport business but would help out as much as I could at John’s stables from swimming the team (up to 80 + horses), saddling up at the races and ordering supplies. Before I came along John didn’t like rugging much except for winter but after introducing him and his wife Carmel to Rafferty Rugs he changed his view on this issue. I credit working with John Size, or Pa as I affectionately nicknamed him courtesy of the many lectures I’d endure from him due mainly to my social life at the time) as being one of the highlights of my life and a tremendous educational experience. He is universally known as one of the greatest trainers in the WORLD, which is evident by successes which have seen him break some long standing records during his time in Hong Kong.
During this time I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work/show with Roy Davis and Tony Hall (Oakridge). This time of showing and helping with the yearling preparation and top class spelling was another highlight of my life with horses. I gained invaluable knowledge from them both that I will never forget.
Hillview:
When John moved his operation to Hong Kong I realised it was time to move out of the city. I relocated to Singleton and bought a vacant property, which I have developed into what is now Hillview. My now retired racehorse Ronald, who went on to win 4 city races breaking two class records in the meantime, was just stepping out as a show horse when as a favour to John I accepted two thoroughbreds from Hong Kong (Authorised & Chirag (Ire) to rehouse back home in Australia.
They have just kept on arriving ever since ….
There is now a retirement program (Respect for Life) in place for these beautiful natured animals. I’m very honoured to be part of this program. We strive to find the best possible homes in the right discipline for each retiree many of which are now excelling in a variety of fields.
Photo: Roger Fitzhardinge
Photo: Roger Fitzhardinge
