When I entered the 2024 Australian Brumby Challenge, I was filled with excitement and hope. The chance to work with one of Australia’s historic wild horses was a dream come true. From the ballot, I was paired with an incredible Barmah brumby, a solid bay gelding with a striking stripe and three socks, whom I named BBPG Banksia, or Banksy for short. Bringing him home marked the beginning of our journey together—a journey that has become far more challenging and heartbreaking than I could have ever anticipated.

From the start, Banksy and I spent countless hours building trust and bonding. Despite our progress, there was always a shadow looming over us—his defensiveness whenever I tried to touch his mouth. I suspected something was wrong, but I needed to gain his trust further before I could bring in a vet to assess him. When that day finally arrived, the reality was worse than I feared. Years of feed had packed between his teeth, creating razor-sharp edges that were cutting into his gums. The vet suspected a tooth root abscess, and X-rays were needed to confirm it.

As the weeks passed, Banksy’s behaviour grew more erratic and dangerous. He would rear and strike at me if I even attempted to halter him or touch him near his head. It was heartbreaking to see him in such distress, and I felt utterly helpless. We had made such beautiful progress together, and now it seemed like everything was unravelling. One day, his reaction was so intense that I feared for my life. In a desperate attempt to ease his pain, I gave him some bute the next morning. The change in him was immediate and profound, confirming that his behaviour was driven by excruciating pain. Banksy had been trying to tell me all along, and I had to listen.

Finally, we were able to get the X-rays done, and our worst fears were confirmed. Banksy had two severe tooth root abscesses that would require the extraction of two, possibly three, teeth. The thought of him enduring this agony for years broke my heart. He had been fighting so hard, and now he wouldn’t be fit for the challenge.

The cost of this surgery is staggering—a minimum of $5,000. He needs to undergo general anaesthesia in a hospital setting to safely remove the teeth and excise his sarcoid. This is the only way to ensure the vets aren’t at risk if he panics under standing sedation. The weight of this unexpected financial burden is overwhelming. Competing at Equitana was my dream, and I wanted so much to showcase Banksy, the proud Barmah brumby that he is, to the world. But now, that dream is in jeopardy.

That’s why I’ve decided to set up a GoFundMe account. We desperately need help to cover these veterinary costs. If we can raise the money, there’s still a chance we could make it to Equitana. But more importantly, we need your help to save Banksy’s life. Without these extractions, the vets believe euthanasia is the only humane option—a possibility that shatters me to even consider.

I’m not ready to give up on Banksy. He deserves a chance to live pain-free and to show the world the incredible horse he is. Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean everything to us. Please, help us save Banksy. We’re not ready to stop fighting for him.

The $6,000 goal is set for the estimate we recieved of a minimum of $5,000 for the surgery with room for additional costs and the removal of his sarcoid.