The Journey On Podcast: Brett Parbury Episode Summary

Release Date: November 16, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Journey On Podcast, host Warwick Schiller welcomes Australian dressage rider Brett Parbury. Warwick reminisces about their initial meeting at Equitana in 2008, where they participated in a unique horse swap challenge, and recounts their subsequent interactions at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and 2018. Warwick sets the stage for an insightful conversation about Brett's unconventional journey from rodeo to elite dressage.

Early Life and Rodeo Career

Brett Parbury shares his upbringing in the small town of Dorrigo, New South Wales, where he was immersed in a horse-centric environment from a young age. “[...] I was the kid kicking around with my Tonka trucks and the things sitting on the fences of the round yard while my dad, Ray Hunt, John Stanton, Bruce McNaughton, we're all trying to figure this stuff out.” (00:45)

Brett's father was a pivotal figure in Australian natural horsemanship, influencing Brett's deep-rooted connection with horses. Initially pursuing a rodeo career, Brett competed in saddle bronc riding, a path he followed due to his family's legacy. He recounts his last rodeo experience at Equitana in 2008, where he attempted to combine rodeo skills with dressage performance, leading to both memorable and challenging moments.

Transition to Dressage

The turning point in Brett's career occurred serendipitously when he encountered a Dressage Today magazine while traveling in the United States. “I bought it and I’m laying back in the back of this camper van, driving to the rodeo and Ryan says to me, what's that you're eating? And I said, oh, that's dressage.” (08:28)

This encounter ignited Brett's interest in dressage, prompting him to pivot from rodeo to this disciplined equestrian sport. Despite having no formal training in dressage, Brett leveraged his natural horsemanship and rodeo-honed discipline to navigate the steep learning curve. He emphasizes the rigorous commitment required, stating, “I had to start at the beginning.” (11:10)

Philosophy and Mindset

Brett delves into his philosophy of horsemanship, blending his rodeo background with dressage principles. He advocates for a harmonious relationship with horses, rooted in respect and understanding rather than force. “I'm a big one on the philosophy, and I know, like coming through the Western disciplines and being a cowboy growing up, I always sort of think the cowboy way.” (15:16)

He discusses the importance of mindset in achieving success, highlighting how his experiences in rodeo instilled a strong work ethic and mental resilience. Brett credits these attributes for his ability to excel in dressage, a sport that demands both physical precision and mental fortitude.

Challenges and Failures

Brett is candid about the struggles he has faced throughout his career. He recounts the tragic loss of several top-performing horses, which not only affected him emotionally but also tested his resilience. “We've had horses come and go from our stables after you put a lot of time into them. So there are a lot of dark days as far as, why are we doing this?” (22:15)

He reflects on his biggest failures, emphasizing the lessons learned from each setback. Brett acknowledges the toll that relentless pursuit of excellence can take, both personally and professionally. “I just wished over the course of the last 24 years that I'd actually slowed down, taken time for us and enjoyed it more because it has been a blur.” (43:31)

Coaching and the Performance Riders Program

Transitioning from athlete to coach, Brett discusses his innovative approach to training riders. He criticizes traditional teaching methods that focus solely on technical instructions without fostering a deep understanding of underlying principles. “The lesson got you the information and the way you applied it is what got you better.” (28:48)

To address this gap, Brett developed the Performance Riders program, initially called PABRI. This program emphasizes equipping riders with comprehensive knowledge and a clear training philosophy, enabling them to take ownership of their progress. “The best way is to equip yourself with knowledge, preferably share the same philosophy as your coach, and then spend your time writing, working on your skill set.” (26:11)

Brett highlights the success of this program in creating a supportive community that empowers riders to improve through self-awareness and consistent practice, rather than relying solely on formal lessons.

Personal Life and Family

Throughout the episode, Brett underscores the significance of family in his life and career. He expresses immense pride in his wife, Mel, and their 14-year-old son, who is following in his footsteps with a natural aptitude for riding. “They’re my, them I'm proud of. I've had a great time in the dressage arena. [...] it's impossible for me to personally coach everybody who does our program, but what I say is it just makes your coach more effective.” (39:10)

Warwick mentions observing Brett's son during a recent competition, noting his focused demeanor and natural riding style, reminiscent of Brett's own techniques. Brett credits his son's instinctive riding ability to both his family's influence and the mentorship of seasoned riders like Dave McKinnon.

Injuries and Risks

Brett shares harrowing accounts of injuries sustained in both rodeo and dressage, emphasizing the inherent risks of equestrian sports. He recounts breaking his leg twice—once during rodeo and twice in dressage, highlighting that dressage posed even greater dangers. “This dressage is way more dangerous than rodeo.” (50:01)

These experiences have shaped Brett's approach to training and safety, reinforcing the importance of understanding and respecting the limits of both rider and horse.

Future Plans and Projects

Looking ahead, Brett aims to continue his dual roles as a competitor and coach. He plans to expand the Performance Riders program to the United States, collaborating with Australian eventing writer Boyd Martin to adapt their structured training methodology for American riders. “We're doing a collaboration with an eventing writer. [...] I'm really passionate personally about Bit like we're talking with Robin earlier, the. The development of a mass of people like, how can I get. How can I get more people, more knowledge and have them in control of their own training system?” (51:29)

Brett also intends to balance his competitive aspirations with his commitment to being a positive role model for his son, emphasizing the value of passion, hard work, and resilience.

Conclusion

Warwick wraps up the episode by acknowledging Brett's profound impact on the equestrian community through both his riding and coaching endeavors. He highlights Brett's dedication to fostering a knowledgeable and supportive environment for riders, ensuring that they can achieve excellence while maintaining a deep, respectful relationship with their horses.

Brett provides listeners with information on how to access his Performance Riders program by visiting performancewriters.com, where interested individuals can explore courses like Resilient Writing and learn more about his collaborative efforts with mindset coach Jonah Oliver.

Notable Quotes

• Brett on his first experience with dressage:

  “I just read this magazine back to front and little did I know that planted this seed.” (08:28)

• On embracing philosophy in horsemanship:

  “I wanted to love my horses and train my horses really well and not get forced into the whole forcey nature that can sometimes happen in any discipline.” (15:16)

• On the essence of his coaching program:

  “The best way is to equip yourself with knowledge, preferably share the same philosophy as your coach, and then spend your time writing, working on your skill set.” (26:11)

• Reflecting on personal failures:

  “If I can give my son some advice, it will be slow down, things will happen, things will come, and really enjoy every step of the way.” (43:31)

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a deep dive into Brett Parbury's multifaceted career, illustrating how his diverse experiences have shaped his unique approach to dressage and coaching. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring bond between rider and horse. Listeners gain valuable insights into the importance of mindset, structured learning, and maintaining a balanced life, making this episode a must-listen for equestrians and personal development enthusiasts alike.