Horses Are This Man's Business

A big man with suntanned face and broad grin steps up to a frightened horse and gently pats its neck. Soon they are firm friends.

In fact, winning the confidence of horses is the business of Bob Riley, 38-year-old horse-breaker, of Patutahi.

After a lifetime in the cattle country of Australia as boundary rider, drover, and stock inspector, Bob understands horses better than some men understand people.

Already Robert is an outstanding rider.

First step is to lassoo horse

Now he is handing on his knowledge to 13-year-old Robert Bryson, pictured with Bob.

Horse lets off a little steam

Since he settled in Patutahi four years ago, Bob has been breaking in horses at an average of 100 a year. By the time a horse has been with him for a fortnight, it can be ridden, tied to a hitching rail, shoed... in short, it is thoroughly well mannered.