Meet our Guides: Brad and Michaela
The Kosciuszko Ride, Australia
The Kosciuszko Ride in Australia’s High Country is an extraordinary adventure guided by two extraordinary people: Brad Taylor and Michaela Lawless. Yep, that’s them in the middle, with the matching outfits! With a knack for giving each guest the experience they need, there’s no-one we’d rather have guiding our globetrotters through Kosciuszko National Park than this pair. They’ve got the know-how, the wisdom, the stories, the charisma, the culinary skills and the horses to give you the ride of a lifetime. Oh, and did we mention they make their own tack?! There’ll be no sore bums on this holiday!
While they had a quiet moment in between their saddlery endeavours in the off-season, we asked Brad and Michaela a few questions to help you get to know them ahead of your epic Kosciuszko Ride.
How long have you been running your riding outfit? And what was the background, history, reason for starting?
We have had our own outfit for about 2 years now. Prior to that, we both worked as a mountain guides for John Rudd (Brad for 10 years, Michaela for 2), who also used to run multi-day rides through Kosciusko National Park. We both also learnt saddle making under Peter Brophy in Queensland. We love the mountains and believe it’s one of the best places in the world to ride.
[Below: we all start somewhere!]
How many guest horses do you have?
On The Kosciuszko Ride, we take about 10 guest horses, a pack horse, 3 guide horses and a spare or two. The current herd consists of horses that we have bred and bought. Quarter Horses, Stock Horses, Clydie crosses, warmbloods, Brumbies, Gypsy Cobs. The horses we’ve bred have strong cow horse bloodlines, including Dually Cool and Chyna Plate.
Describe your herd of horses in four words.
Beautiful, willing, cooperative, surefooted.
What is the philosophy or ethos behind your horse riding experiences?
We want the experience to be a challenge, and we want people to see the history-rich, high plains of Kosciuszko National Park. We want people to be amazed at the places horses can go, and to understand that the area is absolutely unique with its amazing flora and fauna and ancient landscapes. We want people to connect with their horses, leave with some new tricks, and come back for some more…
What do you love most about your job?
We love watching the groups meet each other, then their horses, and how the horses can help people understand themselves. We love seeing the dynamic evolve into a group of lifelong friends with memories of one of the most beautiful places they have ever seen, on some of the most capable horses they have ever ridden.
What is the most challenging part?
Getting people to decompress quickly from their busy lives so they can connect with their horses, their new-found friends and the mountains. Whilst being safe!
What has been the most memorable or significant moment of your guiding careers?
Every day is significant. Staying in the moment is what horses do for us, and that’s why we love our work. We keep you in the moment, and that’s a real experience.
Why should globetrotters sign up for this ride?
It’s a part of our cultural identity, it’s like no other place in Australia. It’s expansive, breathtaking, and we want your mind to drift back to our expeditions years later.
A tip that every globetrotter must know before signing up for this ride:
Because you can drive into camp, you can bring your guitar, spoons, joke book, paintbrushes, jousting sticks – and warm clothes! It is the Snowy Mountains after all!
Finish this sentence: Don’t leave home without…
Some warm gear! [Again: it is the Snowy Mountains, after all!]
Ready to experience Australia’s legendary High Country with Brad and Michaela? Click HERE to book your saddle seat on The Kosciuszko Ride!