Kristy Banks was a champion jockey, winning more than a hundred races from 800 starts. But her career came to a shattering halt New Years Eve 2011 when she was thrown from her horse at a race meeting in Toowoomba. Her injuries were catastrophic - a broken back, four broken ribs and a punctured lung - and they left her paralysed from the waist down. But that's not the end of Kristy's story - far from it.

Hear Kristy's incredible journey from a hospital bed to winning open barrel races - and why getting back in the saddle was about more than just learning to ride again.

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Ringers Western.

Host: Caitlyn Hewitt
Produced by: Caitlyn Hewitt, Joseph Maloney & Jessica Howard
Sponsored by: Ringers Western

Kristy Banks: Paraplegic Ex-Jockey Turned Barrel Racer

Hear stories of triumph and tenacity; heartache and loss from rodeo riders, outback ringers, cattle traders, bronze sculptors and more.

Sports

Our Final conversation for the season is one that needs to be had. Real and raw conversations seem to be the theme of the season, and something that we feel society needs more of. As Brett Pechey opens up, it’s obvious the heartache and despair in his voice about his personal experience with mental health and suicide. We acknowledge how hard this is for Brett to share and for some to hear.
But the hard conversations are always worth having.
They help create awareness, break the cycle and remind us that help and support surrounds us.
We thank you for listening to season 6 and hope you enjoyed the conversations as much as we did.  We will be taking a break as we knuckle down in other parts of our careers but will be back before you know it. If you have just discovered us and are wanting more, all of our previous  episodes are available on all the usual platforms and our website www.fromthesaddle.com.au. If you’re loving the content and want to hear more, make sure you leave a review.

Brett Pechey - Hard conversations are worth having

2023 has seen the largest flood on record in Northern Australia.
The scale of this flood is honestly mind blowing and for so many, it’s not only ripped through their land, it’s ripped through their homes, sheds, equipment and livestock. 



Today, Lach McClymont shares his personal insight and experience on the flood, cleanup, and management. At a time when we draw on our skill sets and instincts we are forced to make rapid decisions with the greatest intentions. Generational knowledge and todays monitoring technologies played a pivotal role in Lach and Camille's preparation and process.

Lach McClymont - Sharing his experience with the 2023 floods

As an enthusiastic 8 year old boy selling phantom bulls down in the shed, to now being known as a leading Auctioneer in Australia’s stud market, Wayne York holds the title of being the youngest to win the Australian National Young Auctioneering Competition at the age of 20. Wayne’s eye for cattle and passion for the success of a sale has certainly earned the respect of vendors and buyers. 



Throughout this interview Wayne and Caitlyn break down what it takes to do what he does, the pressure, the skill and the ability. The power of Wayne’s mind is intriguing to be able to do so many things at once. For every lot he’s selling, he’s reading the crowd, he’s watching the bull, articulating the facts and figures on him, and he’s recognising what each interested bidder may be looking to gain out of this purchase. Within moments, even seconds, he’s got the power to alter the sale.

Wayne York - Australia's sought after auctioneer

Life is about the journey - the experiences that lead us to the destinations. 20 years ago Jon Templeton ran his finger through a list of names and numbers and picked one. Completely oblivious to who he was calling, he was determined to start his career by getting a job training horses.
A humble and down to earth vibe, Jon and Caitlyn get pretty real about life as a Horse trainer. The lifestyle, Juggling a family and what momentarily took the passion and enjoyment out of his career.
We are now proud to have Jon Templeton's name listed as a guest on our playlist. Almost as good as that time he was listed in the credits as Hugh Jackman's riding double in the Baz Luhrmann movie - Australia.

Jon Templeton - Hugh Jackman's stunt double

Determined, capable and independent… Girlie Goodie pursued a career as a single female in an era that was dominated by Men.  At 83 years of age, Girlie talks about the journey, history and hurdles of what it’s taken to develop thick skin and accomplish a life of no regrets. She’s a true trailblazer in the Australian BEEF Industry.

Kristy Banks: Paraplegic Ex-Jockey Turned Barrel Racer

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