In 1966...
Chuck and Marty Stephens were introduced to the arabian horse scene in 1966 by Ron and Val Males of Ralvon Stud and Erica and RM Williams of Rockybar Arabians. They had been asked to help plan and organize the first Tom Quilty 100 mile endurance ride.
Early '68 saw the purchase of Wee Khazib, a chestnut gelding, whose stories are legendary and very numerous. He impacted strongly on many people up til his death by stroke in '98. In late '68 Henley Farm purchased their first broodmare. And '69 heralded the birth of Henley Farm's first pure Arabian foal.
The '70's saw Chuck and Marty, along with their kids, expand their knowledge and skills extensively. They were heavily involved in all aspects of the organization of the Quilty and the NSW Division of the Arab Horse Society. They developed Hawkesbury's successful Stud Schools. Innovative shows such as the All Breeds Gelding Show, which demanded versatility from its competitors. Marty created and ran the Australian Arabian Roll of Merit. They were all founding members of the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association - ATHRA.
ATHRA has now expanded to all Australian states and was the driving force behind legistrating recreational tracks with 1978's National Mail Relay Ride from Cooktown, in Northern Queensland to Melbourne, in Victoria. A total distance of over 5,000 km. This track was renamed the Bicentennial Trail in 1988. Chuck and Kim traveled with, and ran the 'Bite The Bullet', Australia's first marathon endurance ride that ran from Sydney to Melbourne and covered 800km.
The '80's saw a move to Tumut in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains and a shift towards competition rather than organization. The kids, Kim and Tracy, saw much of the show ring and the endurance trails with a lot of success. Chuck served on the Australian Horse Council and spent time as President of NSW-ERA as well as AERA (Australian Endurance Riders Association). Marty continued to administer the Australian Arabian Roll of Merit and also ran the secretariate of NSW-ERA.
In the '90's a reduction of involvement occurred across the board due to work, health, and family commitments by everyone. Tracy became an Arabian judge and spent time teaching when other time commitments allowed. But through all this they still continued to produce some very good horses that can be found in most Australian states as well as internationally.
Another move in 2000, to Tumblong, and a more formal handover of the reins to Tracy occurred. Tracy hopes to continue using the breeding expertise of Marty, who has masterminded the excellent collection of horses that carry the Henley Farm stud name.
The future is looking exciting. They are now producing foals with five and six generations of Henley Farm horses behind them. There are more than a few Henley Farm Horses competing in endurance in the United Arab Emirates and other countries with some spectacular results. Tracy hopes to build on these successes and maybe even reconquer the show ring.
Jan 2001