Kimberley sunsets and dust always make for a good photo, but this one tells a much bigger story.
Pictured above are Station Hands Lucy Shallcross from the Pilbara in Western Australia, Lucy Simpson from Southern NSW and Alyce Robben from Central Queensland after a long day's work at Blina Station in the West Kimberley.
The photo was taken following a particularly dusty afternoon in the yards during the station's first-round muster. The trio had spent the day working a breeder mob of around 1,500 predominantly Brahman cattle from one of Blina's stock camps known as Diamond Mine Camp.
Like many northern stations, the day started early and finished late. With cattle spread across vast areas of Kimberley country, the crew spent hours in the saddle gathering and moving stock through some challenging terrain.
According to Lucy, horses remain at the heart of Blina's mustering operation.
"Blina mainly uses horses to muster, along with one bike and two to three choppers. It had been a particularly big day for the horses with some tougher country to muster."
While helicopters help locate and move cattle across large distances, it is often the horses that do the hard yards once stock are gathered. Navigating timbered country, holding cattle together and working them through difficult terrain requires skilled horses and riders who can stay focused from sunrise to sunset.
This particular day had pushed both horses and riders to their limits.
"This shot was taken as we were just about to unsaddle, wash them down and give them a very well-deserved nose bag," Lucy said.
For anyone who has spent time on a cattle station, the photo captures a familiar moment. The work is done, the dust is hanging in the evening light, the horses are ready for a feed and the crew can finally take a breath before doing it all again tomorrow.
What makes the story even better is that this is the first season in the north for all three young women.
"It's our first year and so far we absolutely love it and it's such a beautiful part of the Kimberley to be working in."
The Kimberley has a way of getting under your skin - you can smell it. The country is tough, the days are long and the dust seems to find its way into everything. But ask most Station Hands why they keep coming back and you'll often get the same answer.
The people, the horses, the cattle and moments like this.
Welcome to life in the Kimberley.
By Simon Cheatham and special thanks to Lucy for her time and words. Posted in 13th September 2024 RFTTEJOBS Newsletter.
