Kent Saddlery - Kings Ropes

“Handled yearlings….. it goes well”

Lyle and Helen’s first encounter with “young Jimmy” was at Helen Springs Station in 2005 when he was visiting with his parents, and spending some time with his older brother Ben, who was working at the station. (Ben is now manager at Brunchilly Station.) Jimmy has since reminded us that he bought some Bull Riding gear; …. what might that have said about the young fifteen year old? He left school after Year 10, and in 2007 began a ringer’s life at Kamilaroi Station in Queensland’s Gulf. 2011 is Jimmy’s third year at Helen Springs, and he is an enthusiastic horseman, describing riding and handling horses as “one of the best things.” In 2009 he invested in a Kings Rope, and it’s been well used. “I’ve handled yearlings with it maybe fifty or sixty times, and it goes well.

Jimmy McGlynn
Helen Springs Station, Tennant Creek N.T

“YOU DON’T KNOW ME”

In 2009, Jimmy also had the misfortune of suffering extensive head injuries resulting from a fall off a motorbike (colliding with a beast in bad light.) For
this dedicated young ringer it’s been a slow but steady recovery, and “massive fatigue” is a major hurdle to overcome. Assisted by the support of family and friends, and strengthening himself with a big dose of sheer determination,

he‘s coming through. “The doctors kept telling me, “you won’t get back to where you were before the accident” Jimmy retaliated, “You don’t know me!"

Hundreds of people across North Queensland and the Northern Territory DO know Jimmy, and have been amazed at his return to health and strength.

In May 2011, and unbeknown to Jimmy, his sister-in-law Vikki, at Brunchilly Station nominated him for the Northern Territory’s “Best Ringer” award. Someone came to interview Jimmy about work at Helen Springs, and his
aspirations for the future. The casual questions turned out to be part of the judging process. Much to Jimmy’s astonishment, he won the award! This was followed by an interview with ABC radio during the Nixon’s Campdraft.

As 2011 progressed, the position for headstockman at Helen Springs became vacant, and Jimmy felt ready to take it on. Jimmy has found that it’s really good working for manager Chris Towne. “I’m taking on a heap more responsibility, which is a good challenge.”

Here is a young man who has faced a huge challenge, and continues, with tenacity and grit, to accept ongoing challenges. It’s very likely he’ll handle many more yearlings, and give that Kings Rope a thorough work out.