Cat and Rachel inspire on their road to recovery

“I grabbed my bridle, my saddle, the clothes I’ve got on my back, $50 to my name and I walked out,” said Rachel Hill.

And there began one woman’s journey away from family violence in Shane’s Park in Sydney to her son in Tamworth.

Also on the 400 kilometre trek is Cat a 10 year old, 16 hands, thoroughbred ex-racehorse, which has been on his own road to rehabilitation. 

Rachel saw Cat advertised for free to a good home on Gum Tree, he had retired from racing and had been training jockeys at the Hawkesbury TAFE campus, when covid left him without riders and out of work.

“I raced straight over and when I got there, the second I saw him I had to take him,” said Rachel.

When asked if a retired racehorse was really the best pick for an endurance trek in unpredictable environments Rachel responded enthusiastically, “hell yeah!”

“He has shocked a lot of people, the poor old thoroughbreds haven’t got the best reputation, but he’s living proof they can be put through any obstacle,” she said.

“Nothing has phased him, we’ve had semi-trailers go screaming past beeping horns, you name it we’ve had it all, mind you when a kangaroo jumps out it’s a different story,” she laughed.

“He’s never let me down and he’s helped me along the way,” she said.

“He’s getting spoiled along the way by people who meet him too,” she said.

Rachel’s journey took a new turn two months ago when her former partner and father of her son, ended his own life. She had been in family violence for many years and had struggled to leave.

“It’s not easy as I say to everyone, each and everyone of us is conditioned to something, unfortunately some of us draw that straw of DV,” said Rachel.

“The mental abuse scares you for life, it kills your confidence, it kills everything,” she said.

“Breaking away is hard, I’m not one for change and it can be scary, but as I rode along it feels so much better to get a breath of fresh air.

“I ran into an old fella about a week ago and his words to me were ‘don’t give up, keep going, you’ll find yourself back on the ride’, and I think he’s right.

“As I rode into Aberdeen yesterday, it hit me, the reality kicked in.

“I saw horses running along the fence as we rode into town, right under the sign and I just broke down, and felt that I’ve made it, I’ve left.

“During this ride, we’ve raised awareness about depression, family violence and equine therapy, with people talking about their stories and offering support and encouragement, for both Cat and I.

“Westconnect, a domestic violence organisation, have been fantastic they purchased me a swag and a sleeping.

“I’ve been helped along the way and it’s boosted my confidence that there are still good people, people are different up here in the country.

“We hit some bad storms and the Lagoon Bed and Breakfast gave me a bed for the night and Cat a dry place to sleep, it was what we both needed to push on,” she said.

“Up here people out to help out and be behind you and support you, they’ll say g’day as you walk down the street, it’s a different breed in the city,” said Rachel Hill.

Today Rachel and Cat are in Scone, hoping to leave tomorrow with an extra companion for the last leg of their journey.

“I’ve been speaking with Racing New South Wales and St Hellier’s to see if there might be another thoroughbred which can travel with us and give Cat a rest,” said Rachel.

“So we’d love another companion if anyone can help,” she said.

“People have been so great, I called McCallum Inglis this morning to buy a bail of hay for Cat and they delivered it so quickly it was incredible.

“I’d also love any local advice for the journey we have ahead of us for people who may know.

“My mum has been ringing up every day, messaging every morning, checking where we are at and how we are going,” she said.

“I think they are a bit shocked, I don’t think they believed I was going to do it and they are still in disbelief,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to Facetiming my son to show him where I am and show him I’m on the way,” Rachel Hill said.

If you can help Rachel and Cat on the last leg of their journey, you can reach Rachel on 0455 230 737. Rachel was last seen on a mission to track down a public BBQ to cook some dinner tonight.

If you or anyone you know needs help contact:

• LifeLine 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• 1800Respect: 1800 737 732