Graham Salisbury’s name might be on the nominees list for the Senior Victorian Australian of the Year Award but, according to Graham, the nomination is really for Subzero.
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“If he had two legs he’d be nominated and be there but they wouldn’t accept a horse (for the nomination),” Graham said.
“So they said ‘what about Subbie’s partner, they go together’.”
Graham and the 1992 Melbourne Cup winner come as package deal and have been together for a long time as they continue to raise money for charity and make a positive difference in the aged and special needs communities
During their retirement, Graham has become a volunteer equine therapist and, along with Subzero, visit dozens of schools, hospitals, hospices and retirement villages each year.
“He’s got personality plus. He's a kind gentle giant who snuggles in to everyone he meets,” Graham said.
Graham said the reactions of terminally ill children when they interact with Subbie make it all worthwhile.
“That’s why we do it, when you see how they react to the horse and how he reacts to them. He knows they’re ill and puts up with anything,” Graham said.
Graham rode Subzero as clerk of the course in Melbourne for 17 years before retiring and adopting his equine mate.
“I taught him everything he knows,” Graham said. “This would be another great feather in his cap.”
