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A 50’s Cowboy in the 21st Century

By John Crook

Way back in the 1950’s, the cowboys of the silver screen never gave thought that they would still have fans half a century later, albeit with most of the population not having any idea who the blazes were Hopalong Cassidy, Tom Mix, or Roy Rogers.

Diamond Porter who lives on Hanging Tree Wines property in the Hunter Valley (north of Sydney), not only remembers those names but, without doubt, he is the reincarnation of that cowboy set.

Always wanting to be a cowboy, Diamond realised his dream 25 years ago, after what he calls ‘a lifetime of leaning on a bar’, watching his life slip away.

Not only does he handle a horse just like those earlier movie stars, but horses such as ‘Stetson’, are his family. He talks with them. He is one of the horse whispering fraternity.

This cowboy of the 21st century dresses like a cowboy, talks like a cowboy,- is a cowboy, but with a slight difference. Using his talents as a horse whisperer he uses the world of horses as a place of corporate learning.

Out at Hanging Tree executives and staff of some of the biggest companies in the country turn up for his horsepower programs.

Other sectors of the community arrive on the scene to watch his interactive horse demonstration, or to partake in a two-hour one-on-one introductory horse whispering session, whilst horse-owners with ‘problem’ horses come along for a minimum of ten hours to learn the principles and philosophies of natural horsemanship.

You may very well ask ‘what do horses and the corporate world have in common?’ Diamond has the answer.

He says ‘ Horses are an accurate mirror of people’s energy and skill, adept at interpreting the genuineness of a leader.’

His team-building message for the corporate world is simple, easy to comprehend and workable. He reckons that horses inspire, whilst at the same time explore new levels of trust, bonding, confidence, courage and creativity. In fact, much the same as the principles which need to apply in the workplace.

Even for the cynically minded, Diamond’s genuine horsemanship and great love of his equine partners cannot be doubted.

The feeling of trust which he exudes whilst working his horses is rather catchy. Most times, those who have had a fear of these rather largish animals start to bond with them. Apprehension is replaced with a mix of acceptance, courage and indeed confidence,- just like Diamond said it would.

Each of his programs is interactive, whether it be a demonstration with a small group of tourists, or a full-on horsepower program from the suit and tie brigade. This means that it becomes a hands-on activity.

Hanging Tree is also part of the Australia’s Hunter Valley wine route, one of the 130-plus wineries, vineyards or cellar doors. So, after a day working the horses, learning how to be a good corporate citizen, brushing off the stray horse hair, our latter day cowboys and cowgirls head for the adjoining Hanging Tree Wines cellar door for a thirst quencher.

It’s after five and Diamond Porter has hung up his chaps, takes up his position behind the bar, and with a local wine in hand continues to play host, cowboy style.

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