Woodenbong- Industry achievers

Upper Clarence manufacturer of specialty riding gear, Paul McKey had a well-deserved feeling of pride as he watched the winner of the Melbourne Cup ride into the winner’s circle.

Champion Jockey Scott Seamer and his winning mount Ethereal were carrying girth, surcingle and breast plate [the straps that keep the saddle on the horse] made by Paul at his Koreelah Road workshop.

Paul and Scott have been good friends over the years that Paul has been supplying the racing industry on the North Coast and South East Queensland with individually made riding equipment.

“Scott is a perfectionist and has always had his riding gear individually designed to suit his own requirements” said Paul. ”His dedication to the industry has always been on the highest professional basis, he is focused on his responsibilities from the time he first gets his ride until he is back in the jockey’s room”

Paul began manufacturing riding gear in1992 and soon developed a reputation for quality and service within the racing industry; He attended every race meeting with his equipment and was soon being called upon by jockeys in urgent need of replacement riding gear between races.

By listening to the feedback of the jockeys Paul soon learned that many had special requirement that were not being met within the market.

It was the good advice from friends suck as Scott Seamer that put Paul on the right track in the racing industry and his manufacturing business has never looked back.

Paul has expanded his range of manufactured equipment to include horse blankets and saddlebags.

McKey riding gear is now marketed in Japan, the first items were sent seven years ago and the demand has grown steadily each year.

“Being in a small isolated place up in the mountains is not a disadvantage any more with electronic marketing we are open to the world.” Said Paul, Good quality and reliable follow-up service if needed is the way to build a good reputation within any industry, and people should not be afraid to try” Paul said.

McKey riding gear has also been a winner in Sydney with jockey Lenny Beasley in the prestigious Golden Slipper.