Brisbane born Geoff Wallen was born 5th generation horseman. His father Kevin Wallen was a well renowned A Grade racehorse trainer. His father operated one of the biggest riding schools in Brisbane with upwards of 100 horses. There are not many horse riders in Brisbane that did not pass through their front gate. Geoff grew up with most of his waking hours in the saddle, either teaching or training horses for re-sale. His father encouraged him to spend time with other leading trainers and horsemen to further expand and adapt his horsemanship skills.
Initially Geoff and his wife Wendy weren’t interested in breeding, only buying horses that suited their needs. However, that all changed when Geoff purchased a yearling colt from F Gough after winning his Led Colt class at the RNA. He was the grandson of a mare that Geoff held in the highest of regards in Bagdad Lass. “Lassie” was owned by Vic Gough and ridden by his daughter Vicki Gough. This colt was named Regal Power after being born the same day Might and Power won the Melbourne Cup. Geoff & Wendy reconsidered breeding when this colt was everything they ever wanted in a horse.
Geoff competed him at his first Futurity for a win in a very competitive field. This win was the first of many. Geoff and Regal Power headed to Scone for the ASHS National 3yo and in the rain had a heavy fall in the working which cost them the title. They returned the next year to Albury ASHS Nationals for the 4yo Maturity and came away with the win.
Regal Power won many awards including the prestigious Australian Stock Horse Society Prince of Wales National Trophy for excellence in various fields. He was an ultimate allrounder with many Campdraft wins and titles, many Futurity/Maturity/Open Challenge wins, main arena performances to being a lead horse for breakers. He could do it all. His natural ability and adaption to varying horse fields was passed onto his progeny.
Geoff and his children Kelly and Adam were riding and relishing in the success of this youngster when tragedy occurred. Unfortunately, in 2008 at 11 years of age Regal Powers career was cut short with him passing away with Hendra Virus while hospitalised at a Vet Clinic.
The Wallen family fortunately had two outstanding colts born that year. It was decided they would break in these typey colts and decide if their ability matched their looks for Sire material. Not only did Doongara Manpower and Doongara Powerade break in with Regal Power’s natural attributes and style they both went on to be extremely successful in the competition ring as well as successful Sires. Both these Sires being by the same Sire are extremely alike and equally successful.
Geoff always says it is his horses that make him look good.
Doongara Manpower is a Runner-Up ASHS National Futurity (to Doongara Powerade), 5th Cloncurry Stockmans Challenge, Runner-Up ASHS National Open Challenge, winner of many Campdrafts and many cutouts wins. In 2022 he was awarded the ASHS Commonwealth Bank Star of the Year Award for being an outstanding ambassador for the stockhorse breed. Manpower’s progeny is following in his footsteps and being very successful in many fields. His progeny receive great results at prominent sales.
The Wallen Family are passionate about breeding a horse for every need. This breed allows a horse to successfully Campdraft one weekend to be used successfully in the showring the next weekend.
