By Jordan Gerrans
Jockey Robert Faehr thinks it is the greatest decision he has ever made.
From struggling with debt and battling to get race rides to now being on the verge of buying a house and completing a full book of engagements every Saturday afternoon.
The Faehr family have completely turned around their prospects in the space of a year or so.
Jockey Faehr, his partner Cherie Vick and their three kids made the big call to relocate to Longreach for the 2022 season and they have not looked back since.
The 40-year-old hoop collected the Central West riders premiership and as the 2023 campaign commences this Saturday afternoon at Blackall, Faehr has reminisced about the life-changing decision.
The western areas of the Sunshine State have struggled with jockey numbers at times in recent years and Faehr and his family took the plunge and have come out smiling.
“It was hard and stressful,” Faehr said of his life before relocating to Longreach.
“Juggling the kids, the horses, work and all those commitments.
“My missus has come out here and got a better job.
“We are going ahead in leaps and bounds as a family.
“We are getting on top of everything, get our debts paid and we can see light at the end of the tunnel now since we have moved here.
“I look at some jockeys getting one ride a weekend living on the coast, I do not know how they survive.”
Faehr enjoyed success living on the coast, winning the Bundaberg and Gympie jockey of the year titles previously, but still often found himself battling for regular race opportunities.
Longreach Jockey Club president Andrew Watts said stables in the Central West and beyond were always looking for more riders.
“Robbie’s last year or so is a perfect example of opportunities that are there for jockeys in the western areas of Queensland,” Watts – who also calls the races in the area - said.
“He uprooted his family and moved to Longreach and he reaped the rewards almost straight away by winning the Central West jockeys premiership.
“We all know there is a jockey shortage at times in certain areas of Queensland but if jockeys are keen to make the move to these areas, there is money to be made and almost a guaranteed full book of rides every weekend.
“I encourage any jockey who is not getting regular rides on the coast or around Brisbane to speak to someone like Robbie and hopefully learn from his experiences and give the Central West a chance.”
Vick had trained for almost a decade before relocating to Longreach but has since taken a job outside the racing industry to allow Faehr to be a "stay-at-home" father.
The veteran hoop collected 26 winners last season, the most he has piloted since the 2013-14 campaign.
In doing so, he won the Central West premiership, which came with a $3,300 prize from the local association and sponsors.
He travelled between Mount Isa and Cunnamulla and to many tracks in between to ride last year.
The family have three children – aged two, four and 12 – who are relishing life in the bush.
“Everyone has supported us as a family out here in Longreach, they are great people,” Faehr said.
“The entire family loves it out here, the missus and the kids.
“As a family we have been able to pay off our debts and we are never leaving Longreach as my partner has a good job outside of racing now.
“Instead of getting deeper and deeper into debt trying to make a living, we have found it easier to make a living out here.
“We are thinking of buying a place out here to live in the near future.
“She still loves the race horses but she has a good job outside of racing that allows me to look after the kids during the week.”