Made famous by bush poet Banjo Paterson and immortalised on screen, The Man from Snowy River has long symbolised Australian resilience and courage.
Inspired by that same spirit, prostate cancer advocate Steve Keil, 65, is taking to the saddle with his daughter, one of Australia's standout country music singers, Courtney Keil, for a five -day High Country ride, turning an iconic Australian journey into a powerful call for Australian men to get tested for prostate cancer, the nation's most diagnosed cancer.
The ride was originally planned for March 2025, but had to be postponed after Steve, then 63, was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
"Everything was booked and paid for. You have to book months out because it's very popular. We had to delay it because I had to go in for a procedure following my prostate cancer diagnosis," Steve said.
Steve, of Terrigal in New South Wales, feels extremely fortunate that his partial prostatectomy via laser enucleation and TURP went well, and he had no complications from the surgery.
"It was instant relief. It was fantastic. I had a bit of a relapse in October. It wasn't directly related to the prostate cancer, but I had other pain issues. I had a procedure a couple of weeks ago that relieved all that. I'm now fighting fit and ready to go," Steve added.
Steve's love of horses started at a young age, with frequent time spent in country Australia.
"It's something I've always loved, and it's something our family has always loved. Even my grandparents kept horses. It's a real passion for both of us.
"Courtney has also had a deep connection to horse riding for most of her life, and the Snowy River Ride has always been something Dad and I have wanted to do together.
"We both love the movie. It's one of those iconic Australian childhood films. It felt like a special activity to do together".
Courtney Keil, a country-pop artist who has multiple chart-topping singles and more than half a million streams, continues to cement her place as one of Australia's rising country music talents.
She wants to use the ride and the stage to help spread awareness of the disease that kills 3,975 men each year.
"My grandfather, Dad's dad, lived with the disease for over 15 years before passing away in 2020.
"It's something that's been in our family for a while," Courtney said.
"Dad's diagnosis brought it very close to home again. It affects so many families across Australia."
The pair will spend four to six hours in the saddle each day, covering historic High Country terrain, made popular by the 1982 movie The Man from Snowy River, over five days. The ride is operated by a multi-generational local family, 'Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides', with deep ties to the region.
While the ride fulfils a lifelong dream for both Steve and Courtney, it also carries a clear lifesaving message.
"Prostate cancer is such a simple thing to test for," Steve said.
"Blokes just need to get out there and get tested."
Courtney recently co-wrote a song with her father honouring her grandfather's life and legacy, reflecting the strong family bonds that underpin the ride.
Just Like Flying, inspired by her grandfather's life, reflects the resilience, humility and strength he passed down to others,
"As women, we're often more comfortable talking about health," she said. "We can help encourage the men in our lives to have those conversations and book the test. If it's not you, it's someone you know."
Steve and Courtney will share updates from the ride and are encouraging the community to support their fundraising efforts.
Anne Savage, CEO of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, said the ride captures the enduring spirit celebrated in Banjo Paterson's writing.
"The Man from Snowy River has long symbolised courage, determination and backing yourself when the odds are steep.
"To take a quote from the movie, many men like Steve are hard, tough and wiry. Just the sort that won't say die.
"When it comes to prostate cancer, that same courage is needed, not in the mountains, but in taking that simple step to book a PSA test."
To donate to the Man from Snowy River Horseback Experience, please visit: https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/stephenkeil
