Courtney KeilFor most Australians, the legend of Banjo Paterson’s The Man from Snowy River represents grit, courage and a certain brand of bush resilience.
For Courtney Keil and her father Steve, it’s about something even more personal.
The pair are preparing to saddle up for a five day horseback journey through Victoria’s High Country, the same rugged landscape immortalised in the 1982 film The Man from Snowy River, but their ride isn’t just about chasing an iconic Australian experience. It’s about raising awareness for prostate cancer and encouraging more men to get tested.
The trip was originally meant to happen last year. Instead, Steve was forced to postpone the ride after being diagnosed with prostate cancer at 63.
“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.
Now 65, Steve says he feels lucky his treatment went smoothly.
“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.
For the Keil family, horses have always been part of life.
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“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 “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.” says Courtney.
But the ride also carries deeper meaning.
“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.”
During the ride, the pair will spend four to six hours a day in the saddle, navigating historic High Country trails through Australian Alps terrain made famous by the film.
For Steve, the message behind the journey is simple.
“Prostate cancer is such a simple thing to test for, blokes just need to get out there and get tested.”
Courtney is also using her platform as an artist to help push the message further. The singer recently co-wrote a song with her father titled Just Like Flying, inspired by her grandfather’s life and the strength he showed during his own cancer journey.
“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.”
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men, with nearly 29,000 expected diagnoses in 2026.
CEO Anne Savage says the Keil family’s journey perfectly captures the spirit behind the campaign.
“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.”
Over the coming days, Steve and Courtney will share updates from the trail while raising funds and awareness along the way.
You can donate towards Courtney & Steve’s fundraiser here.
