HIGH country legend Ken Connley, who lost a fight with cancer which prevented him from taking part in the recent brumby rescue, was the subject of a special tribute in the Victorian Parliament on Tuesday.
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Bill Tilley, who represents the electorate which shares the same name as Connley's hometown, Benambra, recounted an action-packed life in the mountains, which also included cameo appearances in movies including The Man From Snowy River.
Mr Connley died late last week, aged 74.
"The name Ken Connley is synonymous with the high country," Mr Tilley said.
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"Ken was a master horseman, on a horse or in the bush, he was without peer.
"But his contribution to the high country over the past 74 years was just as profound.
"He was always willing to share his high country with those who were willing to have a go, but they had to share his love of the country."
Mr Connley holds the record for the most wins in the Cattlemen's Cup at the annual Mountain Cattlemen's Association get-togethers and regularly competed in the Man From Snowy River Bush Festival.
He was recruited to perform the bush riding scenes in The Man From Snowy River movie from the early 1980s as the double for legendary actor Jack Thompson, who played the role of Clancy.
Mr Connley also appeared in other movies, Quigley Down Under, The Light Horsemen and Red Hill.
The latter movie starring Steve Bisley was set in the high country including the Omeo township.
Mr Connley also assisted on horseback in the 2005 search for a pilot and two passengers following a small plane crash near Mount Hotham.
"Australian folklore loves a legend, a rogue, a character," Mr Tilley said.
"Ken met all requirements and I can say he didn't die wondering.
"He was a passionate advocate for the protection and use of the high country and committed to the proper management of the brumby.
"When mountain men were able to catch, run and cull we didn't have a brumby problem. We had a tradition and a link to our past."
