Lifelong Queenslander remembered as loving father and passionate horse legend

An Arabian horse breeding and training legend — known by celebrities and royalty across the globe — has been remembered as a devoted father who dedicated his life to the breed.

Warwick Toft introducing Georgia to Polaca (imported from Spain). Picture: Courtesy of the Toft Family

A lifelong Ipswich local, devoted dad, and fiercely passionate Arabian horse breeder, trainer and rider has left a community in mourning after losing his seven-year battle with dementia.

Warwick Andrew Toft, 61, took his final breaths on April 11 with his wife Helen and daughters Georgia, 27, and Madeline, 23, by his side.

Mrs Toft, 59, and the girls fought endlessly to honour Mr Toft’s wishes to remain at home and with his cherished horses and dogs until his final few days.

Mr Toft started his journey in the Arabian Horse industry at just 2-years-old when his parents Jill and Gordon Toft opened the Bremervale Arabian Stud at Amberley, before the stud was later moved to Raceview and then Fernvale in 2000.

Warwick and Jill Toft. Picture: Courtesy of the Toft Family

The horseman spent his life alongside the animals and became a partner in the family’s stud, alongside his mum, after his father died.
Mr Toft became a powerhouse within the Arabian horse world, with his vision helping shape the industry both within Australia and internationally.

“The name ‘Bremervale — Jill and Warwick Toft’ became synonymous around the world with beautiful, athletic horses who had incredibly gentle and sweet dispositions,” his daughter Georgia said.

She said her father devoted his life to horses and was widely known for having a special connection with them.

“Dad loved his horses, but more importantly, his horses loved him.”

Warwick Toft and Bremervale Destiny. Picture: Courtesy of the Toft Family

“The face, heart and soul of Bremervale — he danced around the ring with so many beautiful horses,” Alicia Rosewall, a former buyer said.

From his closest loved ones to American music stars to Middle Eastern royalty, Ms Toft said her father touched and changed the lives of all those he interacted with.

“A special friendship that developed between Dad, Jill and Mr Las Vegas himself (Wayne Newton), was founded over WN Dasjmir (the horse) who Bremervale imported from the USA,” she said.

“His passion and talent took dad around the world.

“Bremervale sold horses to the Royal Stables of Dubai, Royal Stables of Abu Dhabi, Royal Stables in Saudi Arabia, Royal Stables in Thailand.”

Bremervale horses have won countless awards worldwide and there is a Bremervale horse on every continent in the world, bar Antarctica.

Warwick Toft. Picture: Courtesy of the Toft Family

Besides his devotion to the Arabian Horse breed, Ms Toft said her dad was a deeply kind and caring man that did whatever he could for anyone who crossed his path.

“No matter what, dad always had a smile on his face, and that smile was even bigger when he was with his dogs, horses and two daughters,” she said.

“Dad was such a kind and gentle soul. No matter if he had just won an Australian National Championship title, or was taking a yearling to their first show, he always made time for everyone.

Warwick Toft with wife Helen and daughters Georgia and Madeline. Picture: Courtesy of the Toft Family

“He always made sure to stop and have a chat with people, asked about their families and would lend a helping hand to anyone who asked.”

His daughters were described by friends as being “the prides and joy of his life” and to the girls, Mr Toft was their hero.

“He truly was the best dad — even if he had been up three or four times a night to check on mares close to foaling, or having checked the irrigators were still running in the paddock at midnight, he would always make time to help with us with homework (or) study, chuck the footy or go for a run down the road,” Ms Toft said.

“He was superman in our eyes and instilled in us the importance of a hard work ethic from a very young age.”

Warwick Toft and family. Picture: Courtesy of the Toft Family

The last seven years were devastating after Mr Toft was diagnosed with dementia at just 55.

His loved ones recalled the difficulties they encountered as they watched him battle the disease, but described the worst aspect as being the change in how people treated him.

“People who had known dad for 20, 30 and even 50 years started talking about him and not to him. They stopped picking up the phone to chat or inviting him to events, they started trying to dictate to him how to live his life, even when he still had capacity and, given the time, could clearly articulate what he wanted,” Ms Toft said.

“As soon as people knew dad had dementia, too many treated him like a second-class citizen, or simply like he didn’t exist at all.”

Dementia is the recognised as the leading cause of death among women and the second-most leading cause in men in Australia.

Warwick Toft. Picture: Courtesy of the Toft Family

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2018 there were more than 219,000 Australians living with the disease.

Despite this, the illness is still heavily shrouded in stigma.

“There is a lot of work still to be done in Australia to help break down that stigma, and to remind everyone that people living with dementia are still humans- humans that love, feel, think and deep down know what they want and how they want to live, you just need to be willing to take the time to listen and read the signs,” Ms Toft said.

Mr Toft’s funeral is scheduled to be held at the Chapel of Centenary Memorial Garden, corner of Wacol Station and Wolston Roads, Sumner at midday on Wednesday.

Originally published as Lifelong Queenslander remembered as loving father and passionate horse legend