Just when you think you know him, there’s still more to discover. Walter Berger’s latest book turns a lifetime of riding, photographing, and adventure into stories of delight. Gazette journalist Afraa Kori reports.
A Gembrook equestrian, photographer and traveller has added another creative pursuit to his list—becoming a published author.
Walter Berger has released his first literary book or a small anthology, titled ‘Walter’s Little Book of Horse Wisdom’.
“I’ve added another string to my bow,” he said with excitement.
In a “curious twist of fate”, horses have become the “unlikely spark” that’s driven him to write, even if they don’t take “center stage”.
“The book circles around horse‑related themes, sometimes directly, sometimes from the edges,” Walter said.
“Many chapters apply just as easily to life beyond horses, especially if you don’t take things too seriously. The common thread is simple: the horse is the source.”
For Walter, “writing has been a natural evolution rather than a sudden leap.”
“There is writing and there is writing. As a photographer at PhotoSouth I have been trying to produce at least one photo book a year,” he said.
“Over the last decade or so this has progressed to being more a pictorial travel diary with accompanying text.
“Originally that text was just a collection of facts strung together, but it has evolved into including my thoughts and observations.”
The idea for the book began unexpectedly after Berger and his horse Griffin earned a 100‑point dressage award with the Horse Riding Clubs Association of Victoria (HRCAV).
Following the achievement, he was invited to contribute monthly to a magazine known as Chaff Chat by Dez.
Rather than writing a typical competition recap, Walter added humour, irony and a touch of self-deprecation.
“Usually the ideas came in my musings in the car or on the tractor, though sometimes I wrote to order,” he said.
“After a year, I realised these equestrian‑themed essays belonged together. With some extensive rewrites to keep the tone consistent, the book began to take shape.”
With extensive rewrites to ensure a consistent tone, the book gradually took shape.
While he is well known for photography, having produced multiple travel photo books and received recognition from the Australian Photographic Society—this project places the written word at the centre of the storytelling.
“With photography there is very little left for the viewer to imagine, so you have to be very good to capture the story in a single frame,” Walter explained.
“You can say things a photo cannot, or that are hard to show. You can say ‘happy, sad, angry,’ and it is instant clarity. The reader fills in the rest.”
Walter’s life has long been shaped by horses. What began as trail riding at Tonimbuk Farm grew into a deep commitment to equestrian sport, including dressage, showjumping and horse trials.
Over time, he realised riding is less about control and more about humility.
“Horses taught me to look for the small truths: the flick of an ear, the twitch of a muscle, the quiet moments that say more than any trophy shot.”
Those same lessons run through the book, often told with humour and reflection.
One essay in particular captures Berger’s philosophy: “Keep riding. Keep fixing. Keep showing up. Because the day you stop is the day the weeds win. And bugger that.”
The book launch is scheduled to take place at The Trading Stables in Officer, a fitting location for a horse-themed collection.
Early feedback from those who have read draft copies has been encouraging.
“My aim to amuse and inform seems to have been accomplished,” Walter said.
“In some ways, this book puts my thoughts on paper and lets people understand me a little better, not just the bloke who rides horses, kills weeds, and takes photos.
“And who knows how these real, physical copies will be seen in the future? Hopefully on a shelf, and treasured.”
The official launch will take place this month at The Trading Stables in Officer, a fitting home for a horse‑themed book.
Looking ahead, Walter expects writing will continue alongside his photography projects and travels, with upcoming trips to the European Alps, Mont Blanc and Mongolia planned.
