Man from Snowy River 2011
(First published in Australian Performance Horse magazine Jun-Jul 2011).
ARTICLE/ PHOTOS: James Vereker
Man From Snowy River 2011
The World’s Greatest Stockman’s Challenge
If you want a seat in the
crowd of over 3000 to see the exciting Sunday afternoon finals of the “Stockman’s
Challenge” at Corryong - in the foothills of Victoria’s High Country– you need
to get here early!
There is no better event in the stock horse world for ‘thrilling
action’ than the final of the “Brumby Catch”- featuring a string of fleet-footed
bolters, nasty high-kickers and cunning dodgers - testing Australia’s ‘Top-10’ best
stockmen. The final decider is always the ‘lottery’ of the “Stocksaddle
Buckjump”, when favourites are ejected, or an eight-second ride, gives a new
champion a share in over $40,000 in cash and prizes - in this “Planet Power”
sponsored challenge – held over the first three days of April.
Challenge co-ordinator, Jodie Grzeschka scheduled a full-field
of 70 junior, open, veteran and women riders in 10 teams for the six
preliminary events. “We had waiting lists for all categories”, says Jodie. “Seeing
the variety of competitors displaying their horsemanship is always a great thrill.”
Preliminary Events
Teams rotate from the Friday through the preliminary events, which
culminate in the cross-country on the Saturday afternoon. One course feature is
the 'water obstacle' where riders often gallop into a creek and flounce through
a hidden 'plunge pool' that submerges many a horse and rider! Tony Webb was not
fazed and blitzed the field with a score of 97 points, riding his mare,
‘Hartigans Lena’.
Another favourite obstacle is on the “Packhorse” course, where
riders lead their packers ‘high-stepping’ over three low hurdles. Here, Adam
Wheeler finished his round with a score of 96 – just clear of Neale Green.
The ultimate test of the relationship between horse and rider
is the “Bareback Obstacle”, where unexpected ‘tricks’ in the freestyle section are
entertaining! From liberty routines by Christy Connor with ‘Sisco’, to Bronson
Macklinshaw crouching and cannily balancing ‘Scooter’s’ front and rear leg on
his thigh - while cracking a whip: onlookers can only marvel at such
horsemanship!
The judges were also wowed by a commanding bareback course display
from Scott Bandy on his stock horse stallion, ‘Knights Top That’. Equal-second
were Stephen Connor and Lorraine Dutton.
The “Whip Crack” course was a hard one, riding at a fast
canter over jumps and cutting targets with a ‘Stockman’s Crack’. The target
papers were rolled tight and difficult to cut cleanly. Hay bale jumps added to
the ‘cracking action’ for spectators. Brett Laney hit the most targets on
‘Bemboka’ from Adam Wheeler and Jason Lee.
“Horse-shoeing” is a difficult skill to master. Sound
preparation of the hoof and a snug-fitting shoe, finished cleanly, are the
hallmarks of the trade. Horse trainer and trick rider, Christy Connor, became ‘the
first woman to win the event’ from experienced horsemen like Dean Hann.
Country and city-based competitors alike need livestock mustering
experience. In the “Stock-handling” rounds, observation skills to ‘lay-off’ at
critical points, when herding steers on the approach to gates, are the
difference between an exit, or a disastrous scatter! Ben Campbell on
‘Bucklaroo’ led the muster on 96 points, with Kirby Nankervis, Adam Wheeler and
Stuart Webb, all tailing him by one.
Challenge Scores
At the end of the preliminary events, there was a tie for
honours in the “Junior Challenge” between Lane Pendergast and William Harrison,
while Mary Williams was the “Highest-Scoring Junior Female”.
A new order emerged amongst the open ladies. Rising star,
Malory Nankervis riding ‘Jack’, was the “Highest Scoring Woman” (after graduating
from the juniors) and placed an impressive 16th overall. She was followed by
sister, Megan in 20th place outright, from last year’s winner, Christy Connor,
riding her new horse, ‘Sisco’. Third sister, Kirby, finished fourth and 27th
overall - completing an impressive Nankervis ‘sorority challenge’!
When the Top-10 stockmen were tallied, former finalist Adam
Wheeler led the scores from last year’s “Rookie Rider” winner, John Mitchell
and dual-champion, Scott Bandy. Brett Laney joined them as the new Rookie
Rider, followed by experienced finalists Ben Campbell, Stephen Connor and past
winner, Dean Hann. Other new contenders included Brad Malone and former
bull-riding champion, Darren Towns and experienced competitor, Jason Lee.
Consistent challenger Chris Caslick, won the veteran section
for the third time.
Challenge Finals
Fine weather heralded the finals in the rodeo arena and a
capacity crowd. After all challenge competitors and finalists were presented, the
audience was entertained by the comedic “Animal Wranglers” before the Brumby
Catch.
A big black brumby was first out of the chute and Brad Malone
on ‘Double Twist’ gave chase. He collared the beast after a dozen circuits and
fitted the halter within the three-minute limit.
Stephen Connor, riding ‘Morton’, had more throws than a
‘two-up’ game on “Anzac Day”, as he chased a wily brumby that ran, kicked and
baulked. His rope dangled around its ears and travelled there far more than
when it was off. Stephen gained points for a percentage effort!
Brett Laney made a confident chase but as the speed waned and
circuits reduced… danger loomed for the Rookie Rider. A rear barrage of hooves
at saddle height, rained from the experienced ‘high-kicker’ as the crowd gasped
but hopes of getting on its shoulder lapsed - like the seconds on the clock!
Within a couple of rounds, Scott Bandy had his arm over the
brumby’s shoulder, guiding it to a slower pace… and when it turned, he deftly placed
the halter on the head and pulled it tight. Caught in less than a minute!
Ben Campbell had a longer chase but as he pressed the brumby
closer to the fence until a halt, he slipped the collar on before it had time
to baulk away.
In the Stocksaddle Buckjump both Jason Lee and Darren Towns
were soon ejected by their broncos, while Brad Malone stayed the distance,
cracking his whip on his ‘straight-line bucker’ and firmed as favourite with
the crowd. Adam Wheeler held on to complete his ride but Ben Campbell ended up,
grounded!
Scott Bandy came out cracking as his bronco bucked across the
arena, greeting the bell and easing down. John Mitchell began gamely, flogging
his whip on his ‘twister’ but he soon bit the dirt. Dean Hann’s bronco bounded
out quickly, as he flung the stockwhip but was jettisoned. Brett Laney went
sideways as his bronco veered and stirrup slipped. Finally, Stephen Connor
lurched precariously but kept his seat enough to crack his whip for the bell
and made a final dive to end the Challenge.
Brad Malone won the Stocksaddle Buckjump and earned second
place overall but was 53 points in arrears of the winner. Stephen Connor came
third.
Scott Bandy had dominated the competition with a score of 94
points in the Brumby Catch and a solid Stocksaddle Buckjump ride too. Clearly,
the Tumut-based farm manager is in a-class-of-his-own, being ‘The First
Challenge Champion to Record Three Victories’ including 1996 and 2000.
The title recognises his ‘best all-round horsemanship’ - in
the spirit of High Country stockmen - like the mythic rider chasing a Brumby
mob in AB Paterson’s legendary poem, “The Man From Snowy River”.
Visit www.bushfestival.com.au
for challenge results and festival information. See more Man From Snowy
River Challenge 2011 photos at www.horsephotographics.com.au ©James Vereker 2011
(First published in Australian Performance Horse magazine Jun-Jul 2011).
King of the Ranges 2011
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(First published in Australian Horseman magazine Jul-Aug 2011).
Story and photos by James Vereker
King of the Ranges 2011
Competition for the Stockman’s
Challenge at Murrurundi – ‘Crown of the Upper Hunter’ – is getting stronger
each year. Finals for the ‘Top-5’ women and ‘Top-3’ juniors have also boosted
interest.
The snuffle and chomp from a nose bag; the scrape of a dog
chain on a float’s mudguard and barking, echoing away.... These are sounds that
permeate the night camp ‘when you circle the wagons’ for the annual stockman’s
challenge at Murrurundi, held on the first weekend of May.
PRELIMINARY EVENTS
Over 60 competitors fronted for the compulsory “Vet Gear
& Skills Check” at 6:30am on the Friday to qualify for the preliminary
events. “It’s a privilege to compete in challenge
events and show your skills”, says experienced competitor, Jason Lee of Batlow
in Victoria. There is also the added incentive of performing well on aggregate to
be amongst the open ‘Top-10’, who compete in the finals and share in over
$40,000 in cash and prizes.
Entrants are divided into teams and rotate through six events,
over two days. The challenge is designed to test the skill and endurance of
each horse and rider combination similar to what a stockman and ‘old-time’
horse-breaker working in the bush would do. Mustering cattle in the ranges and
to catch and ride a brumby is the inspiration for the stockman’s challenge and title
of “King of the Ranges”.
The “Whip Crack” was regarded as ‘a great course’ involving
cutting targets on horseback with a stock whip and a ‘skill-at-arms’ section
using a lance – finishing with a freestyle display on horseback. Julian Harris
was first, followed by both Lane Pendergast and Samuel Webb equal-second and
William Harrison in third place.
In the “Stock-handling”, rookie Rob Bandy, scored highest followed
by Wade Miles and Jayson Nairne. Kirsty Sullivan, who normally competes as a
polo player, top-scored in the “Bareback Obstacle” from Dan Lindley and John
Mitchell,
In the “Packhorse”, Bronson Macklinshaw took the honours from
Christy Connors, Ben Fahey and Dave Blundell – all equal-second on points. Dave
Winter took out the “Horse-shoeing”, adding to his achievements as a farrier in
national and international competitions – followed by Lane Pendergast and David
Andrews.
The final preliminary event is the “Cross-Country” held on
the Saturday afternoon. Set on a scenic slope above the town, the course
nestles beneath the towering escarpment of the “Great Dividing Range”. There
are 20 jumps, mainly logs, over a two-kilometre course with riders leaving at one-minute
intervals. A vet check ten minutes after the event determines the results. “Any
increase above your horse’s resting heart rate is deducted from the total
score”, says Tony Webb, who completed a perfect jumps round and ended with 98
points but below top-scorers Linda Cossar and Cody Ballard on 98.8.
At the conclusion of the preliminary events, all interest is
in the aggregate scores and who qualifies for the finals with this year – a
‘Top-10’, ‘Top-5’ and ‘Top-3’.
CHALLENGE FINALISTS
Defending open champion Lachie Cossar ranked first, ahead of Rob
Bandy and Bronson Macklinshaw. In the women, Kirsty Sullivan finished top, followed
by Sarah Connley with defending champion, Lorraine Dutton and open finalist,
Christy Connor equal on points. Top-scoring juniors were Lane Pendergast and
William Harrison, who came equal-first at the “Man From Snowy River Challenge”,
Corryong and Cody Ballard ranked third.
An exciting final series was anticipated for the Sunday afternoon
with the added attraction of women’s and juniors’ finals. Morning events
included the “State-of-Origin Barrel Races” with teams representing New South
Wales and Queensland pairing off to go head-to-head entertaining the crowd. Next,
the finals of the “Australian Working Dog High Jump Championship” saw handlers
competing for $1000 in prize money. This competition featured disadvantaged
youths partnered with dogs, which are part of a successful job skills program
run by “BackTrack Youthworks” out of Armidale, NSW.
The highlight for children and the ‘young-at-heart’ is the
finals of the “Goat Races” – a unique Murrurundi entertainment. Goats are
harnessed to carts and helmeted drivers grip the reins for a rollicking ride,
which often leads to various thrills and spills for boys and girls as the crowd
barracks.
FINALS ACTION
A crowd of over 2000 were in attendance as the Top-3 juniors
participated in a timed “Obstacle Course” on horseback, cracking targets and
finishing carrying a billy of water. Lane Pendergast was the clear winner from
Cody Ballard and William Harrison. The women followed suit - taking the
obstacle course for the first of their finals - with Kirsty Sullivan asserting
her lead in the aggregate, followed by Lorraine Dutton, Christy Connor, Louise
Turner and Sarah Connley.
Ladies had the option after their obstacle course of taking a
steer ride - with Christy Connor, Lorraine Dutton, Kirsty Sullivan and Louise
Turner - riding a beast. The rides were short-lived with Kirsty and Louise having
heavy falls but all was ok.
In the women’s “Wild Horse Catch” headstalls were not pre-fitted
like last year and as a consequence, the ‘wild broncos’ proved too cunning for
riders trying to sneak up to their shoulder and throw a halter rope with any
chance of success. Chasing from behind also meant the risk of getting kicked from
the bronco.
Sarah Connley had an unsuccessful pursuit, while Christy
Connor had a high-speed chase and nabbed the bronco. However, the horse
suddenly tore sideways and took Christy with it holding the halter rope,
unseating her for a ‘no score’!
Lorraine Dutton chased her steed but wasn’t able to outsmart
it in the stoppages. Louise Turner led a long pursuit, interspersed with plenty
of baulking from her ‘wild horse’ but without a catch. Kirsty Sullivan made
some attempts but kept a respectful distance after her bronco lashed out behind.
After these two finals, Kirsty Sullivan was declared “Women’s
Champion 2011”, defeating last year’s winner Lorraine Dutton and Sarah Connley,
in third place. The women finalists enjoyed the opportunity to show their
horsemanship before a large enthusiastic crowd.
A precursor to the open Wild Horse Catch was a demonstration of
riding a brumby by 14-year-old Angus Paradice, which was bought after last
year’s challenge finals. “He was an easy horse to train”, says the novice horseman,
who showed they make good saddle horses.
In the open Wild Horse Catch, Dan Lindley fitted-up the
halter with plenty of time for a controlled lead. Defending champion Lachie
Cossor made a quick catch, after which his brumby rankled and reared - falling
down at one stage but he got it to lead despite its ‘breakouts’. Rob Bandy
surprised onlookers by approaching his brumby quietly as it stood calmly and
allowed him to fit the halter before it realised the folly. A catch in less than
10 seconds! Once tethered the brumby tested its constraint and reared at times
but remained controlled by the experienced horseman.
Bret Jones was led a merry dance as his brumby baulked and
weaved with throws ending wide of the target. Bronson Macklinshaw caught his
brumby at the gallop with a nicely timed throw and with plenty of time left to
control it to conclude the Wild Horse Catch. Dave Winter achieved a top-score
of 90 points from veteran, Dave Blundell.
In the “Stocksaddle Buckjump” Bret Jones held on cracking as
his bronco circled till the bell and Dan Lindley also made time. Bronson
Macklinshaw was even able to skylark and ‘wave to his mum’ as his bronco sped
around the arena.
Lachie Cossor began well but his bronco bucked straight for
the fence with him falling head-first but the horse veered sideways to avoid a
collision. Rob Bandy had a superb ride, making the most of every buck to flail
his whip, gaining 88 points to win the Stocksaddle Buckjump and stamp his
authority over the opposition. On aggregate, he finished 17 points clear of Dan
Lindley, who was followed by Bronson Macklinshaw. Clearly, the ‘Top-3’.
Rob Bandy, the new “King of the Ranges” for 2011, received
the winner’s cheque of $10,000 from major sponsor “Jurox” and a trophy saddle from
“Marsh Carney Saddlery”. He dedicated his victory to brother, Scott, a former
winner, who is recovering from a rodeo accident.
See more King of the Ranges photos at www.horsephotographics.com.au ©James Vereker 2011
(First published in Australian Horseman magazine Jul-Aug 2011).
Snowy River Festival 2009
(First published in Australian Horseman magazine Mar-Apr 2010).
Story and photos by James Vereker
Snowy River Festival (2009)
(On the banks of the
Snowy River, Dalgety, NSW.)
THE SIXTH BUSH FESTIVAL AND STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE (13-15
NOVEMBER)
DALGETY is a small hamlet below Jindabyne on the Snowy River
which is spanned by a large steel bridge built in 1888 that looks like a steam
train could cross it at any minute – if there were tracks!. The place was once ‘a
preferred site for Australia’s Capital’ due to its cool climate and location
midway between Melbourne and Sydney.
Today, Dalgety is home to the “Brumby Schnapps” distillery
and provides a picturesque setting for its annual bush festival, which
accommodates competitors and campers from far and wide. A placard on the side
of its only pub reminds visitors, “The
Snowy River must flow again” and with government agreements, environmental
flows are to increase annually until 2012 - restoring 28 percent of the natural
flow (diverted for years west of the Divide).
(‘Banjo’ Country)
THE STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE is the key
attraction of the festival and draws on all the resources of the local
community using volunteers to host it. 64 competitors in 8 teams entered the
challenge to display their skills as stockmen and women working in our harsh
Australian Outback and rugged Mountain Ranges “…where the best and boldest riders take their place” - in the
words of AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson. He is said to have stayed at nearby Boloco
Station gleaning ideas for his iconic “Man From Snowy River” poem.
THE BUSH FESTIVAL includes plenty of
activities to entertain families with a stockman’s relay, dog high jump,
shearing competition, sheep dog trials, farmyard animals, circus acts, working
Clydesdales, an Australian Waler display, Australian Light Horse parades and an
Art-Photography exhibition. Equestrian Movie Trainer, Heath Harris, entertained
crowds with his demonstrations of liberty horses, while Carol Heuchan, an
Australian Bush Laureate, hosted a popular Bush Poetry program.
(Stockman’s
Challenge)
PRELIMINARY CHALLENGE EVENTS included
the Packhorse, Horse Shoeing, Whipcrack, Stockhandling, Cross Country and
Bareback Obstacle. The Packhorse event required competitors to pack and
negotiate an obstacle course including a river section, before unpacking within
15 minutes. Ryan Prendergast was first, scoring 96 points in 14 minutes with
Geoff Willis, second and Ben Donahue, third.
In the Horse Shoeing, veteran, David
Blundell, scored 78pts to shoe one front and hind hoof within 30 minutes to
win. Brett Laney and Lochie Cossar were equal-second with Mick Flanagan, third.
Ben Campbell won the Whipcrack on 81pts with David Mitchell, second and Lochie
Cossar, third. Stockhandling tested the ability to keep cattle calm and move
them through obstacles as if in the bush or at the cattle yards. Shane Easey
was first, scoring 89pts with John Mitchell, second and equal-third, were Rhys
Angland and Lincoln Adams.
The Cross Country involved 20 solid jumps over rocks,
logs and embankments - uphill and down - with two river crossings, on an
out-and-back circuit. Missing a jump incurred a severe 60pt penalty, which
caused some contention amongst competitors. Riders were to compete in a stock
saddle and crack their whips over designated jumps. Veteran, Peter Prendergast
returned a perfect score to win on 100pts, with an amazing five riders equal-second,
on 99pts: Matthew Vincent, Lochie Cossar, Ben Campbell, Dan Lindley and David
Mitchell.
The Bareback Obstacle course, with eight manoeuvres
and a 20-second freestyle display, was won by David Mitchell with Ben Campbell,
second and Andrew Hawkins, third.
(Final
Events)
THE TOP TEN scoring competitors competed in the final
events on the Sunday. The first part was called a “Dry Workout” requiring
completion of an individual reining pattern including spins, straight line
canters and halts/rollbacks as well as left and right circuits. The second part
was a “Stockman’s Obstacle Course” begun by opening a gate, doing a slalom
through a row of objects, filling a billy at the river and amusingly, flinging
a bride onto the back of their horse before crossing the finish line. Combined
scores saw David Mitchell in first place, on 77pts, with Shane Easey, second
and Ryan Prendergast, third.
THE BRUMBY CATCH AND HANDLE was the final event the
crowd had been waiting for - to see the stockmen catch a loose brumby from
their saddled horse and encourage it to lead within the time limit. Shane Easey
was in hot pursuit of his wild brumby when it kicked back and collected his
hand. “It broke the knuckle on the back
of my left hand ring finger and caused a compressed fracture too. It hurt like
hell but I had to keep on trying to catch the brumby”, says Shane. Veteran,
Philip Angland excelled in catching a brumby mare in quick time and getting her
to lead, scoring 91pts, followed by Ben Campbell, second and Ryan Prendergast,
in third place.
TOP SCORER on aggregate, was Shane Easey with
618.5pts, despite his mishap in the final event, followed by Ben Campbell on
605.5pts, second - as he was previously at Murrurundi and Corryong - with Ryan
Prendergast, third. Shane was pleased to receive his prizes albeit painfully,
wearing a sling for his injured hand. As “Stockman’s Challenge Open Champion”
he received $5000 cash from major sponsor “Service One Members Banking”, a
trophy saddle worth $3500 from the “Hawkesbury River Saddle Company” as well as
an “Eddie Fisher” buckle and prizes. It was his first win at Dalgety riding
‘Jasmine’ a stock horse mare. “In my
first attempt I came second and tried another time but then had a few years
off. So it is third time lucky and was really good to win”, says Shane.
Fourth overall, was Philip Angland, who was awarded
$500 plus prizes as Champion Veteran. Highest-placed woman was Christy Connor, who
received $1000 and prizes, followed by Lorraine Dutton and rookie, Louise
Turner. In the juniors, Aaron Hedger pipped Ben Donahue by one point to win
$500 and prizes, with Lane Prendergast, third. Mitzi Weston received the
Encouragement Award.
Louise Turner, enjoyed competing in her first
stockman’s challenge. She was surprised at her first-up success. “I have had plenty of experience in jumping
and eventing but this was something different”, says Louise. “Initially, my horse ‘JR’, a
Clydesdale-Thoroughbred cross, was whip-shy, which took some time to get him
used to it. The challenge event atmosphere was friendly too and I felt relaxed
at heart. I’m definitely keen to compete in more stockman’s challenges.”
Triple Crown
Series
Heath Harris of the Hawkesbury River Saddle Company
has donated three trophy saddles to the highest-scoring Open, Women’s and
Junior competitors of Dalgety, Corryong and Murrurundi Stockman’s Challenges. “We think that the Stockman’s Challenge is a
fabulous event – the main reasons being that it is keeping alive the skills and
the heritage of Australian bushmanship and horsemanship. It also allows history
to come to life as the young people of today learn the skills of the past”,
he says. Other businesses are encouraged to support Australia’s premier
stockman’s challenge series.
The next Stockman’s Challenge in the Triple Crown Series is
the “Man From Snowy River Bush Festival” at Corryong, on 8-11 April, 2010. See
more Snowy River Festival 2009 photos at www.horsephotographics.com.au ©James Vereker 2010
(First published in Australian Horseman magazine Mar-Apr 2010).
King of the Ranges 2010
Story and photos by James VerekerKing of the Ranges 2010The Bush Festival and Stockman’s Challenge at Murrurundi – ‘Crown of the Upper Hunter’ – is held annually on the first weekend in May.FRIDAY MORNING and the stockman’s challenge begins with the crisp-sounding sizzle and splutter of bacon and eggs, cooked over a smoky campfire, fuelled by old fence posts. The surrounds are strewn with swags of ‘cacoons’ akin to the dozing, wriggling, remnants of a ‘B & S’ ball. While slowly rousing themselves… the smoke wafts around like the blue haze on the range above the sleepy valley town. The telltale ‘clip-clop’ of mounted early risers grows more frequent as competitors hear it’s time to ‘git-on-yer-orse mate’ for a compulsory “Vet Gear & Skills Check” at 6:30am!What lies ahead are two days of intense competition testing the skill and endurance of each horse and rider as they rotate in teams through six challenge events. The ultimate aim is to emulate the skills of an ‘olden time’ stockman working in the bush - to muster cattle riding over rugged terrain as well as to catch and ride a brumby like a horse-breaker - to earn the title of “King of The Ranges”.During a changeover of “Packhorse” competitors, ‘Special Advisor’ Brian Fahey, offered an anecdote illustrating how diligent the judges are: “Last year there was a lady in the Bareback Obstacle course who had her horse bend its knees, so she could get on easily and the judge was impressed and gave her two extra points. She did the same thing in the Packhorse and the judge took two points off. “Why was that?”, someone asks. “It’s not a bloody circus”, says the judge.”On a picturesque hillside above the town, the final preliminary event, after the “Stockhandling”, “Whipcrack” and “Horseshoeing” is the “Cross-Country” - held during the Saturday afternoon. This marks the end of the challenge for most riders, while leading open competitors hope to make the “Top 10” and compete in the Sunday finals.PRELIMINARY SCORES reveal defending champion Trevor Nash ranks first, ahead of Ryan Prendergast, followed by Christy Connor - the first woman to score in the Top 10! Similarly outstanding, is the performance of ‘rising star’ Mallory Nankervis who blitzed her junior rivals by placing tenth - ahead of the current “Man From Snowy River” champion - David Mitchell. A crackerjack final series was expected with the added attraction of the “Top 5” women in action.Sunday dawned with clear skies and a forecast in the high-twenties. The view from the “Eye of The Needle”, a vantage point high above the valley, showed the town had spawned a new northern suburb of ‘float city’. Expectations were high… for the final rounds of the… “Billygoat Cart Races”! Great excitement ensued as carts careered across the field, or were upturned with pungent wild goats, bearing ‘deadly-horns’, running hither and dither - pursued by screaming-streams of elated kids.THE FIRST FINAL before a crowd of over 2000 was the women’s “Bareback Barrel Race” in the rodeo arena. Kirby Nankervis rode her stock horse over the hay bales and rounded three barrels to jump a low hurdle and exit over the bales again but fell off after clearing them. Linda Cossor set a fast pace, followed by Sarah Connolly, maintaining good bareback form. While Sharon Nankervis, like her daughter Kirby, fell heavily on exit but without injury. The last racer and ahead on points, Lorraine Dutton, rode a fast tight circuit, to earn a perfect score.In the “Wild Horse Catch” halters were pre-fitted as riders had four minutes to grab the lead rope twined under the top and then lead the horse to a ‘circle of justice’ and ‘gentle it’. Kirby Nankervis on ‘Bob’ pressed hard in the chase against the sturdy palomino and snatched the pink halter rope to take control. Linda Cossor drew a feisty beast that kicked and zigzagged, ending with a futile chase. Sarah Connelly rode a high-speed pursuit, grabbing the rope at full stretch and ran the ‘bolter’ until she could reel it in. Sharon Nankervis grasped the lead strongly but failed to go with the rearing steed and it broke free. Lorraine Dutton soon had her wild horse on a short lead to enter the inner circle, where she ran her hand and hat over it, to impress the judges.The women’s champion and nominal “Queen of The Ranges” was Lorraine Dutton, finishing ahead of Kirby Nankervis with Sarah Connelly in third place. They revelled in the chance to showcase their horsemanship and were warmly supported by the crowd.THE BRUMBY CATCH began with a chase and Lachie Cossor fitted the halter quickly. He used his strength to control the baulking and rearing brumby on a short lead. Trevor Nash made a long pursuit on ‘Travis’ but the horse appeared sluggish and struggled to reach the brumby’s shoulder. Subsequently, the defending champion missed making the catch!Christy Connor was ready to create history in her first open final. She drew a fleet-footed buckskin but Christy raced to its shoulder and placed the halter in perfect position. The crowd erupted in applause but then the brumby strained on the lead. Calls of “Go with it!” rang out, as the rope wrenched her hand and she realised the folly of trying to restrain it. However, the brumby was setting the pace until she changed its direction against the fence and wrested control on a shorter lead. Christy had truly earned her place in the finals!Shane Easey and Bronson Macklinshaw slung a rope around their brumby’s neck but Jason Nairne, David Mitchell, Ryan Prendergast and Dave Winter all fitted the halter for a controlled lead. Ben Campbell caught his brumby at the canter and had his arm over its wither before guiding it to a walk. Then he rubbed his hat and hand on it to convince the judges - as the last competitor.THE STOCKSADDLE BUCKJUMP would decide a new champion. Wearing trusses like an old footballer, Lachie Cossor just held on to his bronco long enough to hear the bell before an inevitable headlong-dive to the ground. Christy Connor left the chute wielding her stockwhip as the bronco bounded across the arena and then planted its front feet. She was ejected out-of-the-saddle into a forward roll, landing heavily on her back as the bronco careered towards the fence and fell over in a cloud of dust. Christy rose gingerly but with her safety helmet and padded vest, she had survived the initiation into the ‘buckjumpers club’ and her courage was acknowledged by the spectators.Trevor Nash showed his skill and dogged spirit with an unbeaten ride. Shane Easey made time but David Mitchell was soon dispatched by his bronco. Bronson Macklinshaw, a strapping stockman, bowed his bucking bronco by wielding it in front of the chutes with time to brandish his hat! Dave Winter gave a fine whipping display while bucking but fell short of the bell. Favoured Ben Campbell made a ‘cracking’ entry to mid-arena, when his bronco put on the brakes and ended all chances of a title, as Ben sailed headfirst to earth.Ryan Prendergast was soon unseated by a ‘sidewinder’ and his two-metre frame hit the ground. Jason Nairne drew a ‘high-bucker’ and dove face-first into the dust - emerging like a ‘black n white’ minstrel - to commemorate the end of the finals.LACHIE COSSOR, whose surname is synonymous with ‘keeper of the King’s horses’, triumphed by winning the “King of The Ranges” championship for 2010. He proved a popular champion finishing 15-points ahead of his nearest rival in Bronson Macklinshaw, followed by Shane Easey – a trio well-clear of the rest of the field.As the final of the “Triple Crown Series”, trophy saddles were awarded for the highest-scoring performances over the three challenges including Dalgety and Corryong by Heath Harris of the ‘Hawkesbury River Saddle Co’. Shane Easey won the open, Christy Connor the women’s and Ben Donehue the juniors. An additional saddle was donated to the winner of the King of The Ranges juniors, Mallory Nankervis.The final for the next Triple Crown will be at Corryong in 2011. See more King of The Ranges photos at www.horsephotographics.com.au ©James Vereker 2010(First published in Australian Horseman magazine Jul-Aug 2010).
