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General News

10 July, 2024

Best of the best vie for riches at Cloncurry Stockman's Challenge

It's a huge week in the Curry with hundreds of competitors in town.

By North West Weekly

Best of the best vie for riches at Cloncurry Stockman's Challenge - feature photo

Australia's top riders have spent the past few days competing for a crack at the final of the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge, with the champion to be determined this Saturday.

Event secretary Stacey Robertson said the sheer size of nominations forced the event to start a day earlier – on Monday – just to get through the program on time.

The competition requires riders to complete two demonstrations; the first is the ‘dry’ section. Competitors and their horses are to complete a pattern before two judges. In this pattern are manoeuvres such as flying changes, roll backs, spins and stops.

This pattern is designed to display the horse’s athleticism, ability and trainability whilst exhibiting the rider’s horsemanship.

The second demonstration is again before two judges, this time the horse and rider combination is required to work cattle in a manner similar to a campdraft course.

The grand final will be on Saturday afternoon, subsequently after the grand parade and presentation of the finalists.

Ms Robertson said there were a couple of reasons why people came from all corners of the country to be in Cloncurry.

“The prizemoney is really good and it’s the most prestigious one on the circuit, being the inaugural challenge,” she said.

“It also adds a lot of value to a stallion if your horse can win here ... the breeding aspect is very competitive. It’s no different to horse racing.”

As well as the pinnacle event, the 2024 Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge will also incorporate a number of campdraft-based events with classes for all ages and levels along with a Saturday night rodeo, live entertainment, trade, food and bar stalls and camping for competitors.

Entry is free for spectators.

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