Sport
5 August, 2024
Kurrajong (Pittsworth) Pony Club host first ever Stockman's Challenge and annual Gymkhana
They say if you gain the trust of a horse you have won a friend for life, and this was surely seen on weekend of 21st and 22nd of July when the local Kurrajong (Pittsworth) Pony Club held its first ever Stockman’s Challenge and annual Gymkhana.
Saturday (27th July) kicked off with 56 riders as far south as Goondiwindi Pony Club and as far north as Mt. Delaney Pony Club.
Riders tested their skills in three phases of the Stockman’s Challenge: a dry work pattern, utility pattern and wet work (cattle work), under watchful and talented eyes of judges Amanda Mclennnan, Peter Vidler and Jason Bischof.
The club could only hold this first time event due to a small team of keen, committed club members and some local and very generous cattle donors and cattle carters: Mark and Kate Droney, Michael and Jenny Welsh, and Billy and Trisha Krautz.
On Sunday, 61 riders again braved the cold morning start and icy winds to compete in ten events of the Gymkhana.
Again, thank you to the formal judges for day, Michael O’Keeffe, Kristie Gartner, Brooke Itel and Brianna Gartner, for your time and expertise along with the volunteers and pencillers, for donating your time.
It was lovely to see many talented horse and rider combinations over the weekend with a lot of Kurrajong riders showing immense growth, and winning or placing in their respective age groups.
A massive thanks to our sponsors, committee members, volunteers and everyone else who assisted in weekend.
The club would also like to thank the Pittsworth Campdraft committee for use of its campdraft arena and facilities.
To Barry and Deb Standing, thank you for ensuring the grounds were in top order, and the canteen provided everyone with yummy, nutritious foods.
Also to Kellie from Kellie Craft Photography for standing out in the cold all weekend and capturing some beautiful moments.
If you have keen horse enthusiasts and a pony sitting in a paddock, please consider bringing them to meet our welcoming and friendly club.
We will be holding another ‘come and try day’ in September or you can contact the club on Facebook.
We had a number of generous sponsors who made the whole weekend possible.
Thank you for your contributions.
- Kurrajong Pony Club
