THE challenge to find West Wimmera’s best stockman and horse combination is about to begin with more than $3000 in cash and prizes on offer for the champion.
The Edenhope Pastoral and Agricultural Society Stockman’s Challenge and the Harrow Horsemanship Challenge, together with major sponsor West Wimmera Rural Services (WWRS), are excited to announce the inaugural WWRS Double-Up Series.
Competitors who enter both the Harrow event in October and the Edenhope challenge in November, in either the open or intermediate or novice sections, will be eligible to take out the series.
Among prizes on offer for the series champion are custom-made leathers, bridle and reins, which are hand-crafted by saddler Wayne Fields, and a portrait of the champion horse by renowned Harrow artist Ron Penrose.
In addition to the open and intermediate and novice sections, both Harrow and Edenhope offer junior challenge sections for younger riders and a fourth is open to older, less experienced riders at Harrow.
Edenhope challenge convenor Kristy McDonald said the combination of the two events recognised the effort, skill and cost made by equestrian competitors.
“We are excited to join forces with Harrow and Luke Munro and his team at WWRS, not only to share our events with a broader audience, but to also reward those riders who make the effort of supporting both challenges,” Ms McDonald said.
The stockman’s challenge and associated series will be the only adult equestrian event at this year’s Edenhope P and A Society Show, with a lack of resources seeing the suspension of all show jumping and other horse events.
“We’d like to encourage everyone to register their best mount for the Harrow and Edenhope challenges and be part of this terrific event,” Ms McDonald said.
The series begins with the Harrow Horsemanship Challenge at the Johnny Mullagh Reserve at Harrow on Saturday, October 21, with the main event and competition held on Sunday, October 22.
The Edenhope Stockman’s Challenge will be held on the main arena at the Edenhope P and A Society Show at the Edenhope Showgrounds on Saturday, November 18.
For information or to register for the challenges in Harrow contact Tara on 0427 322 595 or Bruce on 0432 379 334.
For more information on the Edenhope event email edenhopestockmanschallenge@gmail.com or contact Kristy on 0437 465 416.
