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Stockmen up for challenge

Tristan WheelerManjimup-Bridgetown Times
Aiden Ralston simulates the movements of a cow and Justin Buchanan attempts to corral him at last year's challenge.
Camera IconAiden Ralston simulates the movements of a cow and Justin Buchanan attempts to corral him at last year's challenge. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Stockmen and women from around the State will muster at Mayanup at the weekend for the Best of the West Stockman Challenge, the only event of its kind in Western Australia.

The event sees competitors participate in events aimed at testing their horsemanship and stock-handling skills.

The structure of the competition sees entrants compete in six preliminary events — pack saddle, horse shoeing, stock handling, bushman’s whip crack, bareback obstacle course and a cross-country competition.

Six finalists from the open category of the competition will compete in the stock-saddle buck-jump and the loose-horse catch events.

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Part of the challenge is that competitors must use the same saddle and horse for each event in the competition.

There will also be a billy-lids category for the younger competitors aged between eight and 12, which will modify the senior events to make them appropriate for younger contestants.

“The introduction of this mini-challenge is aimed at fostering the continued involvement of these children in years to come,” organiser Lee Holland said.

Other events that will occur over the weekend include a camp draft, the COVID Cup bush race and a grand parade led by the Bunbury Light Horse Troop.

Competitors in the bush race will use stock saddles and wear full length oil-skin coats.

Ms Holland said they were pleased to be able to present the event, despite uncertainty caused by COVID-19.

“The Mayanup Progress Association and broader community have welcomed the event to the district, and we look forward to working together into the future,” she said.

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