The New Queen at The King of the Ranges in 2015

The King of the Ranges Stockman's Challenge at Murrurundi, NSW has seen a number of title holders in both the open and women's categories over the years but nobody has been more successful than Christy Connor, a horse breaker and trainer of Taralga, NSW. She holds a record of five titles and also has the unique distinction of being 'the first woman to compete in the finals of the open challenge'.

This year, she was the defending champion and riding a strong new colt 'Bo Jangles' but being a four year-old, his best performances are ahead of him. At the conclusion of the preliminary events, Ms Connor found herself some seventy points in arrears of last year's runner-up, Emma O'Shea riding her nine year-old stallion 'Hilite Dads Acres' and in front of promising rider, Sally Stockwell.

In the final of the Brumby Catch, both stockwomen executed good hand catches of strong brumby broncos.  They demonstrated control of the brumby on the halter lead within the three and a half minute limit and impressed the judges to share the honours on points. Ms O'Shea had maintained her aggregate advantage over Christy Connor to become the new "King of the Ranges Ladies Champion" for 2015.

Photo © 2015 JAMES VEREKER PHOTOGRAPHY, All Rights Reserved

This is the third stockman's challenge title win in-a-row for Emma O'Shea, after victories in "The Battle on the 'Bidgee" in 2014 at Gundagai and in "The Man from Snowy River" earlier this year at Corryong, Vic.. Her success mirrors that of the Open Champion, Bronson Macklinshaw, who claimed the same order of titles.

"I enjoy both the brumby catch and stock handling parts of the competition and that is where I'm probably strongest in my skills," she says.

Emma O'Shea has shown a command of all-round horsemanship throughout these challenges and complete trust in her Australian Stock Horse stallion, Hilite Dads Acres, whom she has owned since it was ten months old. Her willingness to get physical in the Brumby Catch and bulwark the brumby on the shoulder for a hand catch and then work it around, reducing circles to a standstill, is evidence of her determination, skills and ultimate trust in her horse. It also helps to be an experienced horse breaker and contract musterer used to Droughtmaster cattle! 

See more photos of Emma O'Shea and Christy Connor with all competitors in The King of the Ranges 2015 and The Man from Snowy River 2015 stockman's challenges in event photo albums at www.horsephotographics.com.au

 © 2015 James Vereker. All Rights Reserved.