Man From Snowy River - Stockman's Challenge 2012

Borrowed horses and 'Top Ten' finishers were a feature of this year's challenge competition. Most notable was Shane Cooper from SA whose horse was vetted out but was lent a mount by defending champion Scott Bandy. A three-way scatter in the stock handling saw Bandy miss the final cut on aggregate, while Cooper made the 'Top Ten', which this year became a 'Top Eleven' given two equal scores at tenth place. At the head of the cracks was 2010 champion David Mitchell. Ranked fifth was Kirby Nankervis, the first woman eligible to enter the finals, creating huge interest.
David had a clear 27-point advantage going into the finals and cemented his position with a quick Brumby Catch with time to demonstrate control. Kirby Nankervis drew great support from the crowd as she chased and caught the brumby. Adam Wheeler, Dean Hann and Shane Cooper impressed with their catches. Stephen Connor didn't dominate a strong brumby, Andrew Hawkins needed an extra gear, Ben Walsh was underpowered and Dave Rixon threw his halter like a lasso. First-time finalist Sean Gray caught his brumby after a high-speed chase as did Michael Green.
In the deciding Stock Saddle Buckjump Stephen Connor worked hard to make time and Shane Cooper impressed with a solid ride. Kirsty Nankervis made a brave entrance but was soon unseated like most finalists. Although, several were lucky to get much of a buck out of their broncs. David Mitchell made a big effort to ride out his bronc with true grit and secured his second Man From Snowy River Stockman's Challenge victory.
As the premier Australian Stockman's Challenge the waiting list of competitors guarantees a strong competition in all six preliminary events. A medium score in just one event will see a contender for the 'Top Ten' miss the cut. Out of a possible 600 points the cut-off this year was 472 for tenth, or an average of 78% for each event! While "...the cracks gather to the fray " of the 'Top Ten', "...and the stock horse snuffs the battle with delight", for most competitors the challenge provides the opportunity to demonstrate and improve their horsemanship.
A feature of the challenge is the camaraderie fostered by the team structure that provides a support group where inexperienced riders - both young and old - are mentored by experienced leaders. Success in a stockman's challenge is not your rank finishing order but how well each individual combines as horse and rider to execute horsemanship skills. As a heritage event celebrating the Australian stockman, the acquisition of traditional skills and stock horse performance is the basis of the Man From Snowy River Stockman's Challenge.