David Mitchell was a late entry for the stockman's challenge at Murrurundi in the upper Hunter valley after his resounding win at the Man from Snowy River Challenge on April 1 at Corryong. Defending champion Rob Bandy put in a great Stock Saddle Buckjump to score 81 points but his chance to regain the title slipped like the halter around the neck of his brumby, where David Mitchell top-scored with 91 points. In the end, Bandy placed third on aggregate to Sam Webb, five points his better and David Mitchell finished on top - seven points clear - securing the title of King of the Ranges 2012.
Christy Connor achieved her third women's title followed by Sara Connley and trick rider Sally Ham. The Ladies Brumby Catch is now the ideal 'skills final' compared to previous years when hefty broncos were used. Juniors had an obstacle course final but this needs further planning to provide both an entertaining and feasible 'skills test' for riders. Juniors were led by Cody Ballard, rookie Paxton Pulford and Aaron Hedger.
In the preliminary challenge events Joel Mace top-scored in the Stock Handling, Dave Winter did similarly in the Horse Shoeing, Bronson Macklinshaw was top in both the Packhorse and Whip Crack, Ben Walsh in the Bareback Obstacle and Andrew Hawkins finished best in the Cross-Country. Bronson Macklinshaw was ahead at the end of the preliminaries but ended in sixth place after the finals.
Challenge co-ordinators Shane Easey and Bob Paton, supported by the committee, continue to present a better competition each year. 2013 will be the tenth anniversary of the challenge with special events planned.
The goat races and Tuc's camp oven damper are still highlights at Murrurundi!
