The King of the Ranges - Rookie Ringer - 2015

Aboriginal stockman, Gerald Aplin Jnr is employed at Lawn Hill station on the Gulf of Carpentaria, NT and joined The King of the Ranges stockman's challenge field for the first time at Murrurundi, NSW. The 20 year-old ringer, who aspires to be a Head Stockman, was sponsored by the organising committee to undertake a crash-course in relevant horsemanship disciplines to compete, under the guidance of master horseman, Shane Easey.

It was a steep learning curve for this member of the Waanyi tribe. “We just get on a horse and go at it,” he says. Support from many people ensured that he was able to complete the challenge successfully. “I got a lot of knowledge on cattle but mostly on horses,” Gerald says.

Photo © 2015 JAMES VEREKER PHOTOGRAPHY, All Rights Reserved

A wildcard draw for entry into the finals saw Aplin win it and compete at the highest level amongst the Top-Ten. He made a determined chase in the Brumby Catch making several attempts with the halter and rode well in the Buckjump, cracking his stockwhip to survive his baptism of fire.

 

The King of the Ranges president Ray Hynes praised the young stockman, after hosting his station boss Craig Young, business manager Paul McGuiness and indigenous board member Peter Cameron of the Lawn Hill and Riversleigh Pastoral Co. over the weekend. The sponsorship initiative is liable to continue next year for eligible candidates to compete in the challenge that is held over the first weekend in May. “The committee are hoping to grow the partnership,” Mr Hynes says.

See more photos of Gerald Aplin Jnr in The King of the Ranges 2015 challenge in event photo albums at www.horsephotographics.com.au

 © 2015 James Vereker. All Rights Reserved.