SIX talented Australian horsemen will battle it out in a contest of horsemanship skill and knowledge in an exciting new event, The Ultimate Horseman Colt-Starting Championship, held in conjunction with the National Rodeo Finals, October 18-20, at Dalby Showgrounds, Dalby, Queensland.
The event is the brainchild of Rodeo Legend Colin McTaggart and Professional Horseman Rob Leach. The pair came up with the idea to create a platform to showcase, what they refer to as, “Legends” and “Young Guns” of the equine industry.
The Ultimate Horseman not only features well-known horsemen, but gives an opportunity to up-and-coming horsemen from around the country to compete in a colt-starting competition.
“Australia has a lot of talented horsemen, and many of them stay under the radar,” Mr Leach said.
“Colin and I wanted to create an entertaining and educational event that promotes Australian horsemanship to the world,” he said.
Consisting of two challenges, “Legends” (over 35) and “Young Guns” (under 35), each challenge will demonstrate the ability of three horsemen to tame and ride an unbroken horse for the first time, over a three-day contest.
The event will kick off at 9am on the first day, Friday, with horsemen introductions and horse selection.
Each horseman will be allowed to select their own unbroken horse from the herd of horses, supplied by SDM Quarter Horses.
The competition will commence with the Young Guns at 10am, followed by Legends at 1pm. Challenges will begin at the same time each day with the finals held on Sunday. The National Rodeo Finals will start at 6pm, Friday and Saturday nights.
Through their Facebook page, The Ultimate Horseman has announced each competitor with biographies and photos, one-by-one over the last few months.
All competitors have now been revealed, including Legends Geoff Toomby, Paul Williamson and Frank Green and Young Guns Luke Bennet, Christy Connor and Tom Curtain.
Each challenge champion will be awarded prizes including money, a Skyline buckle, a Hawkesbury River Saddle and a Diamond Wool Pad.
The event will be judged by three equine industry professionals: Ron Wall, Joanne Francis and Ray Matthews. Professional Horseman Scott Keogh and Mr Leach will emcee the event.
Sponsors for The Ultimate Horseman include Koobah Performance Horses, Hawkesbury River Saddlery Company, Diamond Wool Pad, Mitavite and Equissage.
Tickets include the rodeo and The Ultimate Horseman and can be purchased at the gate or online through the National Rodeo Council website, www.nationalrodeocouncil.com.au. For further information, visit www.theultimatehorseman.com.au.
