Sport
1 August, 2025
Riders test their skills at annual Gymkhana
Winston Churchill once said, “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle” . This was certainly the case on the weekend of 21st and 22nd July, when the Kurrajong (Pittsworth) Pony Club held its annual Stockman’s Challenge and Gymkhana.
Saturday kicked off with 60 riders as far south as Goondiwindi Pony Club and Far North as Mt. Delaney.
Riders tested their skills in three phases of the Stockman’s Challenge - Dry work pattern under watchful eye of Amanda McLennan, Utility pattern displaying skills in maneuvering their horses over obstacles and judged by Isabelle Walkden-Brown.
The day wrapped up with the third phase - Wet work, where competitors showed their cattle and horsemanship skills on a beast, and judged by Bomber Lancaster.
The cattle were kindly donated by Burnett, Michelle and Addelyn Fahey and were perfect for all level of riders with some great scores achieved.
The cattle were safely driven to grounds by local Barry Standing, with the truck donated by MFT Hughenden and trailers donated by the Curr family of Avondale Wagyu. Their generosity was big saving for the club.
On Sunday, 73 riders with a fantastic presentation from Kurrajong Club saddled up for the formal Gymkhana competing in 12 events.
Thank you to the Formal Judges Alice James, Isabelle Walkden-Brown, Brianna Gartner and showjumping judge Micheal O’Keeffe for your time and expertise.
Also thank you to all the volunteers, pencillers and fellow clubs for assisting over weekend.
It was lovely to see many talented horse and rider combinations compete, the horse skills and sportsmanship made for a fun and great weekend.
Kurrajong riders showed immense growth and achievement with a lot of our riders either winning or placing in their age groups over both days and Kurrajong winning highest point club.
A massive thank you to all our sponsors.
A lot of local businesses were kind in offering sponsorship and donations as well as business outside the Pittsworth area.
Please like and share our sponsors on the Kurrajong Pony Club’s Facebook page to show your support.
To the Kurrajong committee, members, parents and families that put in hours of your time towards the weekend and on weekend thank you, the club really appreciate your support and efforts.
Thank you to Jen Biltoft for running the canteen and to the generous volunteers who helped to provide everyone with food over the two days.
Thanks also to the local Bottlebrush Café for keeping everyone caffeinated and warm with coffee and hot drinks.
The club would also like to thank the Pittsworth Campdraft Committee for the generous use of their Campdraft facilities and items.
The grounds were perfectly prepared by Barry and Deb Standing, and thank you to Deb for announcing all weekend.
Kellie Craft from Kellie Craft Photography and Toni Ann Smith did fantastic job standing out in elements all weekend to capture some special moments for competitors, please check out Kellie’s Facebook page and order some images.
If you’re a keen horse enthusiast and have a horse sitting in paddock please consider bringing them to meet our friendly club, all level of riders welcome.
The club offers come and try days at rallies if prior contact is made to club in advance.
- Kurrajong Pony Club
