Australian Stock Horses Excel at the Battle on the Bidgee

The 2018 Battle on the Bidgee Stockmans Challenge held at Gundagai on the 12 to 14 October, has once again seen registered Australian Stock Horses and Members of the Society absolutely dominate the event.

The versatility and temperament of the Australian Stock Horse was certainly on display with ASHS Members riding registered Australian Stock Horses taking the honours in every division. This year also saw a fairly strong connection between the overall winners of the Open, Ladies and Junior divisions.

For the second year in a row 10 out of 10 horses in the Open Final were Australian Stock Horses, while in the Junior Final all five horses were ASH registered and all riders were Members of the Society.

With some of the country’s top challenge horse and rider combinations in the finals and just 72 points separating the top 10 going into the Open Final, the title was there for the taking. Congratulations to the very versatile Morgan Webb from Cootamundra, NSW riding his ever impressive 7 year old, black gelding, DOLGWILI NORMAN – HSH who won the Open Division after coming from fourth place to overtake Preliminary Round winner Dave Mitchell riding STONEAGE JAY.

The super talented and consistent combination of Emma O’Shea and her 13 year old chestnut stallion, HILITE DADS ACRES added yet another challenge win to their very long and impressive list of achievements by winning the Ladies Division. Emma who is Morgan’s partner, amassed a total of 854.20 points which was the highest accumulated score of all finalists across all divisions.

Up-and-coming challenge competitor, Tom Denson from Bomowlee, NSW riding Emma’s 17 year old mare, BOORABIN CHARLOTTE – HSH took out the Junior Division.

Thirteen year old Millie Triggs from Holbrook, NSW and her 9 year old brown mare, HUONFELS CONTREAU won the Striplings Division.

This is a very well run event at a great venue which the ASHS is proud to support. In addition to the challenge there is a variety of entertainment which appeals to all age groups, so why not put the 11 to 13 October 2019, in your diary and come along and enjoy next year’s event.