THE AG-Grow Central Highlands Colt Starting Challenge demonstrates horsemanship at its very best.
Held over two days at the Ag-Grow field days in Emerald earlier this month, the challenge saw six unridden colts supplied by Terry and Nikki Yates, TN Quarter Horses, Springsure, matched to three competitors who progressively encouraged, trusted and bonded with the horses until they could be ridden.
Once ridden under saddle, the competitors were required to demonstrate tasks traditionally reserved for a much longer breaking in phase.
This year competitors were Adam White, ARW Breaking and Training, Beaudesert, NSW trick rider Ranelle Carter, and eventual winner Luke Bennet, trainer and horse breaker, Dundee, NSW. The competition was judged by inaugural 2013 winner Rob Leach, from Goondiwindi.
Organiser of the event Terry Yates said all competitors demonstrated a very professional level of experience, and should all be proud with what they achieved with their horses.
"Luke is an accomplished horse trainer providing a professional service of starting and training horses for the performance horse industry," he said.
"And our judge Rob Leach had a hard job, but a job well done."
The 2014 winner Scott Keogh, Spring Creek Ranch, Clifton, returned as the announcer, treating the audience to an outstanding display of horsemanship, camaraderie and humour.
