FAR North Queensland mustering contractor Emma O’Shea has done what very few before her have achieved – she won the ladies’ section at the prestige Man From Snowy River Challenge as a maiden competitor.
Emma, 26, and Dad’s Acres not only claimed the ladies’ title, they combined to finish 20th out of 80 riders who contested the gruelling three-day competition at Corryong, in Victoria’s Snowy Mountains.
Her tilt at the title began last Friday in the packhorse, shoeing and stock handling, the latter where she was first in a three-way tie, but lost on a time recount.
Emma and Dad’s Acres, an eight-year-old stallion, backed up Saturday with the bareback obstacle and whip cracking and eagerly eyed off the prestige event, the cross-country. But the rain gods had other ideas and Corryong was drenched, forcing a cancellation.
Into the finals on Sunday, Emma topped the leaders board and capped off a fantastic challenge debut by winning the final event, the ladies silver brumby catch.
As the 2014 MFSR Challenge ladies winner, Emma walks away with a Hawkesbury Saddle, six bags of stockfeed from Freemantle Stockfeeds, $400 cash and a $200 voucher from Bombers.
"It felt good," said Emma, who hails from Spring Valley Station, Almaden, west of Mareeba.
"It’s been the best weekend and even though it’s been wet and very cold for me it didn’t dampen my spirits.
"I had a really good support team come down and the other competitors were unreal."
Challenge co-ordinator Jodie Grzeschka said Emma impressed the challenge organisers when she applied to enter the contest.
"We were excited to have her in the competition as one of only three who trekked down from Queensland."
Emma’s team was lead by five-time challenge winner and 2014 open winner Scott Bandy, who has now retired.
Emma was also named highest scoring Australian Stock Horse Association lady rider.
Buoyed by her performance, Emma is hoping her winning streak continues in the King of the Ranges challenge at Murrurundi, NSW, May 1-5. She also plans to return to Corryong next year.
