Cloncurry Events

Friday, July 13, 2012

Cloncurry Stockmans Challenge (Rodeo)

One of Australia's great horse events, the Stockman's Challenge was the first of its kind in Australia.  Held Annually in July at the Cloncurry Showgrounds, this year is set to be better than ever with fierce competition, a record crowd and plenty of thrills and spills expected to entertain the crowds.

The Cloncurry Stockmans Challenge is regarded as one of the best judges of horse and rider and was formed 20 plus years ago in honour of Cloncurry local horseman and Melbourne Cup winner, Reg Brown, breeder of the famous Nonda Stockhorse. With a record number of entries expected this year, the competition is regarded by many as one of the toughest in the area.

Why the Cloncurry Stockmans Challenge is one of the best:

A quick glance at the long list of major draft winners that have performed at the Challenge over the years, proves that young horses do continue on after competing in this event –and some continue on to be great. There was a lot of resistance to the dry pattern when it was first introduced, yet at the Sydney Olympics Reining, which our pattern has facets of, was demonstrated to the world. Like racing, dressage, showjumping and three-day eventing, reining has given Australian horsemen the opportunity to compete in a truly global sport.

The Challenge has achieved something else: it put dignity back into Australian horsemanship. There is focus, there is professionalism – and there is pride. The youth of today have been the ones to really benefit – and the results are obvious.  Our event now includes the Stanbroke Stockman section included in the Stockman's Challenge for under 30 year old competitors.  This section of the event has doubled in nominations in the space of three years.

Horses have also shown an enormous benefit. Access to new natural training methods throughout the world has proven that force and brutality no longer work. There is a new emphasis on developing both an understanding and a relationship with the horses’ mind – and the results are now flowing back into the Challenge arena.

The Challenge has renewed a sense of pride in a town with remarkable history: Cloncurry is, after all, home to the Flying Doctor, the pedal radio, the legendary Kalkadoon people, Alexander Kennedy – the old cattleman who financed the very first flight of QANTAS – as well as proud mining and pastoral history. Thanks to the event, people in cities continue to recognise the spirit and pride of Outback Australians.