PG . 22
AQHA FEATURE
WORDS BY : KIMBERLEY ROBERTSON © 2023 D PHOTOS BY : JO THIEME PHOTOGRAPHY
July of this year saw the Cloncurry Stockman ’ s Challenge and Campdraft Association hold the 40th Anniversary of the conception of the Stockman ’ s Challenge . The “ Curry Challenge ”. And what a competition it was .
With competitors travelling from as far away as Derby in WA , Burrumbuttock NSW and across Queensland the quality of competition was exceptional . With a full roster of events from the Campdrafts to the Challenges there was something for every level of competitor .
By the time nominations closed in June over 2000 nominations were accepted by the committee and 95 Classic Challenge horses were entered in to run for their share of the $ 70,000 prize pool and the $ 40,000 first place prize , and with $ 140,000 prize money on offer across all the events competitors also had the opportunity to win various incentives on offer . From the Rising Star Award , Highest Scoring Locals in the Challenge events and Campdraft events for the riders , to the Horse and Breeders awards from Boonara Performance Horses and the Australian Quarters Horse Association .
Winning the Highest Placed Registered Quarters Horse & Breeder of the Highest Placed Registered Quarter Horse for the Classic Challenge was “ Pete ’ s Pet Squirrel Q-96577 ”, bred by Peter and Debbie Gesler – an emotional win for the connections .
She was an impressive little mare all week long . And after attracting some spirited bidding , motivated by an effortless cutting demonstration , in the Calcutta she went on to not only win the round outright , but was also the Curley Cattle Transport Classic Stockman ’ s Challenge Champion with rider Mark Buttsworth . Backing up from his win last year .
Second Highest Placed Registered Quarter Horse in the Classic Challenge went to “ Lethal King Cole Q-94012 ” ridden by Leah Read . This hansom upcoming sire certainly put on a show and was fantastic in every stage of the competition . A real credit to the connections and one to watch in the coming years .