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FEATURE: THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER BUSH FESTIVAL’ S STOCKMEN’ S CHALLENGE
WORDS BY: SARAH ROWSON- MFSR BUSH FESTIVAL D PHOTOS BY: STEPHEN MOWBRAY PHOTOGRAPHY
RISING STARS SHINE
AT THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER BUSH FESTIVAL’ S STOCKMEN’ S CHALLENGE
SPOTLIGHT ON FUTURE CHAMPIONS AND OUTSTANDING QUARTER HORSES
The 2025 Man From Snowy River Bush Festival once again proved why it is the pinnacle of Australian bush horsemanship, as the Stockmen’ s Challenge drew an impressive field of competitors across all divisionsbut it was the up-and-coming young talents that truly turned heads.
This year’ s Stripling Highest Point Scorer, Riding an AQH and Junior Highest Point Scorer, Riding an AQHA, both proudly sponsored by the Australian Quarter Horse Association( AQHA), saw outstanding performances that not only celebrated skill and determination, but also the exceptional versatility of the Australian Quarter Horse.
YOUNG GUNS LEAD THE WAY In the Stripling division, Lachlan Lindely emerged as the highest point scorer, riding the promising Playboy Henry, a three-year-old gelding who showcased a natural ability well beyond his age. The pair demonstrated remarkable composure, cattle sense, and agility, drawing admiration from judges and spectators alike.
The Junior division was similarly impressive, with Claire Lindely- no stranger to the challenge arena- claiming top honours as highest point scorer aboard Yaven Moore Chrome, a seasoned 12-year-old gelding.
Claire and her horse worked in perfect harmony, delivering a polished performance that affirmed their experience and mutual trust.
These young riders not only earned their titles with grit and skill but did so aboard Australian Quarter Horses, reinforcing the breed’ s reputation and versatility as a cornerstone of Australian stock work.
FUTURE OF THE SPORT LOOKS BRIGHT The Stockmen’ s Challenge continues to grow in popularity, especially among the younger generation.
This year, the Festival recorded a notably high number of Junior and Stripling entries, a trend that speaks volumes about the future of the sport.
Event organisers noted the enthusiasm and calibre of the young competitors as among the best ever seen, and with talent like Lachlan and Claire leading the charge, the tradition of horsemanship is in safe hands.
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION- www. aqha. com. au