Day One of the Challenge

THE King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge is in full swing with day one of competition nearly complete.

Dave Rixon and his horse going through their paces on the bareback obstacle course

There are 60 competitors including juniors aged between 14 and 17, women and men busy shoeing horses, riding bare back obstacle courses, cracking whips and competing in all of the challenges it takes to become King of the Ranges.

The competitors are working their way through the various challenges today and tomorrow and tomorrow afternoon they will all compete in the cross country challenge.

Hilary Turner, secretary of the King of the Ranges said it is the busiest Friday they have had to date.

“I’ve never seen so many caravans here camping,” said Ms Turner.

“There are hundreds of spectators here today who are staying the for whole weekend,” she said.

“It is certainly the busiest Friday we have had and hopefully there will be plenty of people here over the weekend too.

Lochie Cossor, winner in 2010, has returned with an outback show

“There is a really good collection of trade stalls here this year, the entertainment with Lochie Cosser in the main arena is excellent, the Cobb and Co is busy giving people rides and tomorrow night the band will play and there will be a big party,” she said.

Her advice to families going to the event is to get there early.

“The event opens at 7 in the morning and I’d recommend getting her in the cool of day enjoy the festival,” she said.