Incredible Junior Stockman

JUDGES were amazed at the horsemanship skills shown by local junior riders at the Junior Stockman’s Challenge in Murrurundi on the weekend.

Sasha Watson, from the Murrurundi and District Pony Club said many of the juniors outperformed seniors with their skills.

“It was fabulous and our finals judge was Paxton Pulford who has competed and won it before said the quality and competition was amazing,” said Ms Watson.

“The older kids in the finals are incredible horsemen and horsewomen and they are doing more than what a lot of the seniors do,” she said.

“It’s a unique opportunity in pony club, to compete in this kind of event and we really are stepping outside the normal boundaries of pony club events,” she said.

“They are going back to the more traditional horsemanship skills, giving them the skills and the knowledge they don’t get otherwise,” she said.

Tyler Kelly, a 14 year old stockman from Scone took out this years challenge and was described by Ms Watson as an amazing horseman.

“Tyler is an amazing horse person all ’round, he has ridden some of the best hacks in Australia and can turn his hand to anything,” said Ms Watson.

Tyler Kelly said he was happy to have won the competition and was understated in his recent achievements.

“I am very happy and very proud to be recognised in such a good competition,” said Tyler Kelly.

“I had a bit of success at the Royal Easter Show and the Canberra Show, I won champion senior boy rider at both and a few other wins at a few other events,” he said.

Junior Stockmans Challenge winner Tyler Kelly with mum Michelle and grandmother Barbara.

As part of his prize Tyler will receive entry to the King of the Ranges in February competing in the next level of competition with some of the best stockman from throughout the country.

Tyler said, “I’m ready for the challenge.”

Tyler will be joined by the highest point scoring girl at the King of the Ranges, Bridie Crowe from Timor.

Annie Irwin placed third in the competition.