The Man From Snowy River Stockman’s Challenge

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Possibly the coolest horse event to ever exist.

Bush Festival

The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong, Victoria, is a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich heritage, steeped in the traditions of the Australian high country. At the heart of the event is the Stockman’s Challenge. According to Select Sires, the event is grueling, consisting of six preliminary stages followed by finals.

Preliminary Events

PACKHORSE

Inspired by the Australian tradition of packing through the mountains, this event challenges competitors to load their horses and navigate an obstacle course designed to mimic rugged bush terrain. Open competitors must shoe and securely pack their horse before setting off, then return to unpack at the end of the course.


BAREBACK OBSTACLE

Riders complete a challenging course bareback within a set time. The event concludes with a 60-second freestyle performance.


HORSESHOEING

Competitors prepare and shoe one hoof of their nominated horse, showcasing their ability to maintain the animal’s welfare if it were to lose a shoe in remote bush conditions.


STOCKHANDLING

One of Australia’s iconic horse disciplines, stockhandling originated on the plains of Queensland, New South Wales. Competitors on horseback must ‘cut out’ a single cow and demonstrate control by turning it at least two to three times. They then guide the cow through a peg course, including figure-eight turns and a final pass through two pegs known as ‘the gate.’


CATTLEMEN’S CRACK

A hybrid event combining whip cracking and cross-country riding. Competitors navigate a bush-style obstacle course dotted with whip-crack targets and cross-country jumps. A set time challenges riders to complete the course while demonstrating top-tier horsemanship.


STOCKMEN’S CUT OUT

Modeled after the working cow horse event, this challenge includes a series of stages. Riders first ‘box’ a released cow, then ‘cut’ it, demonstrating control. Once ready, they move to the next phase: blocking the cow along the fence line, then directing it through a figure-eight pattern to finish the run.

Final Open Events

WILD HORSE CATCH

Finalists have three minutes to halter a horse in an arena, demonstrating both young horse handling and horsemanship skills.

STOCK SADDLE BUCKJUMP

Riders use the same stock saddle and gear from previous events as they attempt to stay mounted on a bucking horse for 8 seconds.

Final Ladies Event

WILD HORSE CATCH

Female finalists have three minutes to halter a horse in an arena, also showcasing young horse handling skills and horsemanship.

Go riding.

Amanda Uechi Ronan is an equestrian, author, and wannabe race car driver. Follow her on Instagram @au_ronan.