THERE will be plenty of good old-fashioned horsemanship at this year’s Molong Show, with the stock horse section bringing competitors from across the region together for a day of competition.
The equestrian events will look a little different this year, with construction at the Molong Showground meaning the program has been condensed and moved to the Campdraft grounds.
But a change of venue won’t change the job at hand for steward Sam Kirby, who has been involved with the Molong Show for the past couple of years and has helped run the town’s campdraft and rodeo events for a decade-and-a-half.
“We might get maybe 40 or 50 competitors,” Mr Kirby said, with the stock horse section continuing to attract a strong following despite the changes this year.
The full horse program would normally include pack lead, riding and junior pony club classes alongside the stock horse section, but this year the focus is firmly on the Australian stock horse, with around 30 classes testing manners, movement, responsiveness and ability to work with riders.
Competitors will take on lead classes and dry work patterns, with horses divided into classes for mares, geldings and stallions, as well as age classes for both horses and riders.
And then there is the time trial, where things get a little more exciting.
“It’s like an obstacle course based on sort of station work,” Mr Kirby said.
Horse and rider have to negotiate a series of obstacles and jumps, drawing on the sort of skills needed when working cattle and livestock on a station.
The fastest combination takes the win, but speed isn’t the only important factor, with a good stock horse needing to be responsive to its rider, confident around obstacles and willing to do the work.
For competitors hoping to take their horses beyond the local show ring, events such as the Molong Show can also form part of the pathway towards the Royal shows.
Points can be accumulated across qualifying shows, giving successful competitors the chance to work their way towards competing at some of the larger events.
Mr Kirby said prizes at the Molong Show are kept modest, with locally donated rugs, ribbons and prize money on offer, but for many competitors the real reward is the sense of accomplishment that comes with putting in a good performance.
Most importantly, the event provides a chance for riders and horses from across the district to come together and compete, with competitors travelling from within roughly a 100-kilometre radius of Molong.
Paul Davidson from Camelot Stock Horses has also been heavily involved in organising the stock horse program and competitors, with Mr Kirby describing him as a “really good helper” and acknowledging the work he has put into the event.
While the horse section has temporarily moved away from the main showground, the hope is that the full program will return once construction is complete and the showground has a suitable surface again.
For Mr Kirby, no matter where the event is held, it is the local involvement that keeps him coming back year after year.
“I guess it’s just being involved with the local committee and seeing local competitors and a good following,” he said.