Saddle up for championship action, fundraising fun with Forbes Sorting and Penning

Some of sorting and penning's best riders will chase championship glory in Forbes this weekend. More than 90 competitors from across NSW, Queensland and South Australia will converge on the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre for a huge two-and-a-half days of competition. There'll be plenty to watch all weekend but if you're planning a visit, Forbes Sorting and Penning's Molly Fuge says you can't miss Saturday afternoon. From 4pm, the top 10 riders will go head-to-head in event finals and this is sure to deliver some of the most exciting action of the weekend as they work against the clock to sort and pen 10 head of cattle in numerical order within 60 seconds. "We really encourage everyone to come at 4pm to support our riders," Molly said. "The top 10 finals are always really good to watch - come and watch the best of the best." With 935 runs scheduled across beginner, rookie, novice, amateur and open classes throughout the weekend, the prize money on offer thanks to the support of Forbes' sponsors has attracted an impressive field including national champions, world champions and Hall of Fame riders. While competitors will be chasing silverware, one of the crowd favourites is expected to be the sponsor sort from about 5pm on Saturday. Partnered with experienced Hall of Fame gate riders, sponsor competitors will tackle the same fast-paced challenge while raising money for CanAssist. Molly's encouragement is to come along, dressed in your brightest colours, and bring some cash as there are plenty of ways to support the cause with donation buckets, raffles and 100 clubs. You can also make a pledge to donate a certain amount for every head of cattle sorted by your sponsored rider, just speak to any of the committee members. Celebrity riders include: Phoebe Walker representing AGnVET Luke Whitty for KMWL Lewis Nicholson for Topsoil Farm Supplies Lockie Adams for Adams Farming Brad McMillan for McMillan Industries Hugh Mackay for Forbes Livestock and Agency Co Bree Schaefer for Allwright Bourke Brett Rout for Agriwest Sammi Harley for Central West Diesel Joe Dukes for MidPro Engineering and Irrigation Isaac Carlisle for Matt Bull Concreting Matt Coady for Nutrien Ag Matthew Moss for Steve Magill Earthmoving Darren Jelbart for Jelbarts Tyrepower Stephen Ragg for Lawson Grains Jack Woodburn for JCN Katherine Jones for Forbes Veterinary Clinic Mel Martyn for Lachlan Valley Vets Grace McBeath for Mount Pleasant Limousins. Louise Webb and Rachel Mulligan have also won the right to ride on behalf of a couple of sponsors - Louise for Maslin's Concrete Pumping and Rachel for Steele Technology. The call went out to the community to nominate and these two raised $900 between them to secure their spot in the saddle. The first sponsor sort was won by KMWL in 2024, in 2025 it was Hanley's Excavation and Road Surfaces - who will claim bragging rights this year? The action starts 4pm Friday, 8am Saturday and Sunday at the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre with entry from Racecourse Road There are trade stalls and food vendors on site - and don't forget your cash to support CanAssist. Forbes Sorting and Penning Inc is on facebook for updates or further information.