Forbes Ranch Sorting and Penning’s first event was a huge success, and the committee is now pleased to announce a schedule of events for 2019.
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Thirty riders took part in the newly-formed club’s first clinic before Christmas, and were keen for more local events.
The club, with a committee of 10 locals, formed last year when they realised how many Forbes riders were heading away to compete in ranch sorting and penning, secretary Melissa West said.
Ranch sorting and penning is growing in popularity, she explained, as a horse sport family members can do together.
Riders work in pairs to enter an 18 metre round yard and draft numbered cattle out a gate in numerical order – it doesn’t require you to be the fastest on a horse, it’s all about your skill working with the cattle.
The first clinic in December saw a morning of training followed by a round robin competition in the afternoon for junior and senior riders.
It booked out fast and was a great success.
“The people who rode were really excited, asking when our dates (for 2019 events) were,” West said.
The clinic also proved popular with spectators of all ages, from the young to retired riders.
“A lot of people came to have a look,” West said.
“You can start ranch penning from eight, we had a lot of young kids come and check it out, a lot of families.”
The club has registered three weekends of events for this year on March 23 and 24; May 25 and 25; September 7 and 8 with the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association.
There’s the possibility of fitting something special in with Forbes Show on the final weekend.
The club wishes to thank their training day sponsors Central West Hay and Stockfeed Delivery, Forbes Livestock Agency (FLA), Central West Diesel Forbes, Hannafords and Jack Perkins from Elders for supplying the cattle, Rob Taylor Livestock Transport for the cartage of the cattle, Glenleigh Pastoral Co for supplying hay for our cattle, Shane Moxey and GCS Farming, MBR Clothing.
They have now started a panel sponsorship drive, hoping to secure their own equipment for future events.
If you can support them, or would like to keep up to date, follow Forbes Sorting and Penning Inc on Facebook or email forbessortingandpenning@gmail.com