HEYWOOD Pony Club hosted a successful round one of the Stockman’s Challenge series on Saturday with a huge turnout for the annual event.

The four-phase event puts riders and horses through their paces with a tough course making for a strong start to the five-round series.

As the first event for the year, Heywood Pony Club event organiser Naomi Logan said it was a great way to kick off 2024.

“The event was a great success,” she said.

“We had 98 competitors and we were able to run through all the phases smoothly. The judges and stewards kept the day flowing really well.”

The four phases of the Stockman’s Challenge poses different obstacles for riders which makes it a unique event and draws in people from across the region.

“There are four phases to be completed to be eligible for an overall place in the event. Working Pattern, Obstacles, Whip Crack and Time Trial,” Logan said.

“I think the majority of competitors find the whip crack the most challenging. Riders must trot or canter in a loop or figure eight pattern and crack the whip and cut the tape of nine targets. They also receive a score out of 10 for their horsemanship skills.

“The obstacles prove to be quite difficult. Horses need to be confident, but calm amd trust in their rider.

“There are bridges, gates, water and this year they even had to hang some jeans on the clothes line.”

In the Open Overall division it was Ian James on Classic who claimed first place while Ben Herro on Flynn was first in the Novice Overall.

Emily Eastman with High Country Miles was first in the Junior Overall, Jordan Mitchell-Kenny on Anzac Loki was first in the Encourage Overall division and it was Miley Davis on Prince who took out the Sub Junior Overall.

“We received some really positive feedback from competitors,” Logan said.

“Regulars love attending the Challenge at Heywood each year and newbies are looking forward to the next.

“Our club has been around for 50 years now and we have a lot of experience in running events of many disciplines.

“We always receive tremendous support from local businesses, contributing cash and prizes. A massive thank you to our major sponsors this year; Heywood Bendigo Community Bank, Portland Truck Specialists, The Back Paddock, Porthaul and Portland Seabreeze Design.

“I'm looking forward to the next leg of the Super Series at Tyrendarra on Sunday. That will be followed by Dimboola on February 18, Glenfield on March 24 and the final event at Harrow on April 27-28.”