On the banks of the Snowy River, Dalgety, NSW
Banjo made it famous - we've made it fun!
13 -15 November 2009
RELIVING the legend has now become reality as the Snowy River Festival brings Dalgety to life.
The iconic Australian stockman's celebration is a three-day weekend that is adrenalin-pumping action.
Hooves pound, flintstones spark, perspiration beads and muscles will ripple under pressure in one of Australia's most awe-inspiring stockmen's events.
These 63 competitors have learnt skills passed down for centuries and at the Snowy River Festival they will vie for the coveted title of 2009 SNOWY RIVER STOCKMAN'S CHALLENGE OPEN CHAMPION, where they will share in a cash pool of $10,000 prize money and great prizes.
Hawkesbury River Saddle Company are launching the Triple Crown Series where trophy saddles will be awarded to the highest scoring open, ladies and junior competitors of Dalgety, Corryong and Murrurundi Stockman's Challenges. The first challenge of the Triple Crown Series will commence at the Snowy River Festival November 13 - 15.
Heath Harris of the Hawkesbury River Saddle Company said, "We think that the Stockman's Challenge is a fabulous event - because it is keeping alive the skills and the art of Australian bushmanship and horsemanship.
"It also allows history to come to life as the young people of today learn the skills of the past.
"We are very excited about sponsoring the Triple Crown Series, as it should encourage competitors to compete in all three events."
Heath Harris, well-known for his role in many movies worldwide, will also be delighting the crowds with his gorgeous horses performing for the crowd, and with a bit of movie gossip thrown in.
Get your team ready to battle the odds in the almighty Stockmen's Relay. 10 teams of three competitors will shear, run/swim and ride for the title of action hero's of the weekend. Is your team ready?
Waler horses will be competed and exhibited during the weekend festival. Come along and meet one of Australia's oldest horse breeds.
Monaro Utility Dog Club will be holding a Sheep Working Dog Auction on Saturday, 14th November. Leading N.S.W. sheepdog breeders and trainers have indicated their support for this event, offering young well started and fully trained dogs for auction sale. Vendors will be given a period of time to demonstrate their dogs working ability prior to auction. Each handler and their dog will be expected to carry out disciplines of mustering sheep off the arena then participating in working their sheep through a normal sheep yard layout. So if you're after a top quality working dog, make sure you're there to make your bid.
A Quality Ridden Horse Sale will be held on the Saturday afternoon showcasing around 20 ridden horses of all types, registered breeds, ponies, pleasure and competition horses. Keep your eyes open, you may find your perfect steed.
Not to mention all visitors will be entertained by the Australian Light Horse, a heritage display, quick shear comp, Carol Heucan (2008 Australian Female bush poetry champion) and the bush poetry competition, working Clydesdales, tent-pegging competition, Cooee Cup, busking competition, whipcrack competition, country music entertainment on Saturday night, plus all-day barbecues and full bar facilities are available.
Don't forget to check out the horse shoeing/blacksmithing and whipmaking demos, dog high jump, brumby catch, Gilmore's Family Circus and 'meet a mate' animal farm - this truly is a non-stop good 'ol fashioned Aussie celebration not to be missed.
Relive the adrenaline, the action and the all-out entertainment at this year's Snowy River Festival.
For more information regarding competition entries, accommodation and tickets visit the web-site: www.snowyriverfestival.com or telephone 0427 080 500.
Available for interview: 2008 Open Champion, Stockman's Challenge, Lochie Cossar, Allan's Flat - 6027 0618 and Ben Campbell (runner up in 2006, and local contender), Bombala - 02 6458 2132 or 0407 931 926.