“Everything cattleman” will be celebrated this weekend at the Oxley Reserve near Wangaratta, as families who call the Victorian high country home congregate.
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The annual Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria get together has been running for more than 40 years and includes a three-day program of challenges and entertainment.
Horse event co-ordinator Judy Dixon said traffic was bumper-to-bumper when gates opened on Friday morning.
“It’s an absolute celebration of mountain cattlemen’s heritage and country lifestyle, it has a bit of everything,” she said.
“To begin we had the cattle kids cup, a series of 10 challenges including riding over a seesaw and cracking a stock whip.
“We also had a barbecue challenge, that Wangaratta councillor Harry Bussell competed in, judged by Howes Creek farm.”
Competitions across the two days include mounted whipcrack, cattle handling, hay-stacking, poetry, and carry-your-partner.
Danny Phegan and Longreach will be playing at 7.30pm on Friday and at 10pm on Saturday.
The top 10 highest-scoring riders across three groups will be announced on Saturday evening and will compete in a cup challenge on Sunday.
Ms Dixon said members of the general public were welcome to come along, with entry for adults $30 and free for those aged under 18.
“There’s a whole host of things happening including come-and-try activities,” she said.
Outside of the get together, the association’s work includes promoting heritage of cattlemen and advocating for the return of grazing to Alpine national parks.