The gymkhana horse events got the day under way with Grace Carter and George Bennett taking out the champion under-12 riders, and Jess Carter and Sam Moody taking out the championships in the 12 and under 17 division.

Champion hack was won by Rodney Robb’s connection from Tibooburra, Bethany Ellis on ‘Jack’.

The feature family events were to follow. With seven teams in the John Lordan Saddlery Stockman’s Challenge, the Carter family was the fastest team to negotiate the obstacle course and took home $200 worth of vouchers to be used at John Lordan Saddlery in Dubbo.

Second and third places were sponsored by Marsh Carney Saddlery. All the stars came out for the family bareback trotting relay. Who would have thought Ian Bennett was a jockey from way back?

The goats were highly sought after in the goat auction. Thankyou to Noel Lennon for his great job auctioning the goats.

Goat No.3 was the winner, owned by Cath Marsh. Second went to Brad Glover with goat No. 8, third Natasha Sheather and fourth Clive Robb.

Thankyou to all the spirited bidders who made this auction a great success. Thankyou to Bruce Mills for again supplying super-fast goats.

Sydney herpetologist (snake man) Gerry Swan had the crowed enthralled with his collection of snakes and lizards. Gerry was able to answer all questions on what type of snakes are found in our area.

The afternoon continued with the children’s novelty races followed by the Hermidale Hotel Inter -District Challenge.

A record seven teams nominated for this annual challenge. Four mystery events were held to determine the 2009 Inter District Challenge winner.

A huge crowd cheered on the teams with lots of laughs all round. In what has become Nyngan Pony Club’s annual fundraiser, for the third consecutive year the club has taken out the challenge.

This year’s team was Darren Stokes, Ron and Chantelle Finlay, and Camilla Sibbald. The teen inter-district challenge was won by the Bogan Busters (Anna Carter, Sarah Moody, and Ridge and George Bennett).