The dust has only just settled after another successful team penning and arena sorting event in Canowindra, where riders of all ages gathered to test their skills, teamwork, and horsemanship.
With around 40 participants at the most recent gathering, the event has proven itself to be a staple in the local calendar, drawing riders not only from Canowindra but also from surrounding regions such as Lyndhurst, Mandurama, Forbes, Bungendore, and Orange.
One of the event organisers, Michelle Newcombe, said the weekend was nothing short of terrific.
“Terrific, it was really good,” Newcombe said.
What makes penning so appealing is its fast-paced format.
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Each run lasts just two minutes, ensuring there’s never a dull moment for the crowd.
Riders compete in teams of three, relying on both horsemanship and strategy to guide cattle into pens according to the judge’s instructions.
“Each run only goes for two minutes, so it’s quick to watch.”
“Everybody rides different, so it’s entertaining,” Newcombe said.
Events included team penning, where riders must identify cows wearing a specific coloured collar and work together to cut three from the herd and guide them into the pen.
There was also the arena sorting, where cattle are numbered 0 through 9, and teams must move them into the pen in sequence as called by the judge.
It’s a sport built on teamwork and communication, with families and mixed groups often competing together.
The Canowindra events cater for all age groups, giving juniors (under 13) and youth competitors (13–18) a chance to compete before moving into the open categories.
Newcombe says the family atmosphere is one of the best aspects of the sport.
“We want to keep it local, so that people come and spend their money in our community,” Newcombe said.
“We all volunteer with it, I just think it’s a good community sport.”
“Families do it, so you can have the grandfather, the father and the son ride, or you can have women and men.”
“It doesn’t matter, you have mixed teams of women and men.”
“You often see a dad and his children, or a mum and her children riding.”
“We have one mother, father, and son that ride together,” she said.
One of the biggest success stories of the event is how it brings the community together.
The Lions Club plays a key role, setting up their caravan and cooking for the crowd, ensuring no one goes hungry while enjoying the spectacle.
“It’s free to come and watch, you don’t need gate fees or anything like that.”
“The Lions Club support us 110%, they have their caravan up there cooking and bustling up a storm.”
“The local community come up and watch, and we’ve got local participants and competitors too,” Newcombe said.
By keeping the event local and volunteer-run, organisers aim to strengthen the local economy and ensure visitors support Canowindra businesses while enjoying the sport.
Newcombe was quick to point out that while penning is different to other well-known horse sports like campdrafting or cutting, it’s just as entertaining and family-friendly.
“It’s a bit different to the campdraft and cutting and all those sort of things, but it’s still a good family-orientated sport,” she said.
With its blend of speed, strategy, and inclusiveness, the sport offers a unique opportunity for people to connect with horses, cattle, and each other in a fun, competitive setting.
