Vacy Public School and the Hunter Region Rescue Helicopter Service will share in more than $18,000 raised during the Saturday, October 20 event.

In its 11th year, the event expanded to include an extra 20 competitors, which not only boosted competition in the arena but enticed an even bigger number of spectators to watch the event.

Sixty six riders took part, including 11 juniors who competed for their own buckle and rug in a designated herd for the first time.

With more than 60 sponsors on the board, the event boasted prizes worth more than $5,000 – meaning more than of the 20 competitors took home significant prizes and gifts.

“This was especially appreciated in what has been a tough year for many of the suppliers due to the ongoing drought,” said Penny Evans.

“Mention must be made of Kirkwoods Maitland, Singleton Farmers Warehouse and Hilltop Timber and Hardware Greta, who all supplied significant amounts of horse feed including hay and chaff.

“The event could not occur without quality cattle and big thanks are owed to the seven cattle donors, GB Jones, the Williams Family, Cardoness Pastoral Company, the Cains Family, Suzanne and Peter Evans, Bird Hill, Brett Thompson and North Residential Constructions. 

“Credit must also go to the more than 50 horse riders who mustered the cattle nearly 20 kilometres from Fishers Hill to Riverside at Vacy on the day before the event, to ensure they were settled and ready for the competition. Thanks also to Lawrence Livestock who kindly assisted in trucking many of the cattle home as a donation.”

In the arena, the action was tight, but in the end it was local horse trainer Nic Horn and his stallion Smooth Blues who took home the Hunter Valley Dental buckle, HP Thoroughbred rug and handmade bridle from Marlem Saddlery, amongst other prizes.

Troy Matthews came a close second, followed by Josh Evans. The Junior event was won by Hayley Morris from Werris Creek for the second year in a row, followed by Bailey Eldridge.

The stallion had already featured earlier in the day, when a donated service fee from Smooth Blues was one of the top items in the auction that grossed more than $5,000. The auction was one of many events to entertain families, including a billy boiling competition, jumping castle, slime making station, bucking bull ride and whip cracking competition.

Everyone’s hunger was met by slow cooked lamb and gravy rolls fresh from the camp ovens, and the Farmers Hotel bus-bar made sure there was plenty of cold drinks on hand as the afternoon heated up.

“After a tumultuous few weeks of weather, everyone was very glad the event went smoothly and all the equipment and animals were safely packed away before a huge storm hit on Saturday evening,” said Ms Evans.

“Huge thanks must go to all the volunteers, competitors and willing crowd who make this event so much fun to be part of each year, and we are all already looking forward to 2019.” 

The school is planning to put the money towards new play equipment and an outdoor stage for the children.