Last year’s winner, Josie Jackson from Willalooka in South Australia was the first woman to win the title on board Hippy with Kelpie, Anna at her side and will be returning to defend her title, while 2007 champion, Ian James of Henty will also be saddling up this year.
Other noted stockman to accept an invitation to compete this year include Noel Elliot of Lucindale, Tony Donovan of Woolsthorpe, Denis Neale of Flynns Creek near Traralgon, Lucy Sellers of Hamilton, Frank Balkin of Glenthompson, Darren Carlin of Dunrobin, Greg Featherston of Dunkeld and Sharon Barry of Glenthompson.
A popular and entertaining event, the invitation-only challenge showcases the skills of horse, stockman and Kelpie to undertake set tasks against the clock.
The competition features two categories – a horsemanship time trial followed by a working dog division – with the overall winner having the best combined point score from both sections.
Event organiser, Rodney James said the challenge was designed to test the skills of the stockman, horse and Kelpie as a working unit.
“It’s really about team work – the connection between the stockman, horse and dog in undertaking tasks that were an everyday occurrence in years gone by,” he said.
In the horsemanship category, a rider and horse must race the clock and complete set tasks including opening a gate, picking up a coat from the ground and walking over obstacles.
On completion of this section, competitors must then guide 15 sheep through a set route and into yards in the working dog division.
Judge of this year’s Powercor Stockman’s Challenge will be former high country cattleman, Laurie Hiscock from Bairnsdale who will use knowledge and skills learned from decades contract mustering and droving.
Laurie was among an elite group of stockman who would spend 11 days straight in the saddle droving mobs of 1500 calves from the mountain cattle sales to Bairnsdale with only horses and dogs to help out.
“You learn a trick or two when you’re droving 1500 calves that are only 9-10 months of age that far” he said.
An experienced judge, Laurie has overseen the Victorian Yard Dog Trials, numerous dog trials, plus been a regular judge at campdrafts, stockhorse events and even showjumping.
“This will be my first visit to Casterton as a judge and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

2008 Stockman's Challenge champion, Josie Jackson of Willalooka, South Australia was the first woman to win the event on Hippy with Anna at her side and will return this year to defend her title.

2008 Stockman's Challenge judge, Ian O'Connell of Strathkellar with winner, Josie Jackson and fellow competitors, Greg Featherston of Dunkeld, Lucy Sellers of Hamilton and Denis Neale of Flynn's Creek.