12/04/2025
We couldn’t let the morning go by without acknowledging the incredible effort of our travelling companion, the phenomenal Bonlac Gi**lo bred gelding, Dolgwili Norman, at The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival Open Stockman’s Challenge.
Norman and Morgan Webb have delivered a standout performance, securing a place in the top ten amongst a field of elite horsemen — a true testament to his grit, talent, and training. With only 36 points separating the top seven riders, the competition has never been tighter, and the stage is well and truly set for a thrilling final.
With the Brumby Catch and Bronc Ride still to come, there’s no doubt we’re in for a spectacular show. With Morgan stickier than the bitumen in Julia Creek on a hot summers day he will be sure to give a his all on his bronc. We’ll be proudly cheering Norman on as he tackles the final events ahead today! Be sure to be watching the only livestream available!
LIVESTREAM - https://bushfestival.com.au/program/
A big thank you to Toprail Equine for their continued support supplying the very best of equine products — helping athletes like Western Acres and Dolgwili Norman perform at their best. Thank you James Cutler and your team at toprailequine.com.au
𝗟𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗬 𝟭𝟯?
David Mitchell is a two-time The Man From Snowy River Open Challenge Champion.
His first was in 2010 and his last in 2012.
Now, 13 years on, the 39yo Tooma farmer with his 14yo horse ‘Stoneage Jay’ aka ‘JW’ have the opportunity to add title number three to their incredible resume.
But with a very slim lead of just 4 points from fellow Tooma famer Daryl Baines and ‘Banjo’, then 15 points back to Tumut cowboy Sam Webb and ‘Webbs Copy’ not to mention his 3 times-in-a-row (2016-2018) Man From Snowy River Challenge Champion brother John Mitchell with the ridiculously talented ‘Halls Chickenman’ under his saddle, there’s much to be excited about for this talented stockman but also much to be done to see his name inscribed on the most prestigious trophy in the Challenge world.
Just who will come out on top will be decided after a round of the Yenda Producers Wild Horse Catch and the ever entertaining Horsey People Stock saddle Buckjump tomorrow from midday in the R.M.Williams main arena.
The concluding phases of this event are equally thrilling and so unpredictable, there’s many of our top 10 who could claim the title.
DO NOT MISS the chance to see just who our 2025 champion will be!
See you there!
It’s going to be another amazing day to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the most iconic challenge event in the world, the one we know and love and celebrate, the one and only The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival Challenge.
Here's our top 10 qualifiers:
1. David Mitchell and ‘Stoneage Jay’ (Tooma, NSW) 657pts
2. Daryl Baines and ‘Banjo’ (Tooma, NSW) 653pts
3. Sam Webb and ‘Webbs Copy’ (Tumut, NSW ) 642pts
4. John Mitchell and ‘Halls Chickenman’ (Ladysmith, NSW) 639pts
5. Matt Maliki and ‘Palmers Super Idea’ (Merrijig, VIC) 631pts
6. Morgan Webb and ‘Dogwili Norman’ (Cootamundra, NSW) 629pts
7. Brad Pierce and ‘Lori Darling’ (Tooma NSW) 621pts
8. Ben Belcher and ‘Larry’ (Heathfield Clarrie) from Moyhall S.A. 592pts
9. Joe Beirs and ‘Booneri Memphis’ (Tooma, NSW) 565pts
10. Lachie Whiteley and ‘Bundarambunctious’ (Cudgewa, VIC) 555pts
It's been an incredible three days to find our finalists, make sure you are ring-side to cheer them on in their final challenges as we prepare to congratulate and celebrate our new 2025 champion!
Photo and words Stephen Mowbray
