Trainer: Daz Cox

 Trainer: Jay Green

 Trainer: Josh Knight

 Horses: 5 Colts by Two Pak Cat and 1 By Bluey Rey

 About:

Six untouched and unridden colts will be matched with three top Australian horse trainers to start them under saddle. The trainer the demonstrates the most skill will take out the coveted championship buckle and a custom designed and made $6,000 Riverena Saddle along with other prizes. The home of Colt Starting Australia, the Central Highland’s Colt Starting Challenge runs for 4 one hour sessions over two days. Described as mesmerising, it is a premier showcase of the heart of Australian horsemanship and the art of starting a young horse.

WHAT IS A COLT STARTING AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT?

Colt Starting Australian Championship events showcase the heart of Australian horsemanship to the general public and industry. They take place over two days and see three top trainers work with a young horse in three separate round yards to ride them under saddle and compete for a coveted championship buckle.

A professional judge awards the winner based on their exceptional horsemanship, and who demonstrated the greatest skill, adaptability and problem solving with any challenges presented.

The events are hosted by a professional commentator who is an experienced horse person. They ensure the crowd understands what is happening during each step of the colt starting process and ask the trainers’ insightful questions, which leads them to explain what they are doing and why.

Hosted at large indoor or outdoor arenas, the event set up includes three round yards with a boarder of panels on one side that displays show and sponsors signage. They take place in four one hour shows over the course of two days.

Guests are enthralled by the authentic behind-the-scenes horse-training encounter, coupled with in-depth commentary every step of the way. Previous audiences have described it as “mesmerising”.

From an industry perspective, it provides a platform to showcase and celebrate exceptional horsemanship and promote top performance horse bloodlines.

 “We show people how to start a horse in four hours. No toys. No gimmicks. It’s raw, the young horses being used have never been handled. It is not the general way, but the right way. This is how it is done at home folks.” Terry Yates, Colt Starting Australia Director

While other colt starting shows have come and gone, Colt Starting Australia stands strong because of its unique, proven formula. It is this formula that not only ensures trainers and horses have the best outcomes in a safe environment, but crowds are entertained and educated.