Showcase brings Wild West to Tatura

Judge Craig Rath, who has been officiating for more than 16 years, led judging for all classes over the weekend.

He said the focus was on both performance and real-world capability.

“You look for a cowie-type horse who is consistent in its movement, something that if we were to take it out on to a ranch it would be able to go all day,” he said.

Beyond technical criteria, Mr Rath said he enjoyed watching the growth of horse-and-rider partnerships over time.

Behind the scenes, Australian Western Showcase president Harry van Dyk described the effort required to bring the event together.

“Basically, we work with a bunch of people to put the program together, get the sponsorship done, book the venue and make sure they’ve got prizes,” he said.

The event marked the organisation’s first major show, following a year of planning. Mr van Dyk praised the venue and the positive response from participants and spectators alike.

Lynne van Dyk, competing in Select Amateur Ranch Riding, emphasised the inclusivity of the classes.

“We’re the only horse breed that actually promote and encourage our older riders,” she said.

She said she and other participants found the events motivating, helping them maintain fitness, confidence and connection with the equestrian community.

The event demonstrated the growing place of western-style horse disciplines in Australian rural life, combining practical horsemanship, competitive sport and community engagement.

The Australian Western Showcase was held in Tatura from Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7.