A QUALITY field of 30 riders and their mounts ensured top-shelf horsemanship skills were required to secure winner's status when Mount Isa and District Pony Club held its open gymkhana at the weekend.
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Cold conditions failed to hamper competitors as they put on an impressive display under clear blue North West skies.
Six-year-old Piper Nelson showed her competitors how it was done as she claimed bragging rights on Squiggles in the diamond flag led event.
Competition was red-hot in the 8-10 years age group, with Chloe Low, Max Hill and Spencer Snelling battling it out for a first place each in the six events.
It was the Josie Christie show in the seven years and under age group, and the young rider showed tremendous spirit by continually attempting to better her results throughout the day.
Christie was the only entrant in the age division and won every round but her "great determination" to improve on her times was evident as she claimed the winner's prize.
Kathrin Orda was a delight to watch as she battled a spooked horse and overcame a fall to return some fantastic times in the 11-14 years age group.
Orda won four of her six events to secure honours in the age division, with Tehima Snelling and Emma Hagan taking out the cross bend and clover leaf events respectively in their age group.
In the 15 to 26 years and under category, Cody Tully was a star, claiming four out of the six events, with skilled rider Ryan Cullis taking the win in both the stock horse race and pack of cards event.
Wendy Christie, Lee Donovan and Kandice Pritchard rode with guts and determination in the 26 years and over class to claim two wins each.
A spokeswoman for the club said strong support from the Mount Isa community made the event possible.
"Without the support of our local community, events like this just wouldn't be able to go ahead," she said.
"The volunteers and judges on the day were also fabulous; they made sure everyone involved had a great time."