About the Classes
MCDOWELL'S AUSTRALIAN BRUMBY CHALLENGE 2020
The classes which make our finals series at the McDowell's Australian Brumby Challenge 2020 are
designed to showcase both our Brumbies talents and those of their trainers. We have a strong
emphasis on good basic education and horsemanship – the relationship between the trainer and
their Brumby. Every single class has a score allocated for this element as well as allowing the
Brumbies to demonstrate their new skills.
McDowell's Make Over
ALL BRUMBIES ARE PROVIDED WITH HERBS BY MCDOWELL'S
This class aims to showcase both the physical condition of the Brumby and the amazing transformation of the Brumby from pick-up day to now due to the McDowell's Herbal tailored program.,
The class will be judged by Cath McDowell following the round pen class.
Handling and Round Pen
All brumbies are provided with herbs by mcdowell's
This class aims to showcase both the physical condition of the Brumby and some basic, but very
important skills.
The Brumby will be initially released into the round pen by the trainer who then re-enters to catch and halter them.
They then pick up the Brumbies front and back feet, brush their body and leave the round pen. The second element is to load the Brumby onto a horse float, have them stand there quietly and then unload calmly.
Whilst these skills may seem basic, they are critical to any horses success in life and really showcase the trust and relationship.
Pattern
Sticking to our theme of a good basic education, this class asks for the Brumby to walk, trot and
canter quietly, halt, turn left and right and rein back.
These important skills are the foundation of all further education. Again, there is a focus on horsemanship and relationship shown between the trainer and their Brumby.
Obstacles
Here, we really start to build on the foundations which the Brumbies have already demonstrated.
Like any obstacle course, the aim is to give the Brumbies the opportunity to go over, through,
under and around as well as exhibiting some basic laterals.
Expect bridges, water, a drag obstacle and lots of fun!
We really get to see the trust between Brumby and trainer in this class!
FreeStyle
This class is pure relationship and fun!
Each of our Brumbies will have their own special skillset that has been developed with their trainers and in this class, they get to showcase their talents to music.
Marks are awarded for relationship, horsemanship and choreography.
Having seen how far these once wild horses have come, this class is a guaranteed to wow – our Brumbies truly do go from Wild to Wonderful!
