With plenty of thrills, spills and highlights the competitors were narrowed down for an action packed final showdown. 

After three days of tough competition, Tumut’s Sam Webb narrowly beat Kieran Davidson –  picking up the ‘King of the Ranges’ crown and substantial prize money.

The horseman from the Riverina region of New South Wales said it was his fourth year in Murrurundi competing in the challenge, placing second in 2012 and also placing last year. 

“We love coming to King of the Ranges – it’s good to get a win up in Murrurundi,” a proud Webb said.

His wife Chelsea Webb along with their daughter Mila came along as support crew and gave a special mention to Sam’s family. 

“Both of Sam’s grandparents made the 10 hour drive just to be here,” she said. “We are over the moon.”

Webb came away with an overall score of 690.130 in the Open section, beating Davidson with a score of 687.200.

John Mitchell brought home third on 676.330 followed by Wingen’s Rowan Ross in fourth and Tooma horseman David Mitchell in fifth. 

Competitors were put through their paces with events testing their overall horsemanship, including shoeing, stock handling, packing supplies onto a packhorse, whip cracking, cross country, a bareback obstacle challenge, saddle bronc and wild horse catch.

In the ladies competition, the top three came down to Christy Davidson on a score of 550.750, Ellen Forge with 528.180 and Larissa Pearsall from Forbes on 514.430. 

Local competitor, Denman’s Lyric Anderson, also picked up fifth place.

In the Novice Troy Brazier reigned supreme on a score of 529.380 followed by local girl Nicole Lyon in second place on 517.730 and Uralla’s Jason Jones in third on 466.20.

In Lyon’s first attempt at the challenge, the stockwoman from Timor also picked up first in the Novice local section. 

But it wasn’t just the seasoned competitors who had the chance to shine – the youngsters were also on fire with the calibre of junior competition to be commended.

Riverina horseman Tom Denson was crowned junior ‘King of the Ranges’ with a score of 484.280 with Travis Bandy from Tumut close behind him on 477.900 and Darcy Rixon in third on 446.100.

King of the Ranges committee president Earl Kelaher thanked all of the hard working volunteers that have made the event possible for the 15th year and also gave special mention to committee member Brian Hunt OAM for his many years of commentating at events.

“As many of you know, our announcer Brian Hunt received a very special honour this year– a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM),” he said.

“It’s excellent recognition for someone who has been broadcasting for fifty years and we thank him very much.”