The newly formed Inverell Team Penning Club has been created through the Inverell Show Society, and members are in the process of organising events in both team penning and arena sorting. 

The difference in the events lies in the number of riders and in what order cattle are cut from the herd.

Arena sorting has a judge call a number, and the two riders cut and herd nine numbered cattle in order though a gate guarded by a third rider.

If the cattle come though out of order, the whole run is disqualified.

Pat said the event was very popular and on the day, they had a lot of participation from Inverell, Glen Innes, Moree, Pallamallawa, Gravesend and Kingstown.

“We had 98 runs and there would have been 50 competitors,” Pat said.

“It’s a very, very skillful and fast sport, and it’s growing very strongly, just about everywhere.”

Riders entered in the open, mixed, and junior divisions with three places in each section awarded a ribbon with some cash prizes.

“It’s the most social event you can go to with both horses and riders, because it’s great to watch. Mums and dads can come to ride with their children as teamwork. It’s safe, and it’s a lot of fun.” Pat said

“Once you come along as a rider and have a go, you get hooked on it; it’s just great.” 

Pat rode as one of the Three Amigos on his horse Peps. After a recent fifth place in Gravesend, they had hopes, but the competition was tough.

“But we had a great day and we got a great number of cattle through, there were some very good teams there,” he said. 

Pat thanked cattle donors Alan and Pam Worgan, and the Inverell Show Society for the facilities, canteen and office staff who helped pull the event together.

He was looking forward to this weekend when he and Peps are heading to Grafton for more competition.