The Man From Snowy River

The scenery of Mansfield became well known as the location for the 1981 film The Man From Snowy River ,

which was based on poet Banjo Paterson's ballard of the same name, which can bee seen on the $10 note:
There was movement at the station,.
for word had passed around
that the colt from Old Regret had got away,
and had joined the wold bush horses -
he was worth a thousand pound,
So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
All the tried and noted riders
from the stations near and far
had mustered at the homestead overnight,
For the bushmen loved hard riding
where the wild bush horses are
and the stock-horse snuffs the battle with delight.

Craig's Hut was built for the movie, where the main fictional character lived.






even this boulder didn't alter the build

It's location was chosen for the magnificent scenic backdrop of Mt Cobbler and relative ease of access to the site.

Although Australian 'ease of access' isn't quite what the Brit's would call that track!

This area is often under snow cover for up to 3 or 4 months of the year, accessible only by helicopter or skiers or snowshoe walkers.

In December 2006 Craig's Hut was completely destroyed by bushfire. The hut was rebuilt in 2007/8 by the department of Sustainability & Environment.

Many local horsemen rode in the film and they still compete in the annual Cattleman's Cup.

Whilst in Mansfield I went along to the annual Camp Draft, a unique Australian sport involving a horse and rider working cattle. The riding style is Australian stock, somewhat akin to American Western riding.

In a campdrafting competition, a rider on horseback must "cut out" one beast from the mob of cattle in the yard or the "camp" and block and turn the beast at least two or three times to prove to the judge that they have the beast under control; then take it out of the yard and through a course around pegs involving right and left hand turns in a figure eight, before guiding it through two pegs known as "the gate". The outside course must be completed in less than 40 seconds.

The sport requires consummate skill and horsemanship, and the skill in selecting a beast from the mob that will run well, but is not too fast for that particular horse. Great prestige is bestowed on the winning horse and rider of the competition.
In the image below you can see the competitors lined up by the 'camp' waiting for their turn

My cowboy look