Top Trainers Selected For The Way Of The Horse Challenge - EQUITANA 2014

Bruce O'Dell

Kane Lamperd

Damien Hall

Three of Australia’s leading trainers have been selected for the famous The Way of The Horse Challenge (TWOTH) 2014 after presenting at the audition on Tuesday this week. 

The TWOTH Challenge is a three day horsestarting competition, where specially selected trainers will showcase their starting techniques with unbroken horses before a panel of

international equine experts.

Each trainer was allocated an hour to present their methods with a young horse from Roseridge Stud, located in Sale, Victoria, in front of a panel of the Country’s leading

Equine Experts.

Contestants were judged by legendary horseman Ian Francis OAM, leading clinician Sandi Simons, Cutting judge and competitor Dominic Montesanti, Reining champion Rob

Lawson and EQUITANA Australia Event Manager Marketa Mensikova.

Our finalists this year included colt starter, coach and clinician; Damien Hall from Inverell, NSW; Western rider turned Showjumper; Kane Lamperd from Milawa, Victoria; jack of all trades; Tabatha Moroney from Seaton, Victoria; the cabinet maker turned cowboy Drew Morton from Tyaak, Victoria; and former bronc rider Bruce O’Dell of Maldon Victoria.

It was O’Dell and Lamperd who impressed the judges, both displaying years of experience with young horses, and methods that were not only complementary but effective, kind and gentle. Hall was selected as the Reserve.

Lamperd comes from equestrian background his skills displayed an effective startingmethod, judges were impressed with his dynamic presentation skills, offering an in depth

explanation of what and why he was doing what he was doing.

O’Dell was the quiet guy, he had an illustrious career as a leading bronc rider, this understated personality exuded years of experience, and his instant rapport with his colt had the whole panel, and those watching totally fixated, “that was a pleasure to watch.” commented both Francis and Lawson on O’Dell’s presentation.

Hall also showed an immediate affinity with his colt, and his amicable personality together with his strong connection and understanding with his horse impressed judges.

Lamperd and O’Dell will join Bianca Gillanders, a previous reserve from 2012, with Hall stepping in if any are unable to perform. They will compete at EQUITANA Melbourne in November this year in the three day challenge.