Champion Rider

[Glen Hughes]

30 - Champion Rider

Champion Rider, of the day,
the Holy Grail for ringers,
riders came from near and far,
rode hard to be the winner.
Announcement made, end of day,
victor sashed and crowned,
to the bar to celebrate,
drinks lined up all round.

Ringers from the outback,
on camp and working hard,
young, fit, dependable,
drafting, branding calves.
Horses are their go to,
ride all day, till dark,
billy tea and damper,
grilled meat, fire and sparks.

Yarn’in round the campfire,
of days work on the run,
stories just keep flowing
truths are stretched in fun.
Jostling for position,
bragging reaches peak,
swags unrolled, boots off,
the ringers fast asleep.

Dreaming of Gymkhanas,
so much fun for all,
William Creek, a standout,
pub full, wall to wall.
Women appear as angels,
kisses soft and damp,
float away in to the night,
been so long on camp.

Cook the first to kick out,
stokes the fire for light,
quietly about his business,
stars are shining bright.
Tailer gone for horses,
hobbled down the creek,
cook has breakfast ready,
ringers to their feet.

Swags are rolled and loaded,
still too dark to see,
standing round the campfire,
a mug of billy tea.
Horses caught and saddled,
orders from the boss,
tighten girths, fly onboard,
hope you don’t get tossed.

The very first Gymkhana,
was held at William Creek,
Dick Nunn as the boss man,
with megaphone to speak.
Horses sold at auction,
led through, one by one,
in aid of the Flying Doctor,
the fun had just begun.

Horses caught and saddled,
to ride in any way,
events, there were so many,
all throughout the day.
Ribbons and scores were given,
blue, red and green,
blue was for the winner,
the rest, what might have been.

Champion Rider, of the day,
the Holy Grail for ringers,
riders came from near and far,
rode hard to be the winner.
Announcement made, end of day,
victor sashed and crowned,
to the bar to celebrate,
drinks lined up all round.

Glen Hughes ©
22/4/22