Annual Mt Magnet Gymkhana event held over Easter celebrates community traditions in remote WA

The Easter weekend in Mt Magnet was all about red dirt and horses as the annual gymkhana event was held, attracting a strong field of competitors from across the State. The Easter Saturday event had more than 40 competitors — from sub-juniors to seasoned veterans — from Gidgegannup, Marble Bar, Mullewa and Meekatharra converge on Mt Magnet to saddle up, have some fun and compete for equestrian glory. Trish Jones from Moonyoonooka clocked the fastest time on her horse, Cowgirl Jess, in the barrel race in a time of 20.113sec., winning the highly coveted cash prize of $1000. Second place for the barrel racing event was taken by Sarah Thurkle on her horse Mandy in a time of 20.327sec., winning $600, while third place went to Heidi Grima on her horse Covergirl in a time of 20.668sec. earning her $400. The Mt Magnet Gymkhana Club was established in the early 1960s, and has remained an integral part of the town’s calendar since then, becoming critical in the fabric of the remote community lifestyle. Secretary Lara Jensen said the event “went off without a hitch”. “Riders from all affiliated clubs enjoyed a great day of friendly competition,” she said. Alongside the 41 competitors, another 30 spectators were in attendance. The final tally of points at the end of the day were Mount Magnet Gymkhana Club on 113 points, East Gascoyne Gymkhana Club on 78 points, Yalgoo Gymkhana Club on 68 points and Meekatharra Gymkhana Club on 61 points. Those travelling far distances were welcomed to camp for the evening, with an Easter egg hunt held the following morning.