Pic source: MCAV
By TAHLIA MCPHERSON
A WEEKEND of rain wasn’t enough to dampen the atmosphere at the Mountain Cattlemen’s annual get together in Mitta.
About 4000 people occupied the 28-hectare flat surrounded by bush hill to the north and the Mitta River running to the south for three days of horsemanship, music and mud.
The final race event for the cup had to be cancelled due to the muddy conditions, but the president of Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria Charlie Lovick said everything else went according to plan.
“There were very wet and slippery conditions and it was unsafe for man and beast,” Mr Lovick said.
“They were all disappointed that they couldn’t finish off by showing spectacular horsemanship skills, but the winner was selected from the points tally from the other events like cattle drafting and the obstacle course.
“Other than that, it’s magnificent, you could not find a better location.”
The event began in the 1960s and has everything from whip cracking to bike racing.
Mr Lovick said people came from all over Australia to celebrate their role as mountain people.
“It’s a chance for hard working bush folk to get together and celebrate their heritage and history,” he said.
“It allows our children to pick up those skills of yesteryear, promote them to the public and show that we are a people.
“I saw thousands of grins on thousands of people and it was that sense of camaraderie and friendship that really shone through, and that’s what we are trying to find – even in the rain.”
James Ellis travelled from Sale with his family for the festivities.
He said the river had been a big drawcard and the mud provided extra entertainment for the kids.
“It’s been a wonderful weekend, a little bit wet but the kids have had a ball,” he said.
http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/2810318/a-little-mud-wont-stop-cattlemen-photos/?cs=53
