New Zealand Cowboy Challenge

The New Zealand Cowboy Challenge is a competition with obstacles designed to not only push horse and rider out of their traditional comfort zone but also to test the communication and horsemanship of each rider.

These kind of competitions are becoming a very popular sport in the USA and it has been embraced by New Zealand riders as it fits right in with this countrys love of extreme sports.

The first New Zealand Cowboy Challenge, the White Horse Cowboy Challenge, was held in Gapes Valley, Geraldine on 27 February, 2010. It was organized by the Aoraki Western Riding Club. There were 31 entries in total (youth & adult) which made for a full day. It was blessed with great weather, a lot of spectators, and some very good riders! All the feedback from the day was very positive...from all those involved.

Due the success of the inaugural Cowboy Challenge and enquiries about when there will be Challenges in other areas of New Zealand, the New Zealand Cowboy Challenge Association, Inc. was formed. The NZCCA does not organise events, but regulates, maintains points and provides an official rulebook as well as administrative assistance. The NZCCA has developed an official competitive structure, enabling local, regional and national Challenges to be held. See Competitors and Organisers Pages for details.

This website is the home base for all Cowboy Challenges. Each points approved Cowboy Challenge will have a page added about their event. And if there are training days happening, those will be added to the calendar as well. Check out the

Cowboy Challenge and Events Calendar page for the links to these.

Email our secretary, Maria for more information

or phone her on (03) 686-1723 / (027) 366-3016

(photos credited to www.simplyinspired.co.nz