The popular event is sure to be another huge spectacle as it, in 2018, celebrates 15 years in the community.

Two new grandstands have been installed just ahead of this week’s action and are expected to provide covered seating to some 250 spectators, with thousands ready to flood through the gates from February 22 to 25.

The event will see some of the best stockmen and women converge on Murrurundi’s Rosedale Complex to vie for the title of King of the Ranges. 

Competitors will be put through their paces in seven preliminary events including the stockman’s gear check, bareback obstacle, bareback freestyle, pack horse and stock handlng, whip crack, horse shoeing and cross country.

“The festival will again bring some of Australia’s top horse and rider combinations to Murrurndi, all hoping to take home a share of the $45,000 worth of prizemoney and trophies,” King of the Ranges committee president Earl Kelaher said.

“Good luck to all of our competitors and thank you for participating and demonstrating your amazing skills and knowledge during the challenge.”

With the preliminary rounds starting on Friday from 7am and continuing through to Saturday, they will wrap up with the Cross Country at 3pm.

The weekend then culminates with action packed finals on Sunday starting at 11am with the Wild Horse Catch and Stocksaddle Buckjump in Ring 1 to determine the winners.

But, what would a true competition be without a bit of fun?

Between all of the whip cracking and cattle dog jumping, there will also be billy boiling competitions, goat racing and high velocity trick riders as well as an action packed night of entertainment on Friday with the King of the Ranges Spectacular from 5pm to 11pm.

For more information or to access a program, visit http://www.kingoftheranges.com.au