Team sorting is a competition harking back to the old days of cattle ranches in the United States, where ranch hands would race the clock to move a pen of cattle into an adjoining yard in the quickest time.
The event has changed over the years but in Australia a newer version — known as ‘Ozsort’ team sorting — made its world debut at last year’s Seymour expo and is returning in 2024.
Ozsort is a two-rider sport in which horses are used to sort 10 head of numbered cattle in numeric order from one pen to another through a 3.6m gate.
Founder Andrew Nash reinvented the sport with animal welfare and a fairer competition in mind.
“We rehashed the sport,” Andrew said.
“Normally it has a team of four riders, but we run it with two.
“We also did something about easing up on the cattle and not just have it that the fastest time wins.
“We’re the first to bring in an aggregate score and then count back with their finishing time if needed.
“The cattle also go in only one direction because they move better with just one direction and we use a slightly bigger and round pen.”
Competitions run in three classes: children, novice and open.
“Beginner riders should not have to compete against experienced riders — it’s now much fairer.”
The cattle used are a mixture of breeds ranging in weight between 240 and 300kg and any horse can participate.
“You can just ride any horse you’ve got and you’ve got two minutes to select and move the cattle in order from a starting number given to you.”
Each entrant has three runs to produce their aggregate score of how many were sorted.
Ozsort is fast-paced and an exciting spectator sport. It is also a lot of fun for competitors.