One last ride with Steve
The Victorian Reined Cowhorse Association (VRCHA) is a proud not-for-profit organisation, home to a close knit community of more than 250 members from across Victoria. Our riders are known not only for their horsemanship, but for the way they look after one another. Supporting meaningful causes has become a cherished part of who we are. Each year we host a Breast Cancer Charity Event, driven by our members’ generosity and our commitment to giving back. In November 2025, we extended that spirit of compassion even further when we held One Last Ride With Steve. A special charity event in honour of one of our beloved cowboys. Steve is deeply missed, and his legacy continues to ride with us.
Together with Steve’s widow, the VRCHA Committee set out with a modest hope of raising $1,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. What truly mattered, though, was creating a space for awareness, connection, and healing a chance for those still grieving to gather, remember, and take comfort in our community. The event became a beautiful celebration of Steve’s life, and far exceeded every expectation.
The overwhelming support and heartfelt participation from riders, families, and friends was nothing short of inspiring. It reminded us of the strength and compassion at the heart of the VRCHA.
Because of this success and the profound meaning behind it the VRCHA Committee has unanimously decided that we will continue to fundraise for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia each year, towards the end of our annual events calendar. It’s our way of honouring Steve, supporting those facing prostate cancer, and continuing to bring our community together with purpose.
We are proud, we are grateful, and we ride on forever together and for each other..
2025 Down The Fence Painting It Pink
Down The Fence – Painting It Pink 2025
Down The Fence Painting It Pink was a huge success in 2025, raising close to $15,000 for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). This incredible achievement is thanks to the wonderful community of cowgirls, cowboys, supporters, and spectators who rallied together for such an important cause. We are so grateful for every single person who contributed – from riders to volunteers, sponsors, judges and donors – your generosity truly made a difference.
Alongside being a charity event, Painting It Pink is also an inclusive and welcoming space for anyone curious about the sport of Reined Cowhorse. For those who may not know, Reined Cowhorse is a thrilling western performance discipline that combines precision, skill, and partnership between horse and rider. Competitors showcase their talents in three exciting phases:
DryWork – a test of control, spins, circles, and sliding stops.
Boxing – where horse and rider work a cow.
Fence Work – the crowd favorite, where horse and rider turn and control a cow along the fence at speed.
It’s a sport that’s as much about heart and trust as it is about athleticism, and Painting It Pink provides the perfect opportunity for both seasoned riders and those “having a try” for the very first time.
A huge congratulations and thank you goes out to every competitor who entered the arena. Whether you were a long-time competitor or stepping in for your first run, your courage, sportsmanship, and spirit made the event so special. Each rider played a part in not only showcasing the beauty of Reined Cowhorse, but also in raising vital funds and awareness for BCNA.
Together, we painted the arena pink, celebrated community spirit, and supported a cause close to so many hearts. We can’t wait to see you all back in the saddle for next year’s event!
Sandy Collier NRCHA Judges Clinic
The working performance horse, “Let’s Celebrate Them” The Victorian Reined Cowhorse (VRCHA) was foundered this year 2023 by Carina Stephens a long-time supporter, competitor, breeder and member of the true working horse breed associations. The “handy horse” the “adaptable, useful, working breeds”, such as the Australian Stock Horse, the Quarter Horse, Paint Horse and Appaloosa horses.
Carina told us that she was delighted to see the Australian Reined Cowhorse (ARCHA) established a few short years ago and the resurgence of the Working or Reined Cowhorse as a western discipline. Back in the 1970’s through to the early 1990’s Australia had some of the best competitive Cowhorses’ in the business and I was delighted to see the event return to the pen, said Carina.
The event is attracting crossover competitors from our Australian Campdraft community which is exciting and extending the opportunity to; learn, grow, compete and network which is outstanding, she stated.
This past weekend the VRCHA which Carina is the Secretary of held a two-day Judges and Competitors Seminar at the Elmore Equestrian Park in Elmore Victoria. Sandy Collier a USA World Champion in the event, USA Cowgirl Hall of Fame recipient and National Reined Cowhorse Association USA (NRCHA) mentor, AAAA Judge and Instructor ventured across from California to pass on her vast knowledge and experience with 25 Australian enthusiasts from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland who had all gathered at Elmore to learn. Some aspiring to become Judges and others just wanting to understand the rule book and judges’ perspective to enhance their own capability.
Sandy Collier was impressed with the facilities at the Elmore Equestrian Park and alongside of the Judges Seminar found a few hours to herself step up on a horse and conduct a few lessons and mini clinic. For which we are ever thankful, said Carina.
The Victorian Reined Cowhorse Association (VRCHA) committee is stellar with; President Brook Hazlett, Vice President Aaron Scobie, Directors: Phil Webb, Glenn Hurst, Andrea Hazlett, Kate Scobie. Secretary Carina Stephens and Treasurer Tracey Hurst. You can contact Carina via email carina.stephens@bigpond.com to find out how to join and what is coming up.
The VRCHA is looking for a premier site to work with to build a premier venue and Carina says you can contact her any day of the week if you are able to assist with that.
Well done, Victoria!!! Well done, Australia. Let’s keep the momentum rolling and continue to embrace the crossover that binds us – Working Performance Horses. Useful horses that can work all day every day on cattle or sheep and then enter the pen and enjoy the competition and comradery of events now popping up closer to home.
Carina Stephens
Secretary - VRCHA