And after donating $7000 to the local hospital from proceeds made from the show last year, organisers are hoping this figure will matched — if not beaten this year.
‘‘It would be really good if we could match it,’’ committee member Zannie Randell said.
‘‘We haven’t decided on a charity yet, but this year we are liaising with farmers to see if they want the money to go anywhere, and we’ll see what is left to go locally.
‘‘We’re very excited and expecting large numbers.’’
In a cutting contest, horse and rider have two and half minutes to work two or three beasts and keep them from returning to the herd.
The herd, a body of cattle at the working end of the arena, is entered by the contestant while one beast is separated and moved to the front of the herd.
Once split from the other cattle, the selected beast is worked by the horse, while its rider uses only their feet and hand on the horses neck to assist it.
The event, held from March 29 to 31, will see competitors assemble in Benalla from across Victoria, as well as from NSW and South Australia.