Rookie Lisa Shalders wins her first two titles at the 2025 Ranch Sorting National Championships Australia

First time ranch sorting nationals competitor Lisa Shalders returned to Wagin with two 2025 Australian titles after competing in New South Wales.

Jumping on a horse only two years ago, the 34-year-old was named the rookie national champion and graduated beginner reserve champion for the 2025 Ranch Sorting National Championships Australia at Dubbo Showground on April 27.

Run by the WA Team Penners Association Inc, the four-day annual competition involves two riders on horseback working together to sort numbered cattle into their correct pens in numerical order, with the fastest time winning.

Shalders rode a borrowed horse, Beau, at the nationals because she could not transport her own 14-year-old Quarter horse Chex due to work.

She said the competition was “unreal” for her first time at national level.

“It was surreal, I had put in a lot of work and to have achieved this title was amazing,” Shalders said.

“It’s a great family friendly sport, very inclusive.

“I was fortunate enough to have the best company in the team WA crew, what an awesome group of people to share the experience.”

The national champion has been ranch sorting since February 2024 when her friend Shelby Davies convinced her to try it.

“I started ranch sorting last year because I wanted to ride ponies and chase cows with my best mate and I never thought achieving this was possible,” she said.

“I would not be where I am without Shelby, I owe this achievement to you, my friend.

“I’m so pumped for the new season and what’s to come for us, this sport and the future.”

Shalders’ past achievements include the WA beginner State champion 2024. She said her ultimate goal was to ride at Worlds in America.

She thanked her mother Helen Shalders, partner Gary Brass and everyone involved in the RANCA.