Campdrafting saddles up for comeback in Tasmania

Campdrafting is experiencing a resurgence 25 years after the formation of Campdrafting Tasmania with the increased number of competitors evident at Powranna on Saturday.

With a $1000 incentive for the upcoming Webb & Woodiwiss Northern Feature Draft in February, riders gave it their all, working cattle with no holds barred to qualify in the top three.

Juvenile rider Erin Kelly of Lilydale had a great day out, winning against the more experienced riders in the Ladies Draft on Twogums Romeo, as well as placing in the top five in the Juvenile section. Her father John Kelly followed suit, taking out the Men’s Draft on Twogums Radium.

Georgie Burbury of Campbell Town was in fine form and in the money, putting two horses to the test to take out first and second place in the Restricted Open after winning the Open.

The second part of the competition was combined with the Australian Stock Horse Tasmania Branch entrants for the inaugural ASH Tas Branch Challenge, with two challenge rounds on dry work patterns (similar to dressage) and then cattle.

Campdrafting Tasmania secretary Lynne Lucas said it was a great day out and she was pleased to see the number of riders increasing.

“The arena set up at Hawke Ridge Forest at Powranna two years ago by Tasmania Feedlot has really helped foster the sport,” she said.

Cattle were supplied by Allan Howard from Tasmanian Feedlot Pty Ltd.

Campdrafting season started in October and finishes with the finals on April 11 and 12.

The Northern Feature Draft will be on Sunday, February 15 and in the leadup includes a campdraft clinic for both riders and judges with Victorian champions Michael and Vicki Hiscock.