Locals will have the chance to see some of Australia’s best riders in action when the Armidale campdraft is back in town.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With one of the biggest events on the sport’s calendar – the Landmark Classic – to be held in Tamworth next week, the Armidale Campdraft is the last chance for serious competitors to have a hit out and put the finishing touches on their horses.
It is the 42nd year the draft has been held and committee members Ian Watson and John Weston said, with the Classic drawing every serious stock horse person in the country, there are people from all over Australia entering the Armidale event.
“There's a fella from Western Australia, up through the Territory, North Queensland, Victoria, all over NSW, a lot of local competitors – always a very healthy contingent of local people,” he said.
Weston added: “They all want to give their horses a run here and then go to Landmark.”
The campdraft is at full capacity with runs held from dusk until dawn on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“We are holding 1354 first round runs at the moment and with finals there will be another 150 to 200 so we will run in excess of 1500 entries for the weekend,” Watson said.
Local farmers and trucking companies help get the event up and running and, in turn, the committee put funds back in the local community.
In the last four years, the campdraft has raised more than $100,000 for local charities as well as putting money back into the showground’s facilities. This year money will be donated to Can Assist, local schools and sporting clubs will also benefit.
“The canteen, as last year, will be run by the Chandler Public School out at Wollomombi,” Watson said.
“What we have done there is give the proceeds of that canteen, they man it and run it themselves so the money stays in the local community.
“Likewise, we have forfeited the bar and given that to the Barbarians Rugby Club.”
Campdrafting is uniquely Australian with the sport originating here and the first competition held in Tenterfield. It has grown in popularity immensely since its beginnings and is one of the largest equestrian disciplines in the country.
Weston said the Armidale Campdraft reflects the sport’s growth and believes the increasing popularity in the sport is helped by the fact there is an event for every member of the family.
“There's never any cases of trouble, it is a very family orientated sport,” he said.
“You have the ladies draft, the kids draft at each program nearly. The kids have a good time while they are waiting for their go and you never see them.”
For those who haven’t witnessed a campdraft before, Watson said it is the perfect event to see the speedy and skillful sport in action.
“Everyone is welcome, it is free entry,” he said.
“Come over, have a meal, have a few drinks, watch a bit of quality drafting and some of the best campdrafters in Australia.”
Action commences at 7am on Friday and will run through until Sunday afternoon at Armidale Showground.