Competition keen in campdraft

A fantastic weekend of campdrafting action was held at Eneabba in the first weekend of October.

An enthusiastic and dedicated group of competitors began rolling into town on Thursday, October 3, with many travelling from all ends of the State.

The weather was perfect for horses, riders and spectators with some sun, intermittent cloud cover and a light breeze to keep everyone happy.

Excellent commentary was provided by campdraft specialists such as Lisa Edwards, Sandy Craig and Roxanne Morrissey.

The atmosphere was set to a superb soundtrack of Johnny Cash country music and the occasional crack of a stockwhip as an unfortunate competitor was "cracked off".

Competitors and spectators all donned the mandatory country bling shirts and belts, making a colourful backdrop around the grounds.

Cattle for the draft were kindly donated by Gabyon Pastoral Company, Brett Fitzgerald and Christine Fitzgerald, International Live Exports and Ian and Faye Smith.

Top Cattle Co and Hamptons were responsible for getting the cattle in and out smoothly.

The horsemanship displayed over the weekend was top notch, with riders ranging in age from eight to 80.

A familiar theme displayed over the weekend was the common surnames in each division, highlighting the fact campdraft is a sport for the whole family.

Mothers and fathers ride in the Open division and their children show them how it's done in the juniors and juvenile sections.

The Novice Draft was won by Andy Ker on Oscar, with 170 points.

The Encouragement award was won by Jenny Brett on Diannah with 86 points.

In the Open Draft the winner was Drew Gibbs with 265 points, riding Dakota Carrot.

The Restricted Open was won by Justin Morrissey on Nelson, with 91 points.

In the Maiden Draft, the winner was Andy Ker on Tanami with 176 points.

The Ladies Draft was won by Harriet McLarty on Obsession, with 90 points.

The hotly contested Juvenile Draft was won by Jacob Walmsley on Hurtle with 159 points, and the equally impressive and fiercely fought Junior Draft was won by Ted Oakley on Treacle, with 100 points.

Eneabba Campdraft Association president Scott Keilar said the draft was "overall a successful weekend".

"We would like to thank all of our sponsors, cattle donors, volunteers and competitors once again for their continued support towards the Eneabba Campdraft," he said.