ABCRA National Finals - Campdraft Wrap Up

The ABCRA National Finals have drawn to an end, and what a week it has been. The Finals saw some excellent competition with many high scores being recorded. The race for the Titles up for grabs made for an even more entertaining three rounds as both competitors and horses were at their best in hopes of becoming the Finals or National Champion. Due to the tough competition, there were many close scores leading to run offs in order to decide the winner.

This year’s Campdraft saw many up-grades and improvements to the event ensuring both competitors and spectators were pleased. The event was webcast, allowing family and friends, and spectators to watch the rounds, a positive for those who were unable to attend. With a full bar, canteen and covered undercover spectator seating, it was enjoyable for all.

This year, the campdraft saw three rounds over two days including three events, the Lady Rider, Open Horse and Most Successful Rider run on Friday night under lights which proved to be a success for competitors and spectators alike.

The ABCRA National Finals Campdraft saw over $50 000 worth of cash and prizes awarded throughout the duration of competition, including a bag and horse rug for each qualifier showing why the Finals is Australia’s premier Campdraft. Some of the magnificent prizes on offer included three Winning Edge saddles, Tamworth Horseland rugs, a service fee to Hot as Hell, beautiful Ride Tuff Buckles, Mitavite rugs, Hiscocks rugs, Mitavite vouchers, RM Williams vouchers and Diamond Wool Saddle Pads.

After three fast and consistent rounds, the ABCRA National Finals Campdraft Aggregate Champions were decided. Brooke Anderson rode Brown Vintage to win the Finals Champion Under 13 Junior Rider. The Finals Champion Under 17 Juvenile Rider went to Josh Barnett after riding Molly for a total score of 254.

Walcha’s Brooke Morris rode Destinys Lethal Hand for a total score of 261 and to be named the Finals Champion Encouragement Rider. Kerri Mitchell (pictured) had three good runs aboard Charm to be named the Finals Champion Lady Rider. The Finals Champion Open Rider was won by Noel Cheney after riding Canome Official for a total score of 260.

April Langridge and ‘Jeka’ won the Finals Champion Maiden Horse Title after having a successful National Finals. Noel Cheney and his horse ‘Canome Official’ had a very good Finals and finished in the number one position to take home the Finals Champion Novice Horse Title. ‘Redrock’ and Lachlan Maxwell won the Finals Champion Open Horse after finishing with the highest score across the three rounds.

After 12 months of competition and thousands of miles of travelling, the National Champions have been announced. Tyler Berkley from Inverell was named the 8-Under 13 Junior Rider after having another successful year of competition, as he was the winner of this Title last year as well. The 13-Under 17 Juvenile Rider was won by Wyatt Young after having an unbeatable year aboard his horse ‘Cedervale Jekyllin’ who was also named the All Round Campdraft Horse of the Year.

Kenrick Cross had a successful year and continued his success at the National Finals to secure the Champion Encouragement Rider Title as this was an event that came down to the wire. Simone Harvey, the reigning champion in the Lady Rider proved too good for her competitors, once again taking home the Champion Lady Rider Title.

The Champion Maiden Horse was awarded to ‘Jeka’ and April Langridge from Dora Creek after having an unbeatable National Finals to secure the Title. April has been an 8-U13 Junior Rider Champion and has continued her success in her other events, leaving it unquestionable that we will continue to see her in the winner’s circle.

Well known horseman Troy Palmer who has also been a past Champion rode his horse ‘Replica’ to win the Champion Novice Horse Title. Troy was also the winner of the Most Successful Rider Title, having yet again another unbelievable year. Nigel Kable and ‘Ivory’ continued their long reign of success taking home the Champion Open Horse Title and JR Mackay Memorial Open Horse Award. ‘Ivory’ was also the winner of this event in 2003.

The cut out shoot out was a highlight of the event with fantastic competition and many close scores, however it was Lachlan Maxwell riding Moonlight who finished in the number one position after managing to score an impressive 43 points to win the event.

With the Finals done and dusted and all the fantastic awards and prizes given out, competitors will once again be hitting the road on another year long journey to qualify for next year’s ABCRA National Finals. Run by the ABCRA Board, National Finals Committee and Staff, National Finals is  held each year in January during the Country Music Festival, this is an event to be marked on your calendar as it’s a sure bet the Finals will keep getting bigger and better.

Photo: Wild Fillies Photography

Quick Links

• View all ABCRA Finals photos in the Gallery
• Read the ABCRA Rodeo Finals Wrap Up
• View Campdraft horses for sale on Horsezone