Braidwood Campdraft - Results

Mel Cochrane riding Whos Catwoman (all photos: Jenny Solomon www.jensol.net)

Danny Brabon sported his 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' look, during his run, as a result of losing a bet!

With her stock horse out of action, Michelle Ridley thought she'd show the versatility of her Clydesdale carriage mare - who obviously had a ball!

Braidwood Campdraft is affiliated with the Southern Campdrafting Association Ltd (SCA) and is held each year in January.  This year (2012) the hardworking committee had completed a new purpose built arena.  Generous cattle donors in the area also dug deep and made extra cattle available so it could be run as a two day event for the first time in years. With the good rains in the area the cattle were in exceptional condition and tested out the drafters.

With a bit of light rain overnight Friday and into the morning, the dust was kept down and conditions were good for a 6.30am start.  Camping space is plentiful at the Braidwood Showground which adjoins the campdraft arena - and the near new shower and toilet block coupled with the old style pavilion/bar meant that all needs were catered for.

The maiden event drew nearly 200 competitors and was split into two rounds.  The first round was won by Ian Laurie on Duete and the second round was won by James Crawford on Willow.  During the Maiden a bet (between Carleen Prior and Danny Brabon) had been made and as Carleen managed to get round a peg cleanly then Danny had to wear pink for his runs until he made it through the gate.  Carleen is new to campdrafting and with the incentive of the bet managed the peg on her first run on Saturday! Danny honoured his bet and resembled something out of Priscilla Queen of the Desert - even though he admitted to choking on the boa once or twice as it swung around his neck.  The Maiden event also proved interesting with Michelle Ridley competing on her part Clydesdale mare.  Michelle’s stock horse was out of action so she decided to bring her carriage horse and compete on her – even getting an outside score.  I must say the sight of the mare thundering across the arena, obviously enjoying herself, was a sight I haven’t seen at a campdraft before.

The Juniors and Juveniles then had a run.  Zeb Pearce managed a first and second placing in the Juniors with Nathan Hart winning the Juvenile.  As the sun was beaming down the Ladies had their runs.  At the end of just over 80 runs Leah Whitehead on Sharon narrowly beat Mel Cochrane on Eternity.  The Open followed as the sun  began to fall in the west.  Ian Laurie was the eventual winner on Destiny then it was up to the pavilion to do the dinners and award presentations.

Sunday morning started at 6.30am with two rounds of the Encouragement.  Winners were Andy Whitsed and Claire Burbridge.  The Novice horses were next out and with over 200 entries Steve Hart and Sequel took out first place with Jade French on Lizzy’s Roc Star following closely behind.  The afternoon saw the Open horses competing and the winner was Stuart Webb and Jimney Cricket.

Congratulations must go out to the Braidwood Committee and in particular Ian Laurie and his partner Mel Cochrane.  To be able to organise a campdraft of that calibre, compete and take home some major prizes is an incredible feat.  I can’t wait till next year!!

by: Jenny Solomon

Quick Link

• Visit Jenny Solomon's website to view and purchase photos from this and other events.
• Visit the Southern Campdrafting Association website for more information about the sport.
• View campdraft horses for sale on Horsezone.