11 fundamentals for campdrafting

Campdrafting is a fast paced, thrill seeking and alcoholics not so anonymous, load of fun. That being said it’s also a real deal cow horse sport and shit can, and does hit the fan in a moments notice. Here’s 11 fundamentals that will even the odds against any of the big names on the weekend.

1. Watch how the cattle run outside –Now that you’ve read this you’ll never have a cow run under the first or second peg again right?… You should watch as many of the same mob of cattle that your drafting run outside to see what patterns there are. If the cattle are likely to duck left or right, be there to stop them.

2. Finish your gate- As you come through the gate you should finish your circle and then turn your beast towards the arena cattle exit. It’s one extra piece of class that will earn you good favour with the judge.

3. Don’t be late to the camp- Be at the camp at least 10 runs before you’re up. The amount of times people roll in 2 runs before they’re up and ride in not knowing what the cattle are doing blows me away. You’ll never learn to pick a cow if you don’t take note of what’s going on. The sport is hard enough as is without making it harder on yourself.

4. Have a backup cow picked- Even if you’re in on a fresh fill, always have a backup cow in mind. A fresh fill is like a box of chocolates, you never know what ya gonna get.

5. Herd help is a non-negotiable- Having someone with you to help pick, watch and bounce ideas off is one of the most underrated parts of Campdrafting and has become a non- negotiable habit for me. If you don’t have anyone with you, at very least ask someone at the camp to help you watch the fresh so you don’t loose them.

6. Call the gate at the correct time- If the cow is flowing nicely from side to side there is a correct time to call for your gate. Most of the time, it’s as your cow is turning away from the fence on the opposite side to the first peg. This in theory gives you one more turn and then out the gate in the right position.

7. Have a plan and stick to it- Be sure you have a game plan before you enter the camp. The number of blocks you want to make and what side of the cow you want to come out on so you can attack the first peg in the best way.

8. Come out the front gate with contact- You should come out the front gate the same distance and speed from the cow you would have when driving it through the final course gate. This way your course will be smooth, not full of 90 degree turns and hard checks.

9. Attack the first peg – The points are on the first peg, if you don’t attack the first peg you’ll likely never make the points up to win a draft until the day everyone else stuffs up. (It doesn’t happen often)

10. Ride your course- Make sure you always ride your course, the small movements of the pegs by the judges can really influence how you attack a peg.

11. Listen to the judges address- If you have to get up at 5 in the morning to hear the judges address you should do so. The judge will sometimes give off crucial information that can be a huge help to knowing what they’re looking for.