Campdrafting is an Australian sport involving one horse and rider attempting to prove their cattle handling skills by way of taking control of a cow and manoeuvring it around a pre set two part course.

The Camp

The competitor starts off in a square yard called the “camp”, in the camp there is somewhere between 5 and 8 cows depending on the competition. The rider must pick a single cow out of the mob and move it to the front of the camp where there are two gates held in the closed position by two volunteers. The horse and rider at this point must attempt to move the cow back and forth to obtain a score out of 26 given by the judge for the “camp score” without allowing the cow past them and back to the mob. Once the competitor is satisfied that they have proven their ability in the camp they will call for the front gates to be opened, and move onto the course.

The Course

The course is a larger arena with four pegs arranged as a first peg, second peg followed by a gate. As the competitor follows their beast out the front of the camp they will start heading to the left or the right depending on the direction pre set by the judge at the start of the event. Once the horse and rider have tracked their beast around the first peg they then have to cross over to the opposite side of the cow and complete the second half of the figure of 8 around the second peg. The rider must then steer the cow around and towards the gate and pass the beast and themselves through the gate. The course can award you a total of 4 points, 2 for completing the first peg and one each for the second peg and the gate. Also awarded in the arena is a possible 70 points for horse work, together with the camp score and the course points that totals a possible score of 100 points.

How to get started

If you’re eager to get started with Campdrafting, you’ll be pleased to know that the initial steps are relatively straightforward. All you’ll need is a horse and a spare weekend. To begin, visit your local association’s website, where you’ll find essential information such as dates, entry requirements, and registration details. For your convenience, here is a list of the associations:

SCA-Southern Campdrafting Association– VIC, SA, ACT and NSW

GCA- Gippsland Campdrafting Association-VIC

ACA-Australian Campdrafting Association-QLD, NT, WA, NSW, TAS

ABCRA- Australian Bushman’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association-NSW, QLD, WA and ACT

The most common events in Campdrafting are as follows:

1. 1. Maiden: This category is reserved for horses that have not won any open aged Campdrafts (maiden, novice, open, or lady’s).
   2. Novice: Horses that have not won 3 novice Campdrafts since breaking maiden status or any open event are eligible for this category.
   3. Open: Any horse can participate, although the competition typically involves novice and open horses exclusively.
   4. Open for Open: Restricted to horses that have won 4 novice drafts/ equivalent or one open draft.
   5. Lady’s: Open to women of a certain age, varying depending on the association.
   6. Junior: For children aged 8-12.
   7. Juvenile: Specifically designed for youngsters aged 13-17.

To embark on your Campdrafting journey, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Horse: Find a well-trained horse that possesses the necessary qualities for Campdrafting—agility, responsiveness, and comfort with cattle. Seek guidance from experienced trainers or knowledgeable horse owners during the selection process.
2. Research Local Associations: Visit the websites of the aforementioned associations or contact them directly to gather information about upcoming events, entry deadlines, and registration procedures.
3. Check Event Dates and Entry Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the event calendars provided by the associations. Mark the dates of Campdrafting events on your calendar and take note of the deadlines for entry submissions. Association websites will have detailed instructions on how to enter, including access to entry forms and payment methods.
4. Choose Your Event Category: Determine the most suitable category for your horse or yourself based on eligibility criteria. Consider your horse’s experience or your own age and gender when selecting the category that aligns with your abilities.
5. Complete Entry’s: Using the particular association or Campdraft’s entry website follow the prompts or if the entrys are paper, obtain entry forms from the association websites or request them via email or mail. Carefully fill in the required information, ensuring accuracy to avoid any issues during the registration process.
6. Submit Entry Fees: Refer to the entry forms or association websites for information regarding entry fees. Follow the provided instructions to make the payment. Most associations accept online payments, but alternative methods such as direct deposits or check mailing may be available. Be sure to meet the payment deadline to secure your entry.
7. Prepare Yourself and Your Horse: Prioritize training and preparation for your horse, focusing on Campdrafting-specific tasks such as working with cattle, cutting, and navigating obstacles. Seek guidance from experienced riders or trainers to improve your skills and ensure readiness for the event.
8. Attend the Campdrafting Event: Arrive early on the event day to acquaint yourself with the venue, rules, and schedule. Follow the instructions provided by the organizers and be prepared for your designated time slot. Listen attentively to announcements and be ready when it’s your turn to compete.

Remember, Campdrafting demands skill, practice, and dedication. Prioritize safety for both you and your horse throughout the training and competition process. Embrace the experience and savor the excitement of participating in this thrilling equestrian discipline!