Yesterday we decided to drive into our little local township to watch the campdrafting Campdrafting is a uniquely Australian horse sport, and if you do follow the link, I hope you enjoy reading more about it. This event is held every October here, and is always a must attend competition for campdrafters from near and far. Of course, it is run to benefit local interests, with proceeds going to help the schools, hospitals and such in our district. And, most importantly, all helpers do so on a voluntary basis, from the women who feed the multitudes, to the property owners who provide the cattle that are used in the draft - no small undertaking in anyone's world. I have put together a small collage of photos I took during yesterday's action.
There has always been something amusing to see, and this time was no exception. For the most part, people seem to bring along their newest pup to show off, but this little one was a first for me!! Raising an orphaned macropod is not an easy task. This little one looked so cute, I couldn't help but share it.
I also managed to catch an 'impromtu committee meeting', or so it seemed to me at the time. These men have been involved with the draft since they were youngsters, as their fathers were before them.
Of course, this sport is not for those with a limited budget. The outfits we saw were like homes away from home, for man and beast. Talk about traveling in style!!! I hope these shots will give you some idea of the modern transport facilities that people use. Many of them have several horses [it is acceptable for them to nominate, and compete on a number of horses in their relevant sections]. It's quite a family affair as well - sometimes entire families competing.
I did try to upload a small video clip I took, but my Internet is not good enough for me to do so. Therefore, I will just finish this post with the opening still shot from my video. This young man has been competing and winning for a long time. I think he grew up in the saddle. His hands are always in the right place, he hardly moves in the saddle, everything just gels. More often than not his 'round' is like poetry in motion.
12 comments:
Looks like you had a good time & the weather was kind.
I agree a good camp draughter is an incredible sight to watch, actually most horse sports that involve skill are. Looks like it was a great day and a lovely outing.
Thanks for these really interesting pics. I remember we talked about the camp draught last year and I had never heard of it before.
Do these people actually work on the land on a day to day basis or are they on some kind of entertainment circuit?
The skills are amazing - thanks again Linda.
I haven't been to a coampdraft since before I was married, they have become much more upmarket now! They are always wonderful to watch. Cheers
What a difference in life colmpared with Germany. But there might be places over here where they do similar competition abnd I simply do not know. I enjoy your photo-collage
This is all new to me being a city girl born and bred and I realy enjoy seeing what life is like in the bush. Take care.
I hve never seen a campdraft; it looks like a wonderful day out. And the weather looked fabulous for it.
As for those trucks; they look bigger than some people's houses!!! Well if you are going to travel, it might as well be in comfort I guess.
Thanks Linda for again bringing us a slice of Australia that we city slickers never get to experience.
Very interesting post, Linda. Another new one for me, live nad learn:) Thank you for including the link, it gives a good explanation.
Pleased my day out drew attention to this uniquely Australian horse sport. Many of the people who compete are property owners, ie their own boss, and can make the time to attend many of these competition days. I am not sure if they consider themselves entertainers as such. Some compete more than others, and in the long run I suppose it all hinges on time and money.
I have only seen these events at the local shows, but it is always amazing to see the horsemanship of the riders and the control they have of their horses, which it seems very little effort.
Glad you had a great day out....and where would the country towns be without the wonderful groups of volunteers.
Thanks for telling us of the sport and for commenting on my blog.
would love to have been there. I always enjoy local culture, this was one I did not know about.
However, I did go to a 'surf festival' (????) out side of Sydney a few years back, a great day out and everyone was so welcoming.
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