ACA NEWS_Edition 280 of the ACA News

Front Cover:

President REPORT

Hello Members

It’s a pleasure to present this month’s President Report.

After a recent holiday, I’m excited to be back in Australia and I must say, in my view, we’re still living in the greatest country in the world. It’s been great to see so much drafting activity taking place while I was away.

We’re now looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and reconnecting with many of you at the upcoming spring drafts, including the southern run at Condamine, Chinchilla, and Warwick.

This year has marked some major milestones for our sport. The Capella Campdraft celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, while Moranbah marked forty years of drafting. Congratulations to both committees. It was fantastic to see these milestones celebrated, and I’m confident both events will continue strong for many more years to come.

One of the most exciting developments currently underway is the creation of a new ACA mobile app. This app will give members instant access to up to date results, stories, and improved advertising opportunities for both sponsors and members.

Although our initial grant application for the app’s development was unsuccessful, I’m pleased to report that the App Committee has done an outstanding job securing sponsorship funding to make this project a reality. A contract has now been signed, development is well underway, and we’re aiming for an official

launch in October. I extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors and your generous support is helping take our association and the services we provide to the next level.

At the most recent National Campdraft Council of Australia meeting, held in Melbourne this June, several important rule changes were introduced. I encourage all members to familiarise themselves with these updates by reviewing the latest version of the rule book, which is available online. Key areas impacted include:

• Horse status • Horse class • Futurity horses

• Specifically, Rules 9.2 and 9.4

If you have any difficulty locating or understanding these changes, please reach out to your local councillors for guidance.

Looking forward to seeing many of you out and about as the spring drafting season kicks off.

Warm regards

Robert Daly President

Vice President REPORT

It is a pleasure to submit my first Vice President Report. Firstly, congratulations to the Goondiwindi Campdraft Committee on running a well organised Finals on fantastic grounds with great facilities. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to next year’s Finals at Paradise Lagoons with planning already well underway.

Tania, Jason, Les and I attended the National Campdraft Council of Australia Meeting and Annual General Meeting in Melbourne in June and while the weather was cold and unforgiving, the meeting was productive and successful. Status of horses and what drafts change them have been rewritten in greater detail. The age of a Futurity horse is now five years and under. Some interesting speakers from the industry came and spoke with us about horses and horse sports in general.

The campdrafts have quietened down in my area for the winter but are about to commence soon with Cooranga North. Paul (hubby) and I where fortunate to be asked to go to Cloncurry to judge. What a terrific ground and set up! It’s always good to get out of your own area and check things out.

With almost 7,000 members and 120 affiliated committees, I feel that the ACA has a strong team, and we are grateful for the members and committees to giving us ‘a go’. It is wonderful to see also that all committees are using Campdraft One as their nominating platform.

I look forward to catching up with all at the spring drafts.

Happy drafting!

Kay Radke Vice President

Operations Manager REPORT

Hello Members and Committees

The year is moving fast and the campdraft season is well and truly underway. I want to congratulate the Goondiwindi Committee on running a fantastic National Finals in May. Through a lot of hard work they were able to achieve a very successful event. I also want to thank our ACA Office Team and ACA National Finals Sub Committee for all the work they did to assist in this event.

There have been some changes in our Office Team over the past month. Our long serving team member, Kelly Duncan, has left us to move on to a new challenge. Kelly has been with the ACA since October 2022 and will be missed by us all. I want to thank Kelly for the many years of loyal and dedicated service with the ACA and wish her great success in her new venture.

Our new team member, Debra Rickert, started with us on Monday 21 July. I also want to welcome Debra to the team and look forward to working with her in the future. Debra is a Toowoomba local and brings with her considerable experience from working in various administration roles. Until next time enjoy your campdrafting and most of all stay safe.

Les Hopkins Secretary/Operations Manager

2025 High School Campdraft Percentile Cup

To be held at Pittsworth, QLD, from Saturday 4 – Monday 6 October 2025

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Closed 19 June 2025 PRE NOMINATIONS

Email the pre-nomination form to hscpc11@oulook.com

Closes 1 August 2025 NOMINATIONS

Campdraft One https://one.campdraft.com.au/login

Open 7:00am Monday 1 September 2025

Close 7:00am Monday 8 September 2025

Paid by 7:00pm Monday 15 September 2025

Nomination fee $25 per horse nominate payable on invoice.

Emily Curr 0449 993 543 I Lisa Wallace 0458 507 047 Sophia Drake 0421 461 321

Rules Sub Committee REPORT

G’day Campdrafters!

Hasn’t the year flown by at a rapid pace this year as we are nearly halfway through the season? It’s been terrific to see so many drafts on, and as we close out winter, we approach a full calendar of another huge run of campdrafts.

The Rules and Guidelines Sub Committee have been working tirelessly with the office and the National Campdraft Council of Australia (NCCA), as well as the ACA Executives and the ACA Office Team, to ensure our Rule Book is updated with current times and to simplify our rules for all members in the best possible ways. I would like to again take the opportunity to thank all involved, your work doesn’t unnoticed.

At the last ACA Management Meeting at Goondiwindi in May of this year, the Rules Sub Committee brought many topics to the table for the Councillors to consider and most were accepted and received well by the group.

Two of the significant changes out of that meeting were Ladies Campdrafts being run in conjunction with open aged drafts (Maiden, Novice and Open), if a committee desires, and still being able to gain Lady Rider title points. While we encourage the utilisation of a full Ladies

Campdraft, this is just another option ACA Campdraft Committees may apply, if time restraints or cattle numbers dictate otherwise.

The other change has been the increase in age for NCCA rule 8. Classes of Horses 8.1 regarding Futurity horses, from 4 years and under, to 5 years and under. Our NCCA delegates to this to the NCCA Meeting in Melbourne in June this year, and it was received extremely well and approved. The minutes for the last meeting, with our other rule changes and discussions can be found on the ACA website, should members like to peruse.

The ACA Rules and Guidelines Sub Committee will meet with the Management Committee council in a couple of weeks in Brisbane and will present a small agenda for consideration, I look forward to the discussion and keeping the members updated.

Thank you again to the Sub Committee for their work. If ACA Members require clarification regarding any rules, please feel free to reach out to myself or anyone in the group, we are only to happy to help out.

James McAuley

Rules Sub Committee Chairperson

Magazine Coordinator REPORT

Hello Everyone

I hope that this edition of the ACA News, Edition 280, finds you well!

I am starting this report by announcing that after over five years working as ACA’s Magazine Coordinator, Edition 280 will be the final ACA News magazine that I will publish. As I conclude my time at ACA, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my time working as ACA’s Magazine Coordinator. I also extend a very big thank you to all of the people and businesses who I have worked with over the years, whether that be sharing your stories and photographs in the magazine, featuring your businesses through sponsorship and advertising or working with you to produce the magazines. When I look back over the forty eight ACA News magazines that I have completed,

I am extremely proud of them all, and I feel privileged to have been able to produce the ACA News magazines for our campdraft community, publications that have been published since 1977 and are a special part of ACA’s history.

Now, looking forward to this current edition, we have a great array of content available. From campdraft articles, the ACA Honour Roll Recipient listing, a photography spread, a Sponsor Spotlight article featuring Riverina Stockfeeds and a feature on The Big Three, there is so much content to be read.

As I finish this report, I would like to thank you – readers of the ACA News – thank you for taking the time to read the magazines over the years, I hope that you have enjoyed them.

Thank you again, Happy Drafting and Happy Reading! Greta Keene Magazine Coordinator

~ In memory of ~

Pe r Powna

17/08/1941 – 30/07/2025

Peter Pownall will be fondly remembered as an astute cattleman, known for his calm presence and unwavering integrity. A true gentleman in every sense, he earned the deep respect of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Since 1981, Peter and his family generously donated cattle to the Monto Silver Buckle Campdraft, a tradition that reflected both his commitment to the community and his enduring passion for the sport. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the traditions he helped uphold.

Peter passed away peacefully at eighty three years of age on Wednesday 30 July 2025. A funeral service was held in honour of Peter at The Outdoor Chapel, Biloela Lawn Cemetery in Biloela on Friday 8 August 2025.

Peter will be dearly missed.

Our thoughts are with Peter’s family during this time.

Re In Peace Pe r.

~ In memory of ~

Alison Lesley Ma eson

25/07/1952 – 9/08/2025

Alison Lesley Matheson (nee Arneil) was involved in campdrafting for many years; she was a member of the Australian Campdraft Association (ACA), a passionate campdrafter and supporter of the campdrafting community.

Alison had great success in the sport, with multiple wins and placings to her name. Among these many achievements, Alison also went on to win ACA’s 1992 Champion Lady Rider Competition Title.

While Alison retired from competing over ten years ago, her enjoyment for the sport continued, as she often attended many drafts to watch and support her daughter, Cassie, compete.

Alison passed away peacefully at seventy three years of age on Saturday 9 August 2025. A memorial service will be held in honour of Alison, commencing at 10:30am at The Club in Beaudesert on Wednesday 27 August 2025. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Alison’s memorial service, and they are asked to dress in bright colours in honour of Alison.

Alison will be dearly missed.

Our thoughts are with Alison’s family during this time.

Re In Peace Alison.

Click the links below to access the

Have You Read ACA’s Meeting Minutes?

View the link below to catch up on the Minutes from the May Management Committee Meeting and Annual General Meeting.

https://www.campdraft.com.au/ meeting-minutes/

Year round public liability coverage, encompassing campdraft competitions, training and working bees. ACA provides personal accident insurance for volunteers at ACA affiliated events and professional indemnity insurance covering areas such as fraud, document loss and defamation.

Fast and responsive customer service by six dedicated ACA Team Members.

The opportunity to utilse ACA’s Official Nomination Platform, Campdraft One, which has been built with both committees and members in mind – keeping nomination and event administration requirements to a minimum. Along with receiving daily support by the ACA Office Team (including evenings and weekends). ACA have commenced ‘A Day With ACA’, which is Campdraft One training days that the Association runs to provide committees and members with more information about Campdraft One.

Direct access to over fifty ACA Management Committee Members for event planning and execution.

Access to ACA’s panel of over 1,700 approved ACA Judges, a dedicated committee portal on the ACA Website, ACA resources and the Association’s Secretaries Group on Facebook.

Promotion of your event dates and results via complimentary advertising on the ACA Website and in the ACA News. Along with this; the opportunity to publish an article about your event in the ACA News.

The opportunity to leverage ACA’s expansive sponsor network for event sponsorship opportunities.

Committees can celebrate their cattle donors with personalised certificates and through ACA’s annual prize draw.

Committees have the opportunity to host the ACA National Finals, an annual event that attracts many competitors and spectators located across Australia each year.

ACA provide funding to the ACA National Finals Host Committee to assist them with the National Finals. Committees also receive ACA funding for their Youth Camps, Starter Clinics and Judges Seminars.

A variety of membership types, including Adult, Couples, Family, Non Competing, Casual and Event, as well as memberships for Mini, Junior and Juvenile competitors that do not require additional parental memberships.

Reciprocal membership rights between ACA and ASHS at sanctioned events.

ACA’s Affiliated Committees

AS AT 5 AUGUST 2025

Allora and District Campdraft Association

Alpha Rodeo Association Inc

Armidale Campdraft Club

ASHS NT

Augathella Diggers Campdraft

Australia’s Greatest Horseman

Australian Stockmans Hall of Fame Campdraft Committee Inc

Eidsvold Rodeo Committee Association

Esk Campdraft Association Inc

Eumamurrin Recreation Association Inc

Balonne Branch ASHS

Baralaba Bottle Tree Campdraft Association Inc

The Australian Campdraft Association would like to thank our committees who have affiliated with us for the 2025 Financial Year – we appreciate your support, and we look forward to working with you this year!

Paradise Lagoons Campdraft Association

Pinkett Sports Committee

Pittsworth and District Campdraft Association Inc

Fernvale Campdraft Association

Gatton Campdraft Association

Georgetown Horse and Pony Club

Gidgeefield Community

Glen Elgin Sports Committee

Glen Innes Show Society

Glenmorgan Rodeo and Campdraft Inc

PInnacle Campdraft Association Inc

Powlathanga Campdraft

Proston Golden Spurs

Pussy Cat Sports Club Inc

Rathdowney Memorial Draft

Ray White Rural Gracemere

Red Centre Campdraft and Rodeo Association

Barcaldine Campdraft Assoc

Beaudesert Show Society

Belyando Performance Horse Inc

Blackall Campdraft Assn

Blair Athol Bush Sports Inc

Bollon Charity Rodeo Association Inc

Boonah Rodeo and Campdraft Association

Boonderoo Charity Campdraft and Challenge

Borroloola Amateur Race Club

Bowen River Rodeo and Campdraft

Brunette Downs Campdraft Committee

Burke & Wills Sports Club

Burrandowan Campdraft Association Inc

Caldervale Campdraft Committee

Cambooya Campdraft Association

Camooweal Campdraft and Rodeo Association Inc

Capella Campdraft Association

Central and North Burnett ASH

Chinchilla Campdraft Committee

Clarke Creek Campdraft Association

Clermont Gold Cup Committee

Cloncurry Stockmans CC

Comet River Windmill Campdraft Association

Cooranga North Recreation Reserve

CQ Campdraft Inc

Croydon Rodeo and Campdraft Association Inc

Daly Waters

Dardanup Campdraft

Dawes Hall RCI

Glenmorgan State School P and C Association

Gold City Campdraft Association

Goondiwindi and District Campdraft Association Inc

Great Southern Branch ASHS

Greenvale Rodeo and Campdraft

Guyra Campdraft Club

Hannaford Community Campdraft

Horse Of The North

Injune Campdrafting Association Inc

Inverell Show Campdraft

Jambin Champagne Draft

Jericho Rodeo Association

Juandah Aggregation Trust

Katherine District Show Society Inc

Condamine Campdraft and Rodeo Association Inc

Killarney Show and Rodeo Society Inc

Kragra Gymkhana Association Inc

Kumbia and District Campdraft Association

Marlborough and District Campdraft Association

Mataranka NNF Campdraft

Mayanup Campdraft Association

Millmerran Campdraft Committee

Mitchell Campdraft Association

Moranbah Campdrafting Association

Mostly Hills Campdraft

Mount Chapple Sports Club Inc

Mount Isa Campdraft

Mount Surprise Sport and Recreation Club

Moura Campdraft Association

Red Range Sports Committee Inc

Retreat Creek Campdraft Association

Ridgelands Campdraft and Rodeo Association Inc

Roma Campdraft Association

Saxby Roundup Association Incorporated

Scots PGC College

Springsure Working Horse Association

St George Campdraft Association

St Josephs Catholic Primary School

P and C Association

Stanthorpe Campdraft Subcommittee

Surat Campdraft Association

Tambo Campdraft and Rodeo Assoc Inc

Tannymorel Rodeo and Campdraft Association

Taroom Golden Horseshoe Campdraft Association Inc.

Tennant Creek Campdraft

Tenterfield Campdraft Association

Tenterfield Show Society Inc

The Adavale Sport and Recreation Association Inc

The Congress

The Costello Yard Campdraft Association

Theodore Spindles and Spurs

Toogoolawah D A and I Association Inc

Tooloombilla Rodeo and Campdraft

Twin Hills Rodeo and Show

Urbenville and District Campdraft Association

Wallumbilla Campdraft Association Inc

Warrego Campdraft Association Inc

Dingo Rodeo Club Inc

Dirranbandi Past and Ag Association Inc

Douglas Daly Community Dev Assoc Inc

Dundee Bushmans Committee

Mt Coolon Campdraft Association

Mundubbera Show Society Inc

Muttaburra Campdraft

Nebo Bushmans Carnival

Nindigully Sports Community Inc

NQ Highschool Cup

Weetalaba Campdraft Association

Westmar Sports Club Campdraft

Yaraka Campdraft and Rodeo Association

Yelvertoft Campdraft and Rodeo Association

Our affiliated committees’ event dates and programs are uploaded onto the Calendar of Events on the ACA Website throughout the year. View the Calendar of Events at the back of this magazine or view the link below to see it on the ACA Website! https://www.campdraft.com.au/calendar/

NCCA RULE UPDATES

Several rule amendments were made at the National Campdraft Council of Australia (NCCA) Meeting held on 24 June 2025. These rules can be seen below, as well as in the ACA Rule Book.

NATIONAL CAMPDRAFT COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (NCCA) RULES

1. JUDGING – GENERAL

1.3. Maximum points are horse work 70 points, Cut Out 26 points, course 4 points, to give a total of 100 points. Whole points must be used with the exception of cutout run offs or cutout shootouts.

4. JUDGING – COURSE

4.18. A stockwhip shall only be used to commence an event or terminate a run.

8. CLASSES OF HORSES

1.1. Futurity Horse

A. Futurity campdraft is for horses aged up to a maximum of 5 years and under.

B. A horse’s age will be determined as at the 1st of August each year.

C. Unregistered horses must be accompanied by a veterinarian certificate or accredited equine dentist stating the age of the horse, obtained at the owner’s expense.

1.2. Rookie Horse

A Rookie Horse is a horse that has not started in a campdraft prior to the commencement of the relevant association’s competition season.

1.3. Maiden Horses

A Maiden horse ceases to be a Maiden if it has won an event in any class or contest except Junior, Juvenile, Associate, Futurity and Encouragement drafts or Team events.

1.4. Novice Horses

A Novice horse is a horse that has won first prize in a Maiden, Maiden 4 Maiden, Novice, Ladies, Men’s or a restricted campdraft and remains a Novice until the horse has won a further three Novice drafts. A horse that has won an Open campdraft ceases to be a Novice.

A horse can win four Novice drafts if it has not won a first prize in a Maiden. Should a horse win a Maiden 4 Maiden and Maiden which is run in conjunction this will be counted as two wins.

1.5. Open Horses

An Open horse is a horse that has won a first prize in an Open campdraft or has completed its Novice status.

NCCA RULE UPDATES

9. STATUS OF HORSE OR RIDER

9.2. For a competition to be deemed a campdraft, either entry fees are charged or prize money given, with the exception of any of the following:

A. Any individual incentive and or award for the highest scoring class of rider and or horse in any event or round.

B. Any individual incentive and or award for the highest scoring breed or sex of horse in any event or round.

C. Any individual award determined by the committee.

D. Where the above awards and or incentives are given and no additional entry fee is charged for any campdraft event, a horse or rider status will not be altered.

E. The above will be as of the 24th of June, 2025 and will not be considered retrospective.

9.4. The status of a horse winning a campdraft will be determined by the highest class of horse that competes with the exception of Juniors, Juveniles, Ladies, Mens, Old Buffers, Associates, Futurities, Rookie Horses and Encouragement campdrafts. The winner attains the status of the highest class of horse participating.

A. Any event that is a subsequent event to a first round, the horse will break status with those exceptions from rule 9.4 to the highest class of horse in the subsequent event. For example, where a campdraft takes a Maiden 4 Maiden and or Maiden and or Novice final out of the Open campdraft the winner of the Maiden 4 Maiden and or Maiden and or Novice final shall break horse and rider status to Novice. The win shall be recorded as per Rule 8.4.

https://www.campdraft.com.au/general-information-competition-rules-and-guidelines/

Honour Board Recipients AUSTRALIAN CAMPDRAFT ASSOCIATION

Name LM ROH Patron President Secretary

Alan Heading YES

Arthur McIntyre YES

Ashley McKay OAM YES YES

Bill Cox YES

Bill Gleeson YES

Bill Murphy YES

Bob Campbell YES

Bob Carpenter YES

Bryan Wormwell YES

Cameron McIntyre YES YES

Carol Ross YES

Charlie Flohr YES YES

Clive Black YES

Col Dennis YES

Dan Condon YES

David Howard YES

Dayne Vincent YES

Dianne Winters YES

Don Cross YES

Doris McKay YES YES

Ed McCormack YES YES YES

Ernie Harland YES

Evan Acton YES

Fiona Davison YES

Frank Killalea YES

Frank Mitchell YES

Fred Neilson YES

Fred Turner Snr YES

Gabrielle Franklin YES

Geoff McCartney YES

Graham Core YES YES

Greame Acton YES

Greg B. Wallace OAM YES

Henry Williams YES

Hugh Philp YES

Ian Atthow YES YES

Ian Kennedy YES

Jane Hughes YES

Jim Bayliss YES Name

Jim Sparkes YES

John Hartwig YES

Judy Pownall YES

June Lingard YES YES

Ken Wormwell YES

Kevin Ryan YES

Leo Woltmann YES

Lorna Fanning YES

Mary Ann Atthow YES

Mike Cobb YES

Noel Chiconi YES YES

Paul McKey YES

Peter Comiskey Snr YES

Peter Glenwright YES

Peter Hughes YES

Peter McHugh YES

Peter Petty YES

Peter Pownall YES

Ralph Atthow YES

Ray Mayne YES

Robyn Paine YES

Rod Carpenter YES YES

Rohan Marks YES

R.M. Williams YES

Sean Dillon YES YES

Steve Stieger YES

Ted Winnell YES

Terry Donohue YES

Terry McKay YES

Tom Warrian YES

Trevor Shelley YES

Val Atthow YES

Wally Rea YES

Wilson Maller YES

Yvonne Shelley YES

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CLF Young Ambassador Quest

Nominations for the 2026 CLF YAQ will open on Monday 1 September!

Are you a young woman aged twenty to twenty five with a passion for rural Australia?

Keen to support your community through meaningful initiatives?

Ready to create a lasting impact alongside like minded women?

Are you ready to represent the ACA in the 2026 Classic Ladies Foundation Young Ambassador Quest at the Nutrien Equine Classic Campdraft and Sale?

If selected as the ACA’s representative, you’ll have the chance the take part in CLF fundraising activities, attend events, be a flag bearer at presentations, and so much more!

As a bonus, you’ll also receive an exclusive ACA Representative Ambassador Pack to support you on your journey!

More information will be released soon regarding the 2026 CLF Young Ambassador Quest!

CAMPDRAFT Committee Comments

“We used the ACA Campdraft One program for our recent event and were thoroughly impressed. It was very straightforward, easy to navigate, and quick to learn. It saved us time, reduced paperwork, and made updating draws and processing changes simple, while live scoring kept everyone informed in real time. Having access to the ACA Starlink was also much appreciated, ensuring everything stayed online and live. Any issues we had were resolved promptly with assistance straight away. Overall, Campdraft One helped our small committee deliver a professional, well organised event, and we’ll happily use it again.”

Cooranga North Recreation Reserve Inc. Secretary, Amy Greenup

“My experience using Campdraft One has been wonderful. I was very nervous at the beginning, but the platform is user friendly and the team at ACA was incredibly helpful and supportive. Their professionalism and friendliness made me feel comfortable and confident as I learned to navigate the system. The overall experience has been smooth and enjoyable, thanks to their assistance. I appreciate the effort they put into ensuring a seamless experience for users. I am very satisfied with the platform and the support provided by the team. I look forward to continuing to use Campdraft One for future events.”

Eidsvold Rodeo Committee Association Secretary, Susan Symes

ACA STARLINK

Book ACA’s Starlink for Your Next Campdraft

ACA is proud to be offering affiliated committees, who are using Campdraft One as their nomination platform in the Association’s 2025 Financial Year, the opportunity to use the ACA Starlink at their event.

Committees will not be charged for using the Starlink; however, ACA do require committees to provide their own transport for the Starlink (organising the collection of the Starlink from the ACA Office and returning it to the ACA Office).

ACA have updated their Starlink booking process – committees can now electronically book the Starlink via an electronic calendar form on the ACA Website.

View the link below to be redirected to the ACA Website, where you view the Starlink Loan Agreement and submit a booking request to use the Starlink at your next draft!

https://www.campdraft.com.au/committee-resources/wp-booking-calendar/

For more information about this service, contact the ACA Office Team or a Management Committee Member from your zone.

CROYDON LADIES AND YOUTH Camp

The first ever Croydon Young Ladies & Youth Pony Camp was a fantastic weekend! Participants aged three to twenty one from Croydon and surrounding areas joined in on the two day camp. It was jam packed with activities and riders with thirty registering, which is huge for our tiny town!

From seasoned riders to absolute beginners, the camp catered to every level of experience. The program covered essential horse care, foundational riding skills and essential knot tying techniques. The late wet season prevented us from using cattle for campdraft wet work, so we improvised by using a flag. The groups learnt how to perfect their rollbacks and stops, and tracking the mechanical cow was a favourite for everyone and pushed participants to challenge themselves and expand their riding skills. Over in the dry work arena it was slowed right down, and safety was a priority, making sure everyone knew how to do one rein stops, disengage the hind quarters, creating softness in your horse and being confident in your overall control. For a bit of fun, groups also honed their skills in barrel racing, learning techniques, precision, and control.

But the learning wasn’t confined to the saddle. Educational workshops facilitated by Vet Hayley Coburn from H Bar Consolidated Equine, explored horse nutrition, dental care, and the fascinating world of ultrasounds, performing a real live horse dental and ultrasound kept everyone engaged. Even the thrill of sitting in a bronc riding saddle was offered, giving a taste of rodeo life! Beyond the structured activities, the fun continued with trail rides that included lolly hunts and games of tag and catch and release. Bouncing on the jumping castle was a hit when the little ones found it too hot to continue in the saddle.

A Team Effort: The success of the camp was a true team effort. Special recognition goes to our Treasurer, Erin Garde, the driving force behind the entire event and to the parents who pitched in, volunteering their time ensuring the weekend ran smoothly.

Clinic participants.

One of the groups participating in dry work.

The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, and that is thanks to the dedication of our instructors. The time, effort, and passion they poured into the kids over the weekend was truly priceless. They really deserve a shout out: Kevin & Shelly Taylor as well as Ashley Gallagher & Hayley Coburn. The help from our ACA Northern Zone Committee Members, Ben & Cheri Stanger, for assisting with the event did not go unnoticed and we are lucky to have your support. ACA was extremely helpful in the process leading up to the event, with assistance from the ladies in the office and the Operations Manager, Les Hopkins.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the sponsors who made this a reality: Croydon Shire Council and the Australian Campdraft Association. Their contributions, combined with grant funding, demonstrated a strong commitment to the Croydon community and future generations of campdrafters in the North.

E Croydon Rodeo and Campdraft Association Secretary, Mandy Pickering.

C Croydon Rodeo and Campdraft Association Secretary, Mandy Pickering.

Learning how to tie up your horse with safe knots.

Mandy Pickering, Erin Garde, Ashley Gallagher, Shelly Taylor, Kevin Taylor, Hayley Coburn and Peter Garde.

Vet Hayley with one of the groups learning all things equine.

Learning how to pick up and clean your horse’s feet.

BRUNETTE DOWNS Campdraft

The A.B.C. Amateur Race Club ‘Brunette Downs’ June Campdraft was held from 19 – 22 June. The weekend was a fantastic showcase of horsemanship, sportsmanship, and community spirit.

Blessed with favourable weather and a dedicated team of volunteers, the event once again attracted competitors and spectators from far and wide, with over $30,000 of prize money up for grabs, it’s a true highlight on both the Territory and ACA calendars.

We were proud to host a full program of events over the four days, including the Encouragement, Jack & Jill, Maiden, Novice, Juvenile, Junior, Minis, and Open Drafts. Every event ran smoothly thanks to the tireless efforts of our committee, volunteers, cattle donor, and generous sponsors.

The quality of competition this year was outstanding, with record breaking nominations across all events.

In the Maiden A Draft, Steffany Sykes took top honours aboard Prestige Diamantina, followed by impressive runs from Harry Hogg and Lloyd Hammer – both showing great promise for the future.

Maiden B saw Craig Kehl claim the win on Magic Man, with Kathryn Gordon and Hustle for a Dime close behind.

The Novice Draft kept spectators on edge, with Ryan Jepson and Whiskey Girl taking the win in a tightly contested Novice A final. In the Novice B, it was a family affair, Lindy Kehl claimed victory on Kehls Conga, edging out her son Craig Kehl and Kehls Chico by just one point.

In the Open Draft, seasoned competitor, Steven Cadzow,

delivered a standout performance to win on Playin Cat n’ Mouse. Steffany Sykes secured second place, while Cadzow also claimed third aboard Szechuan, a brilliant demonstration of consistency and class in the arena.

The Encouragement and Jack & Jill Drafts gave station based competitors a well deserved moment in the spotlight. These hardworking individuals are often behind the scenes mustering cattle and assisting throughout the weekend –stepped up to demonstrate real skill and teamwork. The Jack & Jill Draft, always a crowd favourite, showcased the bond between station rider and station horse. Congratulations to Jessica O’Toole and Tom Walker, who placed first and second in both events.

The younger generation also shone across the Junior and Juvenile Drafts, with the sport’s future stars demonstrating impressive cattle handling and riding ability. Harry Hogg took out the top two spots in the Juvenile Draft, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his horsemanship. These youth events remain a firm favourite and were strongly supported by families and young riders alike.

Meg Bailey and Lite n Snoozin competing in the Novice Campdraft. Photography by Lils Lens.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our generous sponsors, whose continued support makes this event possible. Their contributions allow us to offer quality prizes, maintain our facilities, and deliver a smooth running weekend. We are also incredibly grateful to our volunteers, committee members, and collaborative stations, past and present. Their dedication is the backbone of everything we do. Hosting a four day campdraft, along with a rodeo and two race days, requires serious coordination and commitment. Many volunteers give up a week or more of their time to ensure everything runs safely and efficiently. Behind the scenes, there’s fences to mend, bore runs to complete, cattle to manage, arenas to prep, accommodation to arrange – and countless other jobs most people never see. Yet our committee and station teams take it all in stride, creating not only a high quality competition but a welcoming, community atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year. Quite simply, without them, there would be no event.

A special thank you also goes to our Cattle Donor, AACo –‘Brunette Downs Station.’ The quality and condition of the cattle this year were second to none and received praise from both competitors and judges. Thanks to the commitment of our team and the incredible support from our community, the Brunette Downs Campdraft continues to grow and thrive. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another great weekend of campdrafting!

E Maddie Argall. C Lils Lens and Top End Dream.

View the link below to access the Brunette Downs Campdraft Results. https://www.campdraft.com.au/results/1685

Judges, Craig Kehl, Zach Wass, Grace Weston, Lindy Kehl, Steph Hancock and Toby Coulthard. Photography by Top End Dream.

Craig Kehl and Open Campdraft Winner, Steven Cadzow. Photography by Top End Dream.

Emma Darcy and Candy Cruiser competing in the Novice Draft. Photography by Lils Lens.

Steffany Sykes and Prestige Diamantina competing in the Open Campdraft. Photography by Lils Lens.

CLONCURRY STOCKMAN’S CHALLENGE AND Campdraft

Performance and pedigree the blueprint for

success at the 42nd Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft

Australia’s original and greatest Stockman’s Challenge event, the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft, celebrated its 42nd year in 2025 and proved why it remains one of the most prestigious and celebrated events in the country.

Supported by Major Sponsor, Curley Cattle Transport, the event run over six days handed out over $160,000 in cash and prizes across a full schedule of almost twenty Challenge and Campdraft events through the week.

The 2025 show has been hailed another huge success by the organising Committee, with Josh Smith winning its title event – the Curley Cattle Transport Classic Stockman’s Challenge – riding Nathan and Suzie Titmus’ stallion G IM A Playboy on a score of 336.5.

It was an absolutely thrilling final on Saturday afternoon, with just 0.25 points separating Josh and second placed competitor Scott Schoo on Kempsey Quarter Horse’s Metallic Moore after an excruciatingly close Wet Work phase – where Josh had an early run and a nail biting wait through to the very last run in the draw… to see if his lead would hold. Which it did!

Josh now joins a small group of elite riders in the history books who have three or more Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge titles to their names, commenting that his third win was ‘probably the most nerve racking’ one. He is rightly proud of the Smith Family bred G IM A Playboy,

a stunning bay stallion bred for Cloncurry success – as he is sired by 2019 Champion GI M Hard and out of mare Kneipps Reeva, who was Runner Up in the 2021 event. Proof that the Smith’s investment into mare power in recent years is certainly proving worthwhile.

Josh took home the iconic Peter Abdy Memorial Silver Quart Pot trophy, a cheque for $40,000 and a plethora of prizes including a Lindsay Whiteman whip and Ridetuff trophy buckle. Reflecting on the win, he had a lot of appreciation for his family’s support. “I’d like to thank my lovely wife Danielle – she’s always in the background keeping everything going, and my parents David and Raelene. We wouldn’t have what we do if it wasn’t for them.”

Committee President, Vince Wall, commended Josh on his horsemanship and G IM A Playboy’s performance, “Josh was a standout in what was an incredibly tough field of competition this year.”

“The level of talent was exceptional through the two phases and final, with incredibly close scores reflecting this – it came right down to the last run and was thrilling to watch.”

There were more memorable wins in the Challenge arena, from Leah Read winning the Ernest Henry Mining Unrestricted Challenge on Noel & Jo-Anne Chiconi’s Chiconis Stylish Girl for the second consecutive year, narrowly beating Rob Carn and Sneaky Blue Duck – who were also Runners Up two years in a row!

The Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft Committee. Photography by Jo Thieme Photography.

Ron Wall’s Memorial event, the U7 Challenge, is one close to many hearts and ensures that Ronnie’s strong legacy at ‘The Curry’ and his profound impact on the Australian Stockman’s Challenge industry lives on. This year’s winner, Baylee Evans on One Roan Lena certainly put on a performance we think he would be proud of, securing the win with 169.25 points.

Another hotly contested event which came down to a finals decider on Saturday was the AJ McDonald Memorial Encouragement Challenge, won by a thrilled young Monto competitor Lucy Southern on Jesses Starlight with a score of 312.

Lucy’s sister Bella also had a great week, finishing second in the Paraway Pastoral Novice A Campdraft then running second and third overall in the Brodie Hardware Youth Challenge – topped off by being presented the Rising Star Award for 2025, taking home a beautiful handcrafted trophy saddle thanks to Mick & Inga Connolly.

Another sister duo who proved a force to be reckoned with this year was that of Hughenden’s Jaimee and Taylor Mills. Jaimee took out both the Cloncurry Roadhouse Juvenile Campdraft and Brodie Hardware Youth Challenge, while younger sister Taylor added to the buckle count with success in the Keyes Cattle Co Junior Challenge – an amazing effort!

The 2025 event also included a diverse Campdraft program, with events enjoyed by a wide range of competitors. The ever consistent combination of Will Durkin and Durkins Jewel won the Jim Telford Memorial Open Campdraft and Bec Hayes was a popular Jim Magoffin Memorial Ladies Champion on Shaydack Audi. Local competitor, Sophie Robertson, was thrilled with her Desert Ice Junior Campdraft win on Wicked – her first Junior Campdraft competition on her new horse!

Scott Schoo got his win for the week in the Paraway Pastoral Novice A on Norma Shannon’s Boons A Flame, Jack Mann won an exciting run off with Ben Hall to win the Elanco Best of the Best Restricted Open with Chuck in the geldings first O4O start, and Tim Duggan took top honours in the Riverina Futurity Campdraft on Arlee Blue Blood.

The Hall camp were as competitive as ever, heavily populating leaderboards all week but leaving their highlight to Sunday – with Jaye Hall and daughter Madison first and second in the Cloncurry Shire Council Novice B on Sunday. It was a bit of a Daley family reunion in the home country, with Dallas enjoying the week watching and Kelly, Lucy, Mitch and Lexi Daley travelling from Katherine in Northern Territory to take several ribbons home.

Last but not least for the week was the Cubbaroo Brahmans Local Maiden Draft, restricted to competitors who work and reside in the Cloncurry Shire. Many competitors were sponsors, committee members or part of crews who’d been working hard putting cattle together for the event – and there were many cheers from the bar during the Final. One of the judges from the week, Ben Stanger, banged out a

Winners of the AJ McDonald Memorial Encouragement Challenge, Lucy Southern and Jesses Starlight. Photography by Ropes N Spurs Photography.

Winners of the Ernest Henry Mining Unrestricted Challenge, Leah Read and Chiconis Stylish Girl. Photography by Ropes N Spurs Photography.

Winners of the Cloncurry Roadhouse Juvenile Campdraft, Jaimie Mills and Nonda Stetson. Photography by Ropes N Spurs Photography.

Winners of the Keyes Cattle Co Junior Challenge, Taylor Mills and Proud Duck. Photography by Jo Thieme Photography.

beautiful 91 point run on Hunter View Con Elsie to take home the final buckle for Cloncurry 2025.

With entry free across the six days, spectators enjoyed the busy program of competition and evening entertainment; from State of Origin on the big screen (enjoyed by everyone except Ben Hall), a feature Cut Out (where Morgan Webb went viral after putting one round on Dolgwili Norman!), Calcutta on Friday night, Rodeo on Saturday and live music by Tiny ‘The Bad’ Teddy.

“We were thrilled to see the best horsemen and women back in Cloncurry from as far as the Kimberley this year – this speaks volumes to the calibre of this event” said Committee President, Vince.

“We put a lot of emphasis on our event marketing and planning, aiming to increase spectator attendance and attracting businesses with trade stalls – it seems to be really paying off.”

“On behalf of the Committee, I’d like to thank everyone who came out and supported the 2025 event; our sponsors, cattle donors, judges, competitors, spectators, volunteers and of course our hard working committee members. The ongoing support of the Cloncurry community allows us to make sure it’s a week to remember.”

A full summary of results from the 2025 Curley Cattle Transport Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge & Campdraft is available from the events website in the coming days or can be accessed from the events six days social media coverage on both Facebook and Instagram.

E Bush Chooks Media’s Hannah Murray.

C Jo Thieme Photography and Rope N Spurs Photography. E www.facebook.com/CloncurryChallenge/

Q @currychallenge

K www.currychallenge.com.au

View the link below to see the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft’s Results. https://www.campdraft.com.au/results/1652

Winners of the Ron Wall U7 Challenge, Baylee Evans and One Roan Lena. Photography by Jo Thieme Photography.

Winners of the Paraway Pastoral Novice A Campdraft, Scott Schoo and Boons A Flame. Photography by Ropes N Spurs Photography.

Winners of the Curley Cattle Transport Classic Stockman’s Challenge, Josh Smith and G IM A Playboy. Photography by Jo Thieme Photography.

Winners of the Jim Magoffin Memorial Ladies Campdraft, Bec Hayes and Shaydack Audi. Photography by Ropes N Spurs Photography.

Winners of the Brodie Hardware Youth Challenge, Jaimie Mills and Teles Quick Smart. Photography by Jo Thieme Photography.

BARCALDINE Campdraft

Barcy shines in rain and mud

An inch of rain in blacksoil country? No sweat! Years of investment in the surface at Barcaldine Campdraft arena meant the show went on – safely – even after heavy overnight rain.

Barcy’s big four-day program saw more than 1000 runs; a superb exhibition of safe, smart horsemanship in which Alpha riders dominated.

Mitchell Stranks celebrated his return to drafting with a brilliant win in the Arthur Winter Memorial Open, clocking three cracking rounds (89/86/87) on his One Moore Playboy gelding, Elvis. The homebred and broken nine-year-old is out of a Lawmaker mare, and the Barcy win broke Open status; placing the pair three points clear of fellow Alpha competitor Leeanne Comiskey on Sunburst, with Charters Towers’ Jack Mann and Hellofa High Spin third.

Leeanne took home the blue ribbon in the Hugh and Joan Paterson Memorial Novice A riding daughter Indy Black’s Yarrawarra Still Waters, a point clear of Tia Dillon on Chicago, with Committee Member Kate Williamson third on Shellydean Pepto.

The Alpha combo of Sarah Dillon and One Stylish Desire pulled a 92 point rabbit out of the hat to edge Laura Comiskey and Boonara Spot On (91) into second place in the Mary Allpass Memorial Ladies Draft, while Jason Comiskey rode Shotty to the Bob McGavin Memorial Maiden A blue ribbon ahead of Maryanne Russell aboard daughterJenna’s Lethal One.

Alpha’s Ben Williamson piloted Williamson’s Replica to a win in the Alpha Livestock Transport Futurity; one point clear of Blackall’s Leah Read on Metallic Jewels Shine and Zane Haberman on Oneofakind Dream. All three age division events also went to Alpha competitors:

Jason Comiskey broke Maiden status for Shotty with a big win in Friday’s Maiden A.

Willie Gray – one of the true quiet achievers on the Barcaldine Committee –was awarded Life Membership for his decades of contribution; from helping build Barcy’s outstanding arena fencing to his countless hours spent working cattle through the backyards, year after year. He’s now one of the handful of people recognised with life membership for their immense contributions to the local event. Pictured: Vice President Tom Chandler, Secretary Kathleen Gleeson, Willie Gray, and President Tom Gleeson.

Barcy Campdraft Foundation Secretary, Jan Winter, presented Mitchell Stranks with the trophy for his win on Elvis in the Arthur Winter Memorial Open Draft.

A big weekend for Sarah Dillon – this second place run-off round in the Novice B followed a win in the Ladies on One Stylish Desire and fourth on Miss Dulceavita in the Novice A.

Indy Black on J-Lee Saintly in the Stuart Gray Memorial Juvenile, Kodie-Anne Comiskey on Connie in the Reed Heeler Outfitters Junior Horsemanship, and her brother John aboard Skater in the Speed Family Mini Horsemanship.

If the Barcy arena had a roof, the cheers from the crowd would have blown it clean off when committee President, Tom Gleeson, rode his daughter Annalise Kenny’s Cash N Chex to a one-point win in the Chandler Pastoral Holdings Novice B in a run off against Sarah Dillon on Stormboy. In the Maloney’s Electrical Restricted Open, only two points separated first and sixth, with the Ilfracombe duo of Craig Kehl and Contrast taking the blue by the slimmest of margins.

The trip from Hughenden paid off for Gary Hickmott, riding Troy Trevor’s Hazelwood Crossroads to first in the Stralow Livestock Transport Maiden B ahead of Leah Read on the consistent Lethal King Cole; and Chelsea Wadsworth teamed up with Rebecca Hewitt’s Holly for a convincing win in the Rural Elders Services Encouragement Draft.

The Clunie Range Angus Stud Feature Shoot Out put ten riders head to head for the $1000 winner-takes-all pot. Blackall’s Justin Scriha went home with the loot after an 86.5 averaged ride on Cotonvale Misty Breeze in front of an enthusiastic nighttime crowd.

Barcy Campdraft has come a long way since its first outing in 1979, when torrential rain turned the old arena surface into a tough-slog mudfest. This year’s event was a masterclass in quality drafting; on a superb surface that took whatever the Weather Gods threw at it, with strong running cattle from longtime donors Kyneton and North Delta, first-rate consistent judging by Les Stewart, Lloyd Davidson, Clint Hansell, Charlie Charters, Tom Gleeson, Zach Wass, and Michael Raven, and outstanding support from a loyal, generous sponsor base. Bring on 2026!

EC Rebecca Winter.

View the link below to access the Barcaldine Campdraft Association’s Campdraft Results.

https://www.campdraft.com.au/results/1521

Barcaldine President, Tom Gleeson and Cash N Chex snatched a one point victory in the Novice B in a run-off, in the very last ride of Barcy’s big four-day program.

Hughenden campaigner, Gary Hickmott, rode Hazelwood Crossroads to the blue ribbon in the Maiden B.

Maryanne Russell rode Lethal One to second in the Maiden A.

Leeanne Comiskey rode Yarrawarra Still Waters to a blistering win in the Novice A.

Craig Kehl and Contrast took the blue ribbon in the Restricted Open.

Laura Comiskey teamed with Boonara Spot On for second place in the Ladies.

Nutritional Management of Broodmares by Tina Grech, Senior Nutritionist at Riverina Stockfeeds

Optimum nutritional management of broodmares is a critical component of any horse breeding program. Nutritional deficiencies during the mare’s pregnancy will negatively influence the future health of her foal, as inadequate levels of essential nutrients can result in subsequent developmental diseases. The mare’s body score condition is also critical before conception, throughout the gestation period and into lactation.

Mares with a low body condition score prior to breeding may start cycling later than expected and also have lower conception rates. However, mares with high condition scores may also have issues conceiving as decreased insulin sensitivity and obesity can also lead to decreased reproductive traits.

Most mares can maintain an adequate body condition during early and mid-pregnancy, provided good quality forage (hay and/or pasture) is available. However, as Australian soils are varied and may be deficient in trace minerals (such as Selenium, Copper and Zinc) it is important to know the mineral status of your forages and supplement mares accordingly. Deficiencies and/or imbalances of essential trace minerals during pregnancy may contribute to developmental diseases in foals, so supplementation via a balanced commercial feed or premix is essential.

In the last three to four months of gestation, the nutrient requirements of the mares increases as around 80% of the foetus growth occurs in this period. Consequently, dietary protein and energy levels must be increased to enable the developing foal to grow to its potential. The requirements for both macro minerals (Calcium and Phosphorous) and trace minerals is also critical. It is essential that the developing foal’s liver is fortified with essential trace minerals before birth, as mare’s milk is not an adequate source.

Mares in late pregnancy may also suffer from limited feed intakes due to the increasing size of the growing foal, so more concentrated feeds are usually required. It is also important that the mare maintains adequate body weight during late pregnancy, as colostrum and milk production may be compromised, impacting the foal’s disease resistance/immunity and growth rates. The mare must also be in reasonable body condition if the intention is to rebreed her for the following season.

Once the mare begins lactating, her nutritional requirements increase markedly as the mare can produce up to 2-3% of her body weight per day in milk. As such, the mare requires very high dietary levels of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals, and needs to be provided with large amounts of high-quality forage and concentrated feeds. It is very important that mares are managed individually during this time and their body condition scores checked regularly, as fast growing foals can very quickly impact the condition of the mare.

Nutritional management of mares can be made easy with a well-balanced, specifically formulated feed such as RIVERINA FEED & BREED PELLETS. These pellets are designed to help provide breeding mares and growing horses with their daily nutrient requirements when fed in conjunction with hay and/or pasture. These pellets are also suitable for weanlings, yearlings and young horses undergoing early training programs. With high protein and energy, these pellets are also suitable for stallions during the breeding season.

RIVERINA FEED & BREED PELLETS also provide a full range of essential Vitamins and Minerals.

Added Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is involved in muscular, circulatory, nervous, immune and reproductive systems. Copper has a role in bone and joint cartilage and Chromium from yeast has a role in glucose metabolism.

All Riverina products are manufactured to strict quality control standards for incoming raw materials and the finished product. They are formulated in accordance with current research into horse nutrition and mixed using a variety of quality raw materials.

With years of technical expertise, practical experience and local knowledge Riverina nutritionists carefully refine and routinely update our range of stock feeds to incorporate new research and findings, ensuring you get the most out your feed.

Need your animal & livestock dietary needs?

Contact our team via https://www.riverina.com.au/ services/nutritional-advice

E C Riverina Stockfeeds’ Senior Nutritionist, Tina Grech.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF BEING AN ACA JUDGE AND JUDGE’S SEMINAR FACILITATOR With Glenn Evans

ACA Judge and Judge’s Seminar Facilitator, Glenn Evans, recently travelled to the Northern Territory to facilitate the Harts Range Judges Seminar. The clinic was held on Monday 28 July 2025 prior to the commencement of the Harts Range Campdraft, and it was well attended, with many people from across Australia participating in it. The ACA News recently interviewed Glenn about judging and the clinic, and you can read the interview below.

Can you please tell me about how you become involved in judging? As a competitor, I was always interested in understanding how judges came to the scores and conclusions they did. I also wanted to help committees run their events and contribute where I could.

How many years have you been an ACA Judge? I did my first seminar around 2003 at Urbanville.

What was the first campdraft event that you judged? I think I did one at Tenterfield around 2003 but the first one I really recall was Mareeba around 2005. I had a bit of a break away from the sport then for a few years and started judging again after another seminar about ten years ago.

What do you find most rewarding about being an ACA Judge?   I think it is an honour to be able to help with, and adjudicate over an event that is, more often than not, a major fundraiser for a local community. The bigger shows are fed off this and I like to promote good competitive runs that are a spectacle.

What do you enjoy most about being a judge’s seminar facilitator? I like being able to help attendees understand the rules and their application along with helping them develop a scoring system. Hopefully, this helps the campdrafting and provides an insight what judges are experiencing.. Meeting different people from a range of areas is also interesting.

What are some of the common questions that you are asked at judge’s clinics and what are your answers to them? I don’t really think there is a common question; however, when someone says to me ‘I was somewhere, and this happened, and the judge did this....’ I say to them, ‘We are not here to be critical of other judges’ rulings at the time, think about what rules apply and what would you do in that situation’.

You recently facilitated the Harts Range Judge’s Seminar, held on Monday 28 July. Can you please tell me about the seminar?  The setting was a red dirt classroom with a fire to keep a few warm. The participants came from northwest of Camooweal and down over the South Australia border, even

2025 Harts Range Judge’s Seminar. Photography by Nikki Westover Photography.

had a Victorian there. There was a mixture of younger and older people there and I was well supported by Ben Rossiter and Gloria McComack. We started the morning going through the book and discussing rules and their application. Then we discussed scoring systems and positions on the course, not just where they are, but how and why they are there. We jumped into the container (bar) so we could then watch a number of runs which had been recorded from the judges’ position and we discussed them. After that, we went out to the grounds and talked about setting courses and set a course on the Harts Range arena. This is when we put it all together and the participants had the opportunity to judge a number of live runs and discuss.

What did you enjoy most about facilitating the seminar? The participants were great; I like meeting people from all areas and helping them understand what judging is about. We had some really productive discussions around rules and runs. The hospitality was terrific, many thanks to Lucy Grant for organising it and Steve and Bec Cadzow for all they did. The setting was spectacular, northeast of Alice Springs on the western side of the desert with the ranges in the distance, has a certain pull to a person’s sole.

What advice would you give to someone who is wishing to become an ACA judge?

• Develop your competition skills, if you have a level of campdrafting skill, it can help to appreciate what’s going on and why.

• Attend a judge’s seminar. Read, understand and know the rules and their application – They are available to all, and they are your supporting framework.

• Develop concentration and a judging system by shadow judging, don’t wait until you have a whip in your hand. Develop a system to get the smaller scores right also. It is the judge’s opinion; however, it is within the parameters expected by associations and competitors.

• Speak with other judges you can relate to, don’t get into the trap of being critical. What rules and systems apply and what would you do in that situation?

• Learn people skills, judges need a degree of leadership and assertiveness, this is not to be confused with arrogance. Arrogance often develops through insecurity, deficiency in knowledge and a feeling of being unsupported.

How have you seen ACA’s judging improve throughout the years?   This is subjective. I think those judges that stay current with the rules and their application, ask questions of themselves and discuss judging with others are more likely to do a better job. Remember, everyone is a judge out there, only one person has the honour of swinging the whip.    Where to from here?  I think animal welfare is an ever present consideration for our sport. This has an effect on our social licence to continue what we do which has major mental health benefits for those in the bush; is a major fund raiser for numerous local communities along with providing a platform for those big shows. As a judge, we can have an effect on the welfare of the animals used by our sport. Ask yourselves to uphold a standard that is acceptable to cattle donors and the public and feel supported in doing so.  I feel there have been several proposals for rule changes in the last few years which are designed to promote welfare. Judges already have the tools to promote animal welfare and should feel supported in making firm stances and apply the current rules to this end.  I feel we see campdrafters, and stockmen/women participating in the sport. If we as judges, can promote the later in a competitive sense, we will see the sport continue to be the event we all love.

Is there anything else that you would like to add? Judges, you are not alone, don’t isolate yourselves. Build a network of support around yourselves. Get together and speak with other judges and competitors and talk about rules and their application. Ask the question. Talk about how we can help committees provide the best product (cattle/facilities) for the competitor.

EF ACA Magazine Coordinator, Greta Keene.

C Nikki Westover Photography and Sue Waldron Photos.

Welcome ACA Administration Officer, Debra Rickert

Deb brings many years of experience in administration and is excited to be part of the ACA Office Team.

Known for her organisational skills and friendly approach, Deb takes pride in supporting the team and helping things run smoothly.

Outside of work, Deb enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved dog. She also explorers her creative side by designing and handcrafting unique turquoise jewellery.

2026

21-24 April 2026

TERRITORY Drafting

The Katherine ASH Campdraft, Costello Yard Campdraft and the Territory Cup Campdraft are a few of the many campdrafts that have been held in the Northern Territory so far this year – see snapshots from these events from the lens of Mel Bethel Photography!

Clancy Schaefer and Toomba Dan winning the APA Group Novice B at the Territory Cup Campdraft.

Kimberley Harries and Lightjack Liberty Jack won the Stallion Draft and the Ladies Draft at the Costello Yard Jackpot Campdraft.

Bailey Howie and Handy's winning run in the Alpha Tanks Junior Draft at the Katherine ASH Campdraft.

Tom Curtain and Lucky Times winning the Santos Novice A at the Territory Cup Campdraft.

Lucy Daley and Westlake Cool Breeze scoring an 89 in the First Round of the Turnbull Rural Contracting Maiden B at the Territory Cup Campdraft.

Marih Tapp and Smokin Gold placed in the Juvenile Draft and went on to win the Station Mecahanical Solutions Maiden 4 Maiden Draft at the Katherine ASH Campdraft.

Shining Light on ACA’s Champion Sire’s Progeny Award

ACA’s Champion Sire’s Progeny Award is a prime opportunity for stallion owners to promote their sires to a nationwide audience, celebrate them and their progeny’s successes and give them the chance to win one of three awards that are presented at the ACA National Finals!

As it’s the progeny’s points that contribute to the sires’ points in the competition, continue reading to see which of the sires’ progeny have the highest number of points so far in the 2025/26 Competition Season!

Please Note: These results were obtained on 5 August 2025.

BINNIA

QUESTION FOR ACA SECRETARIES

Would you like to have access to helpful and highly detailed information about Campdraft One all in one place?

A place where you can access:

Secretary and Treasurer User Guides.

Secretaries User Guide to Accepting Casual Members.

2025 Committee Post Affiliation Pack.

Calendly booking tool where you can book a one on one support appointment with ACA’s Campdraft One Team, Emily and Giaan.

WELL, WE HAVE THE SOLUTION FOR YOU!

View the link below to be redirected to the new Campdraft One Information tab on the ACA Website, where you can access all of this information! https://www.campdraft.com.au/campdraft-one-information/

Casual Memberships & Event Fees

$25 - Casual ACA Membership Fee This is an annual membership type that allows members to nominate for events where casual memberships are accepted Casual Membership can not be upgraded to another membership throughout the year How do I become a Casual Member if I don’t have a Campdraft One profile? How do I become a Casual Member if I already have a Campdraft One profile?

1 To become a Casual Member of ACA if you do not yet have a Campdraft One account, visit the ACA website and find the New Member Application Form under the Contact Us tab or call the ACA Office during office hours to create a Campdraft One profile. PH: (07) 4622 3110.

2. Pay for your $25 (GST inc.) Casual Membership. This makes you a financial member of ACA until the 31st December.

1 Sign into your Campdraft One profile

2. Go to ‘My Profile’. Here you will see a blue banner directing you to pay your membership.

3. Select who you wish to pay the membership for, then select membership type, ‘Casual Membership’, select ‘Check Out’ and proceed to payment for your $25 (GST inc.) Casual Membership. This makes you a financial member of ACA until the 31st December.

1 Once you are a Casual Member , you will be able to nominate for ACA affiliated events, where the committee is accepting Casual/Event Memberships (as advertised on the program).

2 If your nominations are accepted into an ACA affiliated event, you will then receive an invoice for the $100 (GST inc.) Event Membership along with your nominations invoice.

THE BIG THREE Having a Look at

Featuring the

Condamine Bell

The Condamine Bell Campdraft, steeped in rich history and tradition, epitomises the enduring essence of Australian horsemanship. It emerged in the mid twentieth century as stockmen gathered at the Condamine Hotel in 1948, transforming a simple demonstration of skills into a highly anticipated competition. Originally a blend of rodeo and campdrafting events, it quickly became a cornerstone of local culture, drawing participants and spectators from far and wide. Though the rodeo events have faded, the Condamine Bell Campdraft remains a celebrated fixture, marking the first event of the renowned Big Three alongside the Chinchilla Grandfather Clock and the Warwick Gold Cup.

There were no grounds, no secretary’s box, no bar and no fences in 1948 in John Bank’s paddock for the inaugural Condamine Rodeo and Campdraft. Those in attendance formed an arena by parking vehicles tightly together. Two years later, the event shifted to the Condamine racecourse where boundaries were still not enough to stop horses, and occasionally riders, from disappearing into the scrub with sometimes fatal consequences. Early newspaper publications show that the

2023 Bell Winner, Hugh Miles on Times Up, in front of the new clubhouse bar and deck area.

Open Draft, with a twenty pound prizemoney for first place, was “keenly contested” by thirty four riders, won by F.J Turner on Crystal. While the Novice Draft, with a fifteen pound sum of prize money, saw thirty seven entrees and was won by Noel Stanley on Creeper. Transporting cattle to the grounds posed another hurdle, as there were no trucks available. Instead, cattle were mustered and walked in from properties around the district in the weeks preceding the event. Water facilities were non existent, and a recount from the late Uen Morgan says, “We’d get the cattle in the day before and take our horses in and have a bit of a draft… But there was no water on the grounds and we had to take them down to water them on that swamp and bring them back.”

Overcoming these obstacles was no easy feat, followed by the challenging task of returning the cattle safely home after the event. “We’d take them home after the rodeo. It’d be in the dark and there were cars going through with their lights on,” a statement from the late Goff Morgan notes, “We didn’t get them home, or we’d get some of them home and half of them’d end up over the river in Jenks’ place.”

operations, and ensuring the safety of both participants and livestock. Many fondly remember years before the turn of the century, when competitors, locals and spectators would dash away after the dust had settled to don their best attire for the Saturday night Grand Ball. Featuring “snappy music” from Ryan’s Famous Dalby Orchestra and “special lighting”, the event was the epitome of evening festivities. Reflecting the era’s norms, alcohol consumption was prohibited at the Ball. Attendees would gather for dinner and dancing before spilling out onto the streets outside the bustling Condamine Hotel to wet their whistle.

However, advancements were made over time. In the 1960s, Goff Morgan introduced a modern rodeo arena concept from America, making Condamine the first grounds in Australia to have such facilities. This innovation marked a significant milestone in establishing a permanent area for future campdraft events, streamlining

It was a focal point for the district, bringing people together with a common purpose. The success of the rodeo and campdraft in the early days, and still today, hinges on the work done by the members of the community. Women played a vital role in its success, taking charge of organising the event and preparing meals while the men would work building yards and bringing in cattle. The dedication of families like the Sheahans, Mundells, Rileys, Henrys and Morgans was evident throughout stories and meeting records, with many tirelessly cooking and baking in the week lead up to the event. In 1959, a tradition began where the President's wife oversaw catering duties. Additional logistics to note was the transporting of cutlery and crockery from Miles in the ambulance, highlighting the meticulous planning and support from the wider community.

Newspaper excerpt from the early campdraft years.

Aerial shot from a plane of the grounds after the first arena was built in the 1960s.

As the years passed, the Condamine Bell Campdraft blossomed into a cornerstone of the region's agricultural social calendar, garnering widespread popularity. As priorities shifted, the rodeo events gradually faded, allowing the campdraft to take centre stage. Throughout its journey, the campdraft has prioritised the welfare of its key participants: the livestock and competitors. Rigorous protocols and infrastructure improvements ensure the safety and comfort of horses and cattle, with meticulous attention given to their wellbeing. From well maintained facilities to expert medical support, every effort is made to uphold high standards of welfare for both humans and animals.

In 2022, a long awaited vision of the committee came to fruition with the demolition of the old canteen and secretary box, paving the way for a new clubhouse. Although renovations were delayed for the October draft, the committee improvised with a marquee equipped with fairy lights, serving as a makeshift bar, and spectator area. Finally, in September 2023 the clubhouse installation was completed, offering spectators uninhibited views from the bar of the camp and course. Complete with full

kitchen and bar facilities, the committee takes immense pride in the clubhouse, envisioning it not only enhancing the atmosphere of drafting events but also serving as a community gathering place for various occasions.

As a charity draft, the committee has been incredibly proud to support organisations that benefit the wider community. While prioritising initiatives for the younger and older members of the district, over the decades the committee has donated meaningful funds to help support the local school, sporting organisations and retirement villages. Other contributions include $20,000 to the Sisters of the North aiding those affected by the severe flooding and loss of livestock in Far North Queensland, and a $40,000 generator to Life Flight in Toowoomba, enabling them to respond to emergencies during power outages, which they were previously unable to do.

In 2008, the committee believed that campdrafting was ready for a high nomination, high prize money concept. However, our program faced criticism from many in the campdrafting world, (including ACA). In the first year, we received only ninety entries and are grateful to those who supported us. With the backing of a small team of families, we remained committed and eventually saw our model embraced, ushering in a new era in campdrafting. Last year, the winner of the Condamine Bell Open Campdraft received $75,000 in cash, with $100,000 allocated among rounds and placegetters. In the years since it has been encouraging to witness similar events adopt this model and offer higher nomination fees along with substantial prize money, rewarding top tier talent and effort.

Just as our October draft was receiving traction and support with the new concept, we faced challenges in 2010 due to wet weather. We will never forget Evan Acton doing around in the wet to convince competitors the ground was safe.

Side view of the new clubhouse 2024.

View from the bar at the new clubhouse.

2022 bar and spectator area as clubhouse installation was delayed.

Condamine Seeds and Tyres and Tara Rural Supplies Open Campdraft Presentation – Troy Frizzell (Rabobank), Garry Hoonhout (Condamine Seeds and Tyres), Brendan Fitzgerald and Rosie’s Tapt (Campdraft Winners), Dave Gunther (Condamine Seeds and Tyres) and Stephan Steere (Condamine Seeds and Tyres). Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

When the sensible decision was made that our grounds were too wet to host the event, the Chinchilla Committee generously offered their grounds to us, just one week before their own event, showing true community spirit. We accepted their offer and ran our program, albeit without bar and canteen amenities. This experience led us to invest in a crusher dust arena to mitigate weather risks, making us one of the first in Australia to use this product as an arena surface.

The last component of our well crafted system, which we've honed over time, is the quality of the cattle donated for the draft. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of local beef producers, the Condamine Bell has earned a renowned reputation for the calibre of cattle provided to competitors annually. We carefully consider cattle from trustworthy donors, emphasising the safety of volunteers, matching cattle to the skill level of competitors, and ensuring fairness for all participants on the course.

Today, the Condamine Bell Campdraft transcends just competition - it embodies community. Whether it's the thrill of watching a shoot out, a novice rider navigating a challenging course, or a cold beer around the bar, it holds a special place in the hearts of locals and those who attend. The committee would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to every competitor, spectator, cattle donor, and volunteer who has supported us in the last seventy six years. We take pride in our place within the Big Three and our contribution to the sport of campdrafting.

Teys Australia), Michael Hayes and Shaydack Audi (Campdraft Winners), Claire Morgan (Condamine Campdraft and Rodeo Assoc. Inc. President) and Shannie Morgan (Condamine Campdraft and Rodeo Assoc. Inc. Secretary). Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

Joyce Campbell Memorial Ladies Campdraft Presentation – Shannie Morgan (Condamine Campdraft and Rodeo Assoc. Inc. Secretary), Dave Campbell (Condamine Bell Campdraft Patron), Louise Comiskey and Savvy Dancin Cat (Campdraft Winners), Warwick Lawrence (Ladies Campdraft Judge) and Claire Morgan (Condamine Campdraft and Rodeo Assoc. Inc. President). Photo graphy by Kate Jones Photography.

We remain mindful of campdraft origins and enjoy continuing our family weekend through the middle of the year to encourage local talent and energy into the sport. Looking forward, we envision the campdraft remains an encouragement of tradition and excellence, further bolstering the legacy of the sport we all love.

E The Condamine Campdraft Committee.

C Kate Jones Photography and the Archives of the Condamine Rodeo and Campdraft.

Having a Look at

THE BIG THREE

Featuring

the Chinchilla Grandfather Clock

The Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft is one of the most prestigious campdrafts in Australia. It is now one of the ‘The Big Three’ that make up the Triple Crown series of campdrafts held in October every year. With a rich history spanning 122 years, campdrafting in Chinchilla continues to grow.

FIRST RECORDED CAMPDRAFT

The seeds of Chinchilla's campdrafting history began in May 1896 when stockmen gathered out in the sandy flats just northeast of the current showgrounds. Not much information exists regarding the early events; however, the first recorded events were held at what is now the Recreation Reserve just past where McDonalds now stands.

EARLY DAYS AND WINNER INFORMATION

The larger grounds raised the stakes. Early draft winners (as remembered by Fred Turner Sr) are Bill Varley on Dawn, Chris Dalkin on Gold Dust, Mick Dowling on Hallmark, Hugh Macallister on Marus, May Wood on Tosh, W. Anderson on Pat, G. Stanley on Paint, R. Stark on Treble, and C. Stewart on Flamingo and Venice.

The Grandfather Clock isn’t the only major campdrafting event Chinchilla has welcomed. From 1979 to 1984, the town hosted the World Championship Campdrafts. Bob Palmer, John Stanton, Nicolas Markwell, Terry Hall, Brian Wormwell and Cameron McIntyre all took home trophies.

CLOCK HISTORY

In the 1960s, local grazier, Hans Knudsen, decided the Chinchilla Open Campdraft needed a prestige trophy. So in 1966 he donated the first grandfather clock that was won by Mick Murphy riding Trixie.

Over the years, Bob Frame, Ian Clarke and Arthur McIntyre joined as clock donors. Recently, the committee have either provided the clocks themselves or welcomed sponsors to contribute.

Winners of the 1977 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, Jack Hughes and Vollette. Photographer Unkown.

Winners of the 1987 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, Ron Jensen and Recruit. Photographer Unkown.

1984 Chinchilla National Finals Grandfather Clock Campdraft Placegetters. Photographer Unkown.

Entries have steadily grown over the years. Records show that from the 1950s until the late 1960s, there were less than 100 competitors in the Open Campdraft. It grew in the 1970s and 1980s through the 200 mark and onto 300. Now entries hover from high 500s to mid 600s, making the chances of winning the Open Draft tougher than ever before.

Despite those formidable odds, Jack Hughes, Ron Jensen, Ken Boulton, Wally Rea and John Mulcahy have all won two clocks. Mick Murphy has won three. Terry Hall made it to four grandfather clocks with his 2009 win on Hazelwood Conman. Ben Hall has won five clocks. In 2012, he snapped up first place on Foot Acre, second place on Just Like Jess and shared third place on Common Double.

The youngest winner of the Grandfather Clock Open Campdraft is Robert Plant from Chinchilla who was nineteen years and one month old when he and Bawnduggie Indet won in 1994. He went on to win his second clock in 2021 on Bawnduggie Condet, a Conman stallion out of their Bawnduggie Indet (1994 winner) mare, Bawnduggie Mary Ann.

As yet, no woman has won this campdraft.

It may be fifty eight years since the first Grandfather Clock Open Draft, but there have not been fifty eight clocks won. Drought, Equine Influenza and COVID-19 have all played a part in missed years. But perhaps the most interesting was in 1973 to 1975 when the committee decided that a big lounge chair would be more useful. But the Chinchilla Big Lounge Chair Draft only lasted a short time, before the clock returned in 1976. All was as Hans Knudsen thought it would be.

CURRENT

Soon, the Chinchilla Grandfather Clock Campdraft will celebrate its sixtieth anniversary. Steeped in nearly 130 years of history, the clock remains a prized trophy and the event plays an integral role in the local community. Its longevity and good reputation are a testament to the strong support the event has received over the years. While the Grandfather Clock Draft offers serious prize money for competitors to win, it’s regarded as an annual family destination and must do for any campdrafter. Each year, truckloads of people and horses pass through the Chinchilla Showgrounds' gates during the four and a half day program. The best of the best come from around the country to stake their claim on the Clock. It’s what makes the energy surrounding the event infectious.

Families spend up to two weeks camped at the Showgrounds injecting much needed funds into the local community as they buy groceries, use the laundromat, take the chance to have their trucks serviced and enjoy catching up at eateries with friends they may only see once a year. Competitors and campdraft enthusiasts from every state excitedly anticipate their visit and return home with full bellies and a swagful of stories to tell.

The enduring success of the Chinchilla Grandfather Clock campdraft is only possible through the support of sponsors and cattle donors. It’s for this reason that

Winners of the 2021 Grandfather Clock, Robert Plant and Bawnduggie Condet. Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

Winners of the 1994 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, Robert Plant and Bawnduggie Indet. Photographer Unknown.

cattle welfare is a top priority for the committee. The team aims to treat the generously supplied cattle as if they were their own animals. Cattle are allowed the time and space to move as quietly and stress free as possible. Over the years, the committee has improved facilities to accommodate this goal as much as possible. The addition of hay feeders, plentiful water supply and shade has allowed the cattle to have a comfortable stay during the competition. In recent years, the focus has been on ensuring easy access to high quality feed, from the moment the cattle arrive until after they’re used. The commitment to positive cattle welfare has ensured positive feedback from cattle donors and competitors alike.

The logistics to present stock ready for competitors takes careful planning and it’s a task the committee takes seriously. The team has been very fortunate to access big lines of cattle with plenty of extras, so unsuitable cattle can be removed from the camp or backyards. This in turn allows for as even a competition as possible. The cooperation between the trucking company, the cattle donors, and committee has been a highlight of how cattle are presented at Chinchilla. The team feel incredibly fortunate to foster such a good relationship.

FINAL NOTE

We look forward to seeing you under the camphor laurel trees this year.

E Historical information in the article was provided by John and Judy Plant and the compilation of the article was completed by Greg and Laura Flynn.

C Supplied by the ACA Office Team.

Winners of the 2015 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, John Mulcahy and Stratton TKO. Photography by Sue Waldron Photos.

Winners of the 1993 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, Ken Boulton and Cloudy. Photographer Unkown.

Winners of the 2012 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, Wally Rea and Raps Elly. Photographer Unkown.

Winners of the 1998 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, Terry Hall. Photographer Unkown.

Winners of the 2022 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, Ben Hall and Halls Eltorrio. Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

THE BIG THREE Having a Look at

Featuring the Warwick Gold Cup

In the heart of Southern Queensland, nestled on the banks of the Condamine River, the Warwick Gold Cup is more than just a sporting event, it’s a cultural institution. Widely regarded as the Melbourne Cup of campdrafting, the Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup has earned its place as the most prestigious draft in the country, drawing elite competitors, exceptional horses, and thousands of spectators each year to celebrate one of Australia’s most iconic bush sports.

From humble beginnings in the early 1900s to the multimillion dollar event it is today, the Warwick Gold Cup has grown alongside the sport itself. It has witnessed legends being made, family dynasties being forged, and the very best horses Australia has to offer carving into the Warwick arena.

The Gold Cup was first held in 1929, making it the oldest and most historic campdraft of its kind. What began as a single event has grown into a full week of action packed competition known as the Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft, proudly hosted by the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society.

The annual October event now boasts the prestigious Pryde's EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft, Canning Downs Campdraft, Ladies Silver Cup Campdraft, Stallion Campdraft and Champion of Champions Campdraft. Each of these drafts holds significance in its own right, but it’s the Gold Cup that continues to be the ultimate dream for competitors. Generations of campdrafters have made the pilgrimage to Warwick in hopes of conquering the Cup. Many names echo through the grandstands, whispered in admiration by newcomers and seasoned followers alike. The prize pool today exceeds $50,000, but it’s the glory and legacy that riders chase most.

With its elite reputation comes a deep responsibility to

uphold the highest standards, especially in animal welfare. The Warwick Show & Rodeo Society prides itself on its proactive and compassionate approach to livestock care, ensuring that both horses and cattle are treated with the utmost respect and consideration.

At Warwick, animal welfare isn't a checkbox, it’s a core value. The Society has made significant investments into its purpose built campdraft facilities, ensuring safety, comfort, and efficiency for all involved. Additionally, Warwick’s cattle contractors work closely with the committee to select well handled, fit for purpose stock, ensuring a fair run for every competitor and minimising unnecessary stress on the animals.

Spectators often comment on the condition and behaviour of the cattle, a reflection of good management, ethical values, and generations of expertise. Horses, too, are at the centre of every decision. With many equine athletes valued in the tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars, their welfare is paramount not only to performance but to the future of the sport.

While the campdrafting is the main event, it’s far from the only drawcard. The Warwick Gold Cup and Rodeo Week has become a full scale celebration of country life, rich in entertainment, family tradition, and good old fashioned bush hospitality.

Winners of the 2024 Brisbane Jayco Camperland Ladies Silver Cup Campdraft, Kimberley Sammon on Juliette's Romeo at the Winner's Presentation. Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

Winners of the 2024 Pryde's EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft, Kimberley Sammon and SDP Scott David at the Winner's Presentation. Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

With live music, shopping, and the famous Warwick Rodeo under lights, the event transforms the Showgrounds into a buzzing regional hub. Thousands of spectators, competitors, and families roll in with caravans, goosenecks, and swags, setting up camp for the week and forming temporary communities that feel more like family reunions. Food vans and coffee carts fire up from dawn, local pubs and clubs overflow with boot-wearing punters, and kids run barefoot between arenas. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re there to cheer on a champion, shop for a new hat, enjoy a cold beer ringside, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

The volunteers, many of whom are multigenerational locals, are the lifeblood of the event. From office staff to ground crew, gate marshals to cattle handlers, their efforts keep the wheels turning and the drafts running on time. Without them, the event simply wouldn’t exist in its current form.

The Warwick Gold Cup isn't just the pinnacle, it’s the heartbeat. A week that reunites mates, sparks new rivalries, and unites generations in dusty, hoof thundering tradition. It’s not uncommon to see grandfathers, sons, and grandsons all competing in the same week. Or to watch a young girl run out a cracking score aboard a family mare, cheered on by her entire camp. The stories told around campfires here are as valuable as the trophies, stories of narrow misses, great runs, close calls, and lifetime memories.

For those lucky enough to hold a Gold Cup trophy, it’s a moment forever etched in time. For the rest of us, it's the chance to witness greatness and be part of a living legacy.

As we look toward the next chapter, one thing is certain: Warwick will always be where champions are made and traditions are honoured.

E Warwick Show & Rodeo Society Inc Management Committee Member, Bubbles Barbierato.

C Kate Jones Photography and Teichmann Photography.

Winners of the 2024 Wright Pastoral & Rose City Premium Meats Champion of Champions, Steve Comiskey on Katie at the Winner's Presentation. Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

Winners of the 2024 Canning Downs Campdraft, Peter Knudsen and Memphis at the Winner's Presentation. Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

Peter Knudsen competing at the 2024 Warwick Gold Cup. Photography by Teichmann Photography.

Cameron Webster competing at the 2024 Warwick Gold Cup. Photography by Teichmann Photography.

Winners of the 2024 Fraser's Livestock Transport Stallion Campdraft, Rohan Marks and TurnerMarks Linesman at the Winner's Presentation. Photography by Kate Jones Photography.

ACA Horse Competition

Nominations & Sponsor Syndicates are Open for the 2025/26

Eligibility:

The ACA Rule Book determines eligibility as:

Rule L.1: A Rookie Horse is a horse that has not started in a campdraft prior to 1 April in the competition year (excluding Junior, Juvenile, Futurity and Sale Incentive drafts, schools, etc).

And Rule L.2: The owner of a Rookie Horse must be a full financial member of ACA and the horse must be registered with ACA.

ACA Champion

ROOKIE HORSE TITLE

Points are awarded throughout the competition season in accordance with ACA Rule L.5, which includes an exciting two round event at the ACA’s National Finals. The nomination fee for the 2025 Financial Year is $94.00.

ACA Champion

SIRE'S PROGENY TITLE

Promote your stallion with ACA’s Sire’s Progeny Competion. Every participant's sire will have their total progeny points displayed on the ACA website and featured in every edition of the ACA News.

The nomination fee for the 2025 Financial Year is $47.00 with nomination forms downloadable from campdraft.com.au

ACA Champion

ROOKIE HORSE SYNDICATE SPONSORS

Elevate your business exposure!

Run in conjunction with the Rookie Horse Completion Rounds held at ACA’s National Finals, syndicate sponsors have an opportunity to win one of three places in the prize pool.

By choosing to become a syndicate sponsor in the competition, you will also receive six adverts in the ACA News and be the first to know about unique advertising opportunities with ACA.

Syndicate Sponsorships are only $638.00 for the 2025 Financial Year with proceeds contributing to the prize pool. More information can be found under Rule L: Rookie Horse Award in the ACA Rule Book.

Eligibility:

To nominate, Sires must be ACA registered and owned by a current ACA member (alive or deceased). Progeny must be ACA registered for points to be gained in the competition.

Stallion containment NCCA requirements

In daylight hours you may either:

A: Stallions to be double tied. Stallions to have an exclusion perimeter erected around the horse and area they are tied to exclude any possible interaction between the stallion and another horse or human. OR

B: Stallions to be enclosed by panels. Stallions can be free to roam inside the panel area when an exclusion perimeter is erected around the panelled area to exclude any possible interactions between the stallion and another horse or human. Only 1 horse allowed per enclosure. Panels must be a minimum of 1500mm in height. Panels must be constructed using an equivalent of 4 bars of 25mm box or pipe equivalent as a minimum. Panels must be anchored securely to a solid object i.e. truck, post or tree.

At night:

The same rules apply to daylight hours with the addition for a stallion that is in panels must have at least one additional form of restraint e.g.: tied up, hobbles, sideline. Double tied behind

ACA and ABCRA accepts parts A or B GCA and SCA accept part B only

CENTRE STAGE ON THE ACA STANDINGS

Another edition of the ACA News means another edition of Centre Stage on the ACA Standings! Continue reading to see who is placing in the top three of ACA’s twelve competition titles.

WILL DURKIN LEAPS UP THE ARIAT OPEN RIDER COMPETITION LEADERBOARD

Will Durkin has gained 279.91 points since the last edition of the ACA News and this has seen him move from nineteenth place to third place in the Ariat Champion Open Rider Competition. Ben Hall continues to lead the competition, this time with 869.08 points and Steve Comiskey stands in second place, now with 387.91 points.

HALLS ACCLAIM CLAIMS A TOP THREE SPOT ON THE RIVERINA STOCKFEEDS LEADERBOARD

Ben Hall’s Halls Acclaim wasn’t on the Riverina Stockfeeds Champion Open Horse Competition Leaderboard last edition; however, that has all changed this edition as she is now placing third with 125 points to her name. Christopher Ware’s One Knight Stand has remained in second place, now with 158 points, and Jaye Hall’s Halls Eltorrio continues to lead the competition, now with 190 points.

JACK BLACK JOINS THE MONTANA SILVERSMITHS COMPETITION TOP TWENTY LEADERBOARD

While he wasn’t in the top twenty of the Montana Silversmiths Champion Novice Rider Competition in the previous segment of Centre Stage, Jack Black has made his mark on the competition this edition, as he is now leading the competition with 163.5 points. Madison Hall also wasn’t on the top twenty leaderboard last edition; however, she is now placing third with 140.08 points. In the previous magazine, Timothy Borg was placing ninth, but gaining 92.5 points over the past couple of weeks has seen him move up the competition’s leaderboard to second place, now with 144.5 points.

MATILDA BOSTOCK MOVES TO FIRST PLACE IN THE TROXEL COMPETITION

Receiving 14 points since the last segment of Centre Stage has seen Matilda Bostock take the lead of the Troxel Champion Juvenile Rider Competition. Matilda now has 28.5 points to her name. Only 4 points away standing in second place is Indy Black with 24.5 points, and in third place is Stanley Rains with 20 points.

TURNERMARKS TOP SPIN CONTINUES TO ACE THE ONE MOORE DADDY COMPETITION

Rohan Marks’ TurnerMarks Top Spin is serving up some great results in the One Moore Daddy Champion Rookie Horse Competition, as over the past couple of weeks he has continued to whirl ahead of the competition, now with 81 points. This edition sees two new faces to the top two positions of this competition; Leeanne Comiskey’s Fair Style is placing second with 60.33 points and Sarah Dillion's Smart As A Whip is now placing third, with 56.66 points.

JAYE HALL ENTERS THE TOP TWENTY OF THE TELES ONE MOORE COMPETITION

This segment of Centre Stage has not only seen Jaye Hall join the Teles One Moore Champion Lady Rider Competition, but it is has also seen her claim the third place position with 21.5 points. The competition’s first and second placegetters remain the same as the previous edition; Sarah Dillon leads the competition now with 39.66 points and Kate Southern claims second place with 24 points.

NEW FACES TO THE TOP THREE PLACEGETTERS OF THE JONO BATTLE EQUINE SERVICES COMPETITION

This edition of the ACA News has seen four new competitors take the top three positions in the Jono Battle Equine Services Champion Maiden Rider Competition. Isla Smith, Ryan Dillon, Will Drury and Jaimie Mills lead the competition; Isla is claiming first with 86.8 points, Ryan is standing in second place with 64 points and Will and Jaimie are receiving third place with 55.5 points.

NEW TOP TWO LEADERS OF THE NUTRIEN EQUINE COMPETITION

This edition of the ACA News has seen two new competitors take the top two positions in the Nutrien Equine Champion Associate Rider Competition. Jack Black is now leading the competition with 163.5 points and Madison Hall is now placing second with 140.08 points. Rylee Turner was previously placing second in this competition; however, she is now placing third with 82.5 points.

ADLI DEALETTE MAKES HER MARK ON THE ROYALISH COMPETITION

The previous segment of Centre Stage didn’t see Adrian Loader’s Adli Dealette’s name on the Royalish Champion Novice Horse Competition Leaderboard, but it shows it this edition, she is placing second with 92.33 points. Gwen MacMillan’s Bighouse Sugar is placing third with 83 points and Anothony Dunn’s Spade CN Humpty continues to lead the competition with 94 points.

MASTER RIDER COMPETITION SEES MINIMAL MOVEMENT TO THE TOP THREE LEADERBOARD

Aside from the number of points received, the only difference to the top three leaderboard of the Champion Master Rider Competition since the last edition of the ACA News, is the second and third placegetter standings. Wayne Bean was previously placing third and is now placing second, now with 199 points, and Craig Sheppard, who was receiving second place, is now obtaining third place, now with 193.5 points. Rohan Marks continues to lead the competition, now with 319.16 points.

JESS HOFFMANN STEPS INTO THE THIRD POSITION OF THE CHAMPION OPEN LADY RIDER COMPETITION

Jess Hoffmann has moved from fifth place to third place in the Champion Open Lady Rider Competition, gaining 78 points over the past couple of months, to now have 163.83 points to her name. Now with 169 points, Nikki Marshall has moved up the competition leaderboard since last edition, moving from third place to second place, and Leeanne Comiskey continues to lead the competition, now with 274.51 points.

THE ONLY DIFFERENCE TO THIS EDITION’S SIRE’S PROGENY AWARD TOP THREE IS THE NUMBER OF POINTS THEY HAVE

The top three sires in last edition’s Champion Sire’s Progeny Award Standings remain the same this edition; however, they have each gained more points since then. Terry Hall’s Hazelwood Conman continues to lead the competition, now with 1761.08 points, Jaye Hall’s Daley’s Plario remains in second place, now with 738 points and Mac Shann’s One Moore Daddy still stands in third place, now with 301 points.

ARIAT CHAMPION OPEN RIDER COMPETITION

Get to know Ben Weller

Ben is placing is placing equal fifteenth in the Ariat Champion Open Rider Competition

What do you love most about campdrafting? The friendly competition and family atmosphere.

What is one of your most memorable campdrafting achievements? Any win is a good win these days, with the big number of competitors and good horses about.

What is one of your campdrafting goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season? To keep my going horses consistent and to have a few more wins.

Ben Weller competing on Mariah at the Roma Campdraft. Photography by Sue Waldron Photos.

Photographer: Double Elle Photography

RIVERINA STOCKFEEDS CHAMPION OPEN HORSE COMPETITION

Get to know Porters FD with Gayle Shann

Porters FD is placing equal sixteenth in the Riverina Stockfeeds Champion Open Horse Competition

What do you love most about Porter? He’s an extreme athlete, and can read a cow like nothing we’ve ever seen before. He has the ability to put the toughest of cows around, and make something out of nothing.

What is one of Porter’s most memorable campdrafting achievements? Porter has had several big wins at Paradise Lagoons. He has had many successes from limited campaigning in recent years. We haven’t done the southern run for over a decade and we have only been doing half a dozen drafts a year for the past several years so to win twenty three Opens in Central Queensland has been quite an achievement. What is one of your campdrafting goals for Porter for the 2025/26 Competition Season? Porter had been to two drafts for 2025, winning an Open at both events, then on his third weekend he sadly ruptured a tendon, rendering him very lame. Mac and Porter have been a formidable team, and it’s sad to see them part, but he has retired to a large stallion run, living with a nine month old version of himself – his clone ‘Reporter’ who we hope to be our next resident sire. You could say Porter is beside himself!

2025/26 RIVERINA STOCKFEEDS CHAMPION OPEN HORSE COMPETITION STANDINGS:

Mac Shann competing on Porters FD at the 2022 ACA Golden Anniversary National Finals in Springsure. Photography by Sharon Atkinson Photography.

MONTANA SILVERSMITHS CHAMPION NOVICE RIDER COMPETITION

Get to know Lane Lamb

Lane is placing fourteenth in the Montana Silversmiths Champion Novice Rider Competition

What do you love most about campdrafting? Winning.

What is one of your most memorable campdrafting achievements? When my father and I both won at the National Finals at Springsure.

What is one of your campdrafting goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season? To be consistent.

Lane Lamb competing on Kneipps Old Gold at the 2025 Injune Golden Bit Campdraft. Photography by Grace Mary Photography.

Photographer: Double Elle Photography

TROXEL CHAMPION JUVENILE RIDER COMPETITION

Get to know Clare Humble

Clare is placing equal fourteenth in the Troxel Champion Juvenile Rider Competition

What do you love most about campdrafting? What I love most about campdrafting is the adrenaline when it comes to having a run. As well as it being such a social enjoyment for everyone. What is one of your most memorable campdrafting achievements? My most memorable campdrafting achievement so far would have to be running a 92 on Kool Anniversary at Bowen River Campdraft and Rodeo this year.

What is one of your campdrafting goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season? One of my goals for the 2025/26 Season would have to be placing in the top ten of the Juvenile Title, especially with it being my last year.

Clare Humble competing on Double Prime at the CQ Campdraft. Photography by JEM Photography.

Photographer: Double Elle Photography

ONE MORE DADDY CHAMPION ROOKIE HORSE COMPETITION

Get to know Riverglen Convoy with Jason and Karen Fry

Riverglen Convoy is placing seventeenth in the One Moore Daddy Champion Rookie Horse Competition

What do you love most about Riverglen Convoy? Riverglen Convoy (Chip) is a true gentleman, an absolute pleasure to have around.  We bred him out of one of our Acres mares hoping to get something special and we feel we have done that. What is one of Riverglen Convoy’s most memorable campdrafting achievements? Chip was National three year old Working at the 2023 ASH National Show.  He also won the Twin Hills Futurity Draft in 2024.

What is one of your campdrafting goals for Riverglen Convoy for the 2025/26 Competition Season? We don’t have any goals for him at this stage, we just want consistency and a will to learn, being able to stay cool and calm amongst pressure.  We feel he has been given a solid foundation for a bright long term future.

Jason Fry competing on Riverglen Convoy.

Photography by Photos by Daysy.

TELES ONE MOORE CHAMPION LADY RIDER COMPETITION

Get to know Aimee Olive

Aimee is placing equal fifteenth in the Teles One Moore Champion Lady Rider Competition What do you love most about campdrafting? Campdrafting can be so causal yet so competitive all at the same time. Nothing more enjoyable than breeding and riding a young horse through the ranks from a Futurity right threw to being an Open horse.

What is one of your most memorable campdrafting achievements? Riding my grandad’s mare, Talawahl Diva, in the Paradise Lagoons State of Origin and running a 92 to take the win for Queensland with the team.

What is one of your campdrafting goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season? One of my main goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season is to have fun and enjoy the performance and growth from my horses in every run. I want to focus on keeping my horses consistent throughout the season.

Aimee Olive competing on SuperNova at the Paradise Lagoons Campdraft. Photography by Ropes N Spurs Photography.

JONO BATTLE EQUINE SERVICES CHAMPION MAIDEN RIDER COMPETITION

Get to know Will Drury

Will is placing equal third in the Jono Battle Equine Services Champion Maiden Rider Competition

What do you love most about campdrafting? That it’s a good family sport that the whole family can do together. I also like that campdrafting just an extension on what we do during the week.  What is one of your most memorable campdrafting achievements? Coming from being an average competitor to being able to consistently run scores. The enjoyment of being able to ride Coolreagh Groomsman, a horse we bought in 2020 from Tom Webster and was bred by Marcus Curr that has excelled more than I could have ever hoped.  What is one of your campdrafting goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season? Keep being competitive and get to a few drafts.

2025/26 JONO BATTLE EQUINE SERVICES CHAMPION MAIDEN RIDER

Will Drury competing on Coolreagh Groomsman in the Maiden A Draft at the 2025 Glenmorgan Snake Gully Cup Campdraft. Photography by Grace Mary Photography.

Marnie Clarke competing on Xena at the Chinchilla Campdraft. Photography by Grace Mary Photography.

NUTRIEN EQUINE CHAMPION ASSOCIATE RIDER COMPETITION

Get to know Marnie Clarke

Marnie is placing nineteenth in the Nutrien Equine Champion Associate Rider Competition What do you love most about campdrafting? I love so many things about campdrafting but definitely seeing the time and effort put into your horses payoff is so rewarding. What is one of your most memorable campdrafting achievements? Winning both the Juvenile and Maiden 4 Maiden at our local Hannaford Draft on two homebred horses in one weekend will always be a special memory.

What is one of your campdrafting goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season? To be more consistent and continue to keep bringing along my younger horses.

ROYALISH CHAMPION NOVICE HORSE COMPETITION

Get to know Proud Duck with Thomas and Teegan Mills

Proud Duck is placing twelfth in the Royalish Champion Novice Horse Competition

What do you love most about Proud Duck? Easy going and low maintenance.

What is one of Proud Duck’s most memorable campdrafting achievements? He placed second in the Open, then Jaimee winning the Juvenile and Taylor also winning the Junior Draft.

What is one of your campdrafting goals for Proud Duck for the 2025/26 Competition Season? Winning an Open draft.

Jaimie Mills competing on Proud Duck at the 2024 Ariat High School Campdraft Percentile Cup. Photography by JEM Photography.

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Competition title is available for sponsorship for the 2025/26 Competition Season. Contact the ACA Office Team for more information.

CHAMPION MASTER RIDER COMPETITION

Get to know Wayne Bean

Wayne is placing second in the Champion Master Rider Competition

What do you love most about campdrafting? Campdrafting like any sport, is good for the mind and body, at my age it helps keep The Old Man Out!

What is one of your most memorable campdrafting achievements? To final in the Warwick Gold Cup, Champion of Champions, and place in the Canning Downs and Stallion Draft.

What is one of your campdrafting goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season? To focus on being much more consistent, as a competitor.

Wayne Bean competing on Twenty X at the Katherine ASH Campdraft. Photography by Mel Bethel Photography.

Competition title is available for sponsorship for the 2025/26 Competition Season. Contact the ACA Office Team for more information.

Jaimie Kriesch competing on Superact Rollin Deals at the 2024 Cloncurry Stockmans Challenge and Campdraft. Photography by Ropes N Spurs Photography.

CHAMPION OPEN LADY RIDER COMPETITION

Get to know Jaimie Kriesch

Jaimie is placing twelfth in the Champion Open Lady Rider Competition

What do you love most about campdrafting? I love that it’s a family sport and really enjoy watching good horse and rider combinations.

What is one of your most memorable campdrafting achievements? They’re all memorable! Definitely hard to pick one. Winning the Open Draft at Rocky Rush on a mare I trained with Mum and Dad there to see it was pretty cool!

What is one of your campdrafting goals for the 2025/26 Competition Season? Consistency and winning more drafts.

Competition title is available for sponsorship for the 2025/26 Competition Season. Contact the ACA Office Team for more information.

CHAMPION SIRE’S PROGENY AWARD

Get to know Conmoon with Kylie Graham Conmoon is placing sixth in the Champion Sire’s Progeny Award

What do you love most about Conmoon? I love his personality and his amazing athleticism, he is such a gentle, kind, intelligent horse who gives you everything every time. He and I are the best of mates.

What traits are you seeing Conmoon pass onto his progeny? All of the above and complimenting both Quarter Horse and Stock Horse mares very well. Can you provide any information yet about where Conmoon will be standing this upcoming breeding season? Conmoon is standing 2025 season at WestVets, Queensland. Contracts via Eminent Equine and Select Sires: https://www.eminentequine.com.au/stallion/conmoon https://www.selectsires.com.au/stallion/conmoon/

Kylie Graham and Conmoon at the 2025 Keeroongooloo Campdraft. Photography by Lisa Alexander Photography.