Maules Creek Campdraft goes ahead in April

After being washed out earlier this year, the Maules Creek Campdraft was postponed to the Anzac Day weekend in April.

Despite the date change, the committee was pleased with the turnout.

“We had a few less competitors than usual, given the competition coinciding with Anzac Day, but we were really impressed with the spectator numbers we saw,” publicity officer Marty Beckett said.

“All in all, it was a great weekend, as it always is.”

Hayley Yandell-Smith took out the Harold Boots encouragement award, Todd Hammond won the Woodham Petroleum novice title, Cal Gibson was named Whitehaven open four champion and

Jarrod Hannaford won the Boggabri Coal open competition.

Event sponsors Hamilton Mortimer Agency provided a Ride Tuff buckle for both Hamish Palmer, who won the juvenile draft, and junior draft winner, Tom Hall.

JBR Livestock and Property’s maiden draft winner was Lachlan Ezzy, on his horse Lorikeet, and Jane Pfingst took home the Pursehouse Rural Ag Solutions ladies draft title.

This campdraft was a special one for Ms Pfingst, whose father – Bob Campbell – was honoured part-way through the competition on Sunday to commemorate his efforts defending Australia in the war.

Mr Campbell, a proud lighthorseman, passed away on Anzac Day in 2009 and his legacy was honoured with a march of the 100 horses in attendance at the campdraft.

“We’d like to thank all of the competitors and locals who joined in on our horseback march on Anzac Day,” Mr Beckett said.

“There ended up being over 100 horses in the march and it made the day just that little bit more special to have so many pay tribute to the lighthorse and those who fought for our country, including Jane’s father.”

“The Maules Creek service, run by Steve Bradshaw, was just lovely – we want to say a massive thank you to him and everyone who paid their respects on the day.”

Next year’s Maules Creek Campdraft is anticipated to go ahead as normal, back to the original date in late March.