Local and interstate riders flocked with horses in tow to compete in Topar’s popular annual Campdraft event last weekend.
As the Sunday sunset on the campgrounds, committee members breathed a sigh of relief after the event still went ahead despite COVID disruptions and was a roaring success.
“We were very happy with how it went, considering we only were able to have one meeting in person,” a Campdraft committee member said. “That was last November.”
“Since we have had only two working bees in the two weekends leading up to the draft.
“We had to slash grass this year which was quite unusual.”
After the last two years and countless events cancelled, it was apparent people couldn’t wait to get out and about again.
Draft entries were abundant and support from sponsors was fantastic, not to mention the cattle donors.
“The weekend wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors; without them we would be struggling,” the committee member said.
“This year, we have had a couple of new big sponsors and the stock agents have been good supporting us with the auction on a Saturday night.
“Cattle donors are really valued and this year we had donors from up near Packsaddle and Wilcannia.
“One group provided 159 head of cattle.”
Such a donation is always appreciated for these events, but even more so at a time when cattle are so valuable.
Secretary, Barb Edwards, expressed her gratitude for the rest of the committee and their efforts.
“Our committee is pretty small but we all do a lot of work to get the show on the road,” she said.
Arguably the Campdraft wouldn’t exist if not for the foresight and dedication of current President Robert Gibson and fellow local Sally Edwards.
They drove its foundation in 1996. Since then, the draft has brought together an enthusiastic and dedicated horse community, of which two were sadly missing this year.
Ross and Patsy Hannigan were incredible supporters of the event and they really drove and encouraged the involvement of youngsters.
In their honour, memorial drafts were held in their name, The Ross Hannigan Memorial Juvenile Draft and the Patsy Hannigan Memorial Junior Draft.
A touching tribute to two great advocates of the club and sport.
“We chose the junior and juvenile drafts because they always encouraged the young ones to get involved,” said their daughter Mrs Edwards.
“They always went to Topar, even when they couldn’t compete, they both always decided to go.
“Dad would do the whip cracking.”
The brilliant weather only enhanced the special weekend.
An enjoyable 29 degrees and light breeze was the icing on the cake to a wonderful couple of days.
It was uch appreciated after many months of COVID impacts and border disruptions.
