Campdraft

What is Campdraft?

Campdrafting is a unique Australian pastime where a mounted rider enters a “camp” (corral or yard) which encloses six to eight head of cattle, and the rider cuts out one steer or heifer from the cattle in the camp and brings that beast to the front of the camp. They block and turn that beast at least two or three times to prove they have the beast under their control. 

Once the beast has been successfully controlled, the rider then calls for the gates to be opened. The cut out is worth a total of 26 points. Once the cut out is complete, the rider then proceeds to draft (work) the beast around a figure eight course in a larger arena to further showcase their control. 

Generally, the course is set to the left and once the beast has gone around the left peg, it must then be drafted around a peg on the right. 

Once that is completed, the rider then guides the steer through the “gate” which is two pegs placed apart. Once gated, the Campdraft is complete, and the rider can be awarded up to a total of 100 points.  Points are awarded for horsemanship and control of the beast within set time limits (usually 45-47 seconds).  

Campdraft Divisions

Open Horse
A horse which has won a first prize in an Open Campdraft or has completed its Novice status. 

Novice Horse
A Novice horse is a horse which has won a first prize in a Maiden, Novice, Ladies or 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 first prize in a Maiden.

Maiden Horse
A Maiden horses cease to be a maiden if it has won an event in any class or contest except Junior, Juvenile, Futurity and Encouragement drafts or Team drafts.

Most Successful Rider
Most Successful Rider Points will be allocated in Maiden, Novice, and Open Campdrafts. 

Both Lady and Gentleman riders are eligible. 

Juvenile Rider
Juvenile Riders are aged from 13 years to under 17 years. 

Junior Rider
Junior Riders are aged from 8 years to under 13 years. 

Encouragement Rider
An Encouragement Rider shall be 17 years and over. Has not won an Open age draft (ie. Maiden, Novice, Open Ladies and Associates) or a restricted draft.

Lady Rider
Ladies events are restricted to females aged 17 years and over. 

Master Rider
Master riders are aged 55 years and over. 

Points will be accumulated from the Maiden, Novice, Open for Open drafts. 

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