Campdrafting is an unique Australian Western riding Exhibition sport involving horse and riders working cattle.
In the competition, a rider on horseback must "cut out" one beast from the mob of cattle in the yard or "camp" and block and turn that beast at least two or three times to prove to the judge that they have the beast under control; then push it out of the yard and through a course around pegs involving right and left hand turns in a figure eight, before guiding it through two pegs known as "the gate".
Up to a total of 100 points are scored by horse and rider: "Cut out" is worth a total of 26 points; horsework up to a further 70 points; and 4 points for the course.
The sport requires consummate skill and horsemanship, and the skill in selecting a beast from the mob that will run well. Great prestige is bestowed on the winning rider and horse of the competition.
History
It is thought the sport developed in Central Queensland amoung the stockmen and drovers in informal competitions to prove horse skills. The first formal campdrafting competition occurred in 1885. Competing at this event was Clarence Smith, a cattleman and stockhorse breeder near Tenterfield, in northern New South Wales. He went on to work out the rules and judging procedures that remain pretty close to the rules of 2005.
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