Stanthorpe hosts drafting action

The Stanthorpe Campdraft Committee hosted a full and eventful fundraising weekend recently.
The first day was overcast, cool and with no wind; a perfect day for team penning.
This year the team penning arena was set up in the middle of the show ring with tiered seating for spectators along each side.
There were more than 100 teams entered, with more being taken on the day. Riders were competing for a prize pool comprising $300 for first place getters, $180 for second and $90 for third.
A number of teams successfully penned their cattle in under the two-minute time but the fastest team with 59.9 seconds was Attard’s Team 1 comprising Phil Attard, John Briggs and Phil Russell.
The second fastest time was one minute 12 seconds won by Team PCD consisting of Pat, Craig and Damien McMahon.
The third fastest time was one minute 12.34 seconds won by Wild Girls comprising Summer-Lea Smith, Brooke Thomas and Janey Dobson.
Competitors staying the night were treated to a cold ale or two by Greg Day and his team behind the bar and a fantastic feed put on by the Granite Belt Wildlife Carers, all to the tunes provided by Ty Palmer and Elle Keayes from Sound Supply.
A highlight of the night was the drawing of the multidraw raffle. Thanks must go to the individuals and businesses in and around Stanthorpe for their generous donations ensuring the multidraw raffle was enthusiastically supported.
The second day of competition dawned cloudless and hot, with the temperature increasing as the day wore on. Again, more than 100 riders entered for the practice campdraft, welcoming the opportunity to practise their skills without the pressure of a competition draft.
Riders were given the opportunity to work with one beast in camp for the first round, and to work with a full camp for the second round. All competitors were given the opportunity to work with their beast outside around the course.
The winners of the major raffle included Pat McMahon who won the 6ft summer combo horse rug from Newrybar Ropes and Rugs, Trevor Easey who won the equine dental voucher supplied by Stanthorpe Vet Care Services and Paul Lockwood who won the quart pot and pouch donated by Kent’s Saddlery.
Thanks must go to cattle donor, Rob Paskins, cattle musterer, Mick Griffiths, and cattle transport providers, Ian Rogers, Geoff Beddow and Brett Boatfield.
Without the cattle, these events would not happen.
Thanks must finally go to all the supporters, riders and competitors alike, who have supported the committee in their endeavours to promote and continue the sport of campdrafting, and introduce the sport of team penning to the Stanthorpe and wider community.
The 2012 Stanthorpe Campdraft will be held on March 17 and March 18. Details will be on their website at www. granitenet.com.au/groups/sports/campdraft