A HIGHLY successful Dorrigo Show Horse Challenge and Indoor Camp Draft drew competitors from all parts of the Northern Rivers and Lower New England.

Organisers said they were overwhelmed with the success of the two-day event and the standard of competition and horsemanship.

Dorrigo Plateau riders were joined by men and women from Kempsey, Macksville, Grafton, Tamworth and the Coffs Coast.

Saturday events included led and ridden classes for all breeds of horses, followed by the Horse Challenge.

“The Horse Challenge involves skill in riding to a set pattern, steering your horse through an obstacle course (walking over a bridge, going through a gate, over a jump, cracking a whip just to name a few challenges) and a two-handed cutting event,” a spokesperson for the event told News Of The Area.

Dorrigo Show Horse Challenge Results

Juniors
First: Isabelle Cartmill
Second: Brydi Fittock.
Third: Lacey Pitkin.

Open winners
First: Shanlee Duckett.
Second: Heidi Gillett
Third: Ash Barnett.

Competitors offered votes of thanks to Laurie Darby for organising this event.

“A delicious camp oven dinner was served in a transformed Dairy Cattle Pavilion on Saturday night and enjoyed by all – thank you also to the bar staff.”

Sunday dawned with a buzz of excitement as competitors lined up to experience the first ever Indoor Undercover Camp draft in Dorrigo, sponsored by Elders Dorrigo.

“The first competitor, committee member and Ebor grazier Rob Perkins, showed everyone how it was done with a blistering run and a score of 90, which was unbeaten on the day.

“Show Society President Sally Duckett, also a camp draft enthusiast, coursed her beast for a score of 80.

“Indoor camp drafting on a shortened course involves perfect timing and accurate horsemanship.”

Camp Draft Results

Maiden

First: Rob Perkins.
Second: Steven Grace
Third: Scott Beaumont.
Highest cut-out: Scott Beaumont.

Open winners

First: Elly Shipman.
Second: Rob Perkins.
Third: Casey Fahey.

John Stanton, a veteran camp drafter at the age of 90, from Macksville, won the cut-out prize.

Sincere thanks were offered to camp draft Judges Anthony Nelson and Jim Freeman.

The Show Society acknowledged its major sponsors of the camp draft – Elders Dorrigo.

“Thanks to all sponsors of the Horse Challenge, cattle donors, announcer, office ladies, yard workers, judges, VRA first aid, Mike Thompson Cartage, and competitors who supported us and believed that this event could happen, and special thanks to the Dorrigo Show Catering Committee for keeping everyone fed,” said the spokesperson.