TWELVE-year-old Cameron Dunlop is excited. This week he is competing in his first campdraft at the annual Glowalman Junior events.
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“I’ve been riding my whole life but have just been doing cattle work until recently. I only started competition riding this year,” he said.
To get some practise in he has been working sections of the fence at home with a beast.
“I get it on the fence, do some cutting work with it. I think I’m going OK,”.
He has already competed in previous sporting events on his horse Snow, with some placings giving him the confidence to go on.
I just love riding horses and I love getting to ride in the competitions. They are great because I can see if I’m getting any better,” he said.
Cameron attributes his new found excitement for competition draftwork to local stockman and farmer Kelvin Gregory who has encouraged countless numbers of children in the sport since he first began organising the Glowalman events ‘too many years ago’.
“I think this will be our 33rd year, but I can’t be sure. There are still three people actively involved in organising the event who were on the original committee. We’ve started to read each others minds,” Kelvin laughed.
Kelvin said the event takes a lot of planning, particularly as it gets closer. He has to dedicate close to three fulltime leading up to, during, and after the event to make sure it all runs smoothly.
“We’ve got 350 entries so far for this year. We’re getting up there with the bigger ones. We’re going to need up to 400 head of cattle and 300 or so horses.”
“This event has become the pinnacle of campdrafting for kids. Every year we have new people coming along. If you’re a champion here, you’re the best of the best.”
Children from up to four states will travel to Wingham (Tuesday July 7), Gloucester (Wed July 8 for a family fun day and Thursday July 9 for the campdraft) and Nabiac (Saturday July 11) to compete in three rounds in campdrafting, sporting and stockrider and accumulating points in the hope of a trophy.
“We’ve got over $6000 worth of ribbons and trophies to give out on Saturday afternoon. It’s a big occasion for the little kids, pretty awe-inspiring,” Kelvin said.
If Cameron’s smile is anything to go by, he is right.
