Kiowa Campdraft

In between warming up their horses and waiting for the crack of the whip to start the draft, excited Americans and even a few Aussies, line up for a group photo.  Many of the riders were using Australian Stock Horses for the event.

Riders of the inaugural US campdraft

Australian Blake Hingst proudly supporting his ribbon atop Glen Lee Rivoli Brandy shortly after the premier run of the first campdraft.

Blake Hingst and Glen Lee Rivoli Brandy

Here is Blake's run to take the Encouragement Rider draft and the first run of the day.

Horses and rider doing their job

The clinic participants finally get their hand at the beasts.  All the practice on dry runs finally gets put into use on live cattle.  . 

Kiki Pantaze on her ASH PrimaDonna negotiates the second peg

Kellee Campbell in between pegs with a very tough beast.

Organizer Mary Harris takes her turn at the course.

Saturday is Cow Day at the clinic

The horses were all doing great and the riders were doing even better. The day started off with a little refresher and some dry work.  The the cows came to the camp and the excitement of both horses and riders is on the rise.

Here Paul Johnson and John Thomson simulate a run. Paul is aptly playing the part of an ornery cow. 

Steven Hart explains where to position your horse for the greatest success in the camp to John Thomson.

Pete Comiskey takes a 30 second break in between runs.  Pete and his horse were pretending to be the beast to teach participants how to negotiate the course.

Paul Johnson has his cow going for the second peg.

Friday Is a Busy Day!

The boys had the clinic rolling pretty good today. Everyone spent a lot of time on their horses.  There were a lot of practice runs.  The morning was spent on working in the "camp" and learning how to cut a beast.  After a hearty lunch, everyone was back in the arena for the afternoon session getting ready for the beasts.

A ASH takes a well deserved breather after a good warm up.

Sunni Ellis of Fruitco, Colorado on Betty, an ASH she bought from Kip Gates.

John Thomson havin' a yarn with other clinic participants in the warm up arena.

Clinic participants paying close attention to the instruction of Clinician Steven Hart (not pictured).

Australian Stock Horses were a big part of the clinic making up nearly half the horses in attendance.

Sights From Around the Fairgrounds

It's almost noon  and time to head over to the judges clinic, but first here are a few more photos from around the fairgrounds.  

Tarrin Warren after warming up Vain 

Susan Hatch making some last minute adjustments before things really get going.

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Thursday Morning Warmups

The venue is set.  The Clinicians are here.  Most of the participants have arrived. Excitement is building as we get ready for the Judges clinic to start in about an hour. Elbert County is a very welcoming place and has a wonderful facility for the event, the Elbert County Fairgrounds. I was checking out lighting and photo position and taking some candid shots of the participants.

Pete Comiskey and Steven Hart checking the course.

Kellee Campbell and John Thomson both officers from the US Australian Stock Horse Society, catch up while John warms up Kingaroy in one of the open pastures.

Steven Hart warming up his ride, Bunny, Mary Harris's Pepto Quarter Horse.  Mary owns and operates the two feed stores listed on the banner in the background.

Green River, Utah

On our way to campdraft. Green River, Utah.  We've been driving all night and we had to stop and stretch our legs.  What a beautiful spot.

Campdraft Comes to Colorado

The distinctively unique sport of Campdraft comes to Colorado August 22nd~25th.  Campdraft is one of the top horse sports in Australia and folks are coming from all over the country to attend a Judges Clinic, Riding Clinic, and Competition under the watchful eye of two of Australia's top Campdraft competitors, Pete Comiskey and Steven Hart.

Here is the official press release for the event:  Read it Here

The Australian Stock Horse has the build, stamina, and temperament to excel in this sport.  To that end, I'll be covering the event for The Australian Stock Horse Society.  Kiowa is a small town in Colorado and, if internet connectivity is available, I'll be posting photos and news on a daily basis over the four days of the event.