SEARING temperatures and a mouthful of dust did not deter the region’s up-and-coming campdrafters from heading to the Wannon to learn from some of the country’s best, as the Southern Campdraft Association brought its annual youth clinic to the district, for the first time.

Hosted by the Wannon River Campdraft Association, the best instructors from across Australia were in attendance to guide the eager participants in the art of campdrafting, with skills sessions focusing on campdrafting but also including, stockman’s challenge, halter making and general cattle sense, the children were also taught to use a mechanical cow.

The three days culminated in a full campdraft competition on Sunday, with all participants given the chance to show off skills garnered over the weekend.

Wannon River Campdraft Association president, Andrew Mercer said the weekend was a resounding success.  

“Watching the improvement in the kids over the three days was so rewarding, the skills gained over three days are comparable to what they would usually learn in a year of riding, which is testament to the knowledge, patience and dedication of the amazing instructors,” he said. 

“We were so lucky to have the likes of Phil Webb from Barnawartha, Nick Taylor from Bullangarook, Stacey Smith all the way from Gunnedah, and Bill Willoughby from Booleroo Centre in South Australia, all masters of their craft.

“It was also a fantastic chance for the kids to meet new friends with like interests, building up a sense of community amongst the next generation of campdrafters.  They will now have the confidence to approach these mentors at future competitions and ask their advice, which is really important for their ongoing development,” Mr Mercer said.

From the youngest group, the Pintos, George Rees, 8, from Hawkesdale said that he learned a lot from the weekend, as had his albino pony, Bella.

“I’ve learnt to ride one-handed, and more importantly get Bella to tuck her head in,” George said.  He also loved seeing the horse bones in the “horse health” session decorating the canteen area!” George said.

Riding Tippet, 13-year-old Grace Bradshaw travelled all the way from Heathcote and said this was her first youth camp.

“It’s been really good, my favourite part was definitely in the camp with Brook Hazlett guiding us through,” she said.

Muntham local, Ayla McDonald, 12, on Woody, was in the Buckskins group and said that it was hard to choose the best part because she enjoyed it all.

“The flag with the mechanical cow was really good, and being in the camp, and all of the instructors were great,” she said. 

Local campdrafter and mentor Ron Muldoon, said that it was fantastic to see so many talented kids eager to learn,” Ayla said.

Securing the Youth Camp was a coup for the Wannon River Campdraft, one of the youngest campdraft committees in Australia and is in recognition of the organisation’s premium facilities and dedicated committee, who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the camp. 

The Youth Camp is held at a different location each year throughout southern Australia.

Mr Mercer thanked the committee, who corralled the kids each day into their respective groups and sessions and catered for 140 people (participants and their families) over the three days.

He also acknowledged financial sponsors, Southern Campdraft Association, Taylor Motors, Creek Livestock, Brandt, Nationwide AB, Bendigo Bank, Milne Earthmoving, Brewster Walsh Waters Partners and all those that attended for making the weekend such a success.