Upper Horton
The Horton River pulsates straight through the extremely picturesque Horton Valley. Its tributaries are crystal clear and abundant with water, animals and fish. The valley boasts a number of marked geological sites, details of which are available from the Bingara Visitor Information Centre.
Like Bingara, Upper Horton has a proactive, vibrant community that means you are never stuck for something to do!
The village of Upper Horton is certainly worth the visit. Picnic facilities are excellent, but if you prefer, you can enjoy the comfort and facilities of the licensed Sports Club. The Club is the life blood of the town.
Throughout the year the Club hosts cricket and tennis competitions, campdrafting, rodeos (both open and junior), dog trials and motorcycle pony express events. Sport has put Upper Horton on the map!
New Year’s Eve Rodeo
The New Year’s Eve Rodeo at the Upper Horton sportsground is one of the most exciting on the circuit and is world renowned for producing some of Australia’s toughest cowboys.
Yard Dog Trials
The Horton Yard Dog trials have grown enormously in stature since its inception. The event includes arena trials, the ever popular high jump and a dog auction.
Click on the links below to view slideshows of the various events. Photographs taken in 2009.
Amazing photos of dogs jumping incredible heights.
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Dogs running over the sheep’s back in the race.
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Dogs working in the arena.
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Miscellaneous photographs of dogs & people during the event.
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Campdraft
The Upper Horton Campdraft is a must attend for all serious, and not so serious, drafters. Every year the draft seems to get better and better. Below is a news article from The Bingara Advocate, describing the scale of the event.
Huge New Year for Upper Horton
Jeans, elaborate shiny belt buckles, spurs, colourful shirts and big hats was the dress of choice for most of the people who were in the little village of Upper Horton over the New Year break.
The community was inundated with horsemen and women wishing to compete in the Upper Horton Rodeo and National Championships Campdraft, which drew competitors from all over Australia. There were plenty of spectators too. Every available area was occupied by horses, trailers, trucks and caravans, buckets of water and bales of hay. [Read More…]