Order has been restored in Upper Horton with the village hosting its rodeo and campdraft once again. After years of disruption due to drought and COVID-19, the event was held over the New Year’s weekend with over 1200 excited eventgoers supporting the much anticipated occasion.
With an impressive number of registered campdraft entrants, the three-day weekend was always set to be jam-packed with action. A full program was on offer and was scheduled to ensure compliance with number limitations.
The easing of border restrictions in recent weeks allowed competitors to travel from further afield bringing a boost to numbers. In the end, it was Brett Smyth of Bendemeer who took out the Open Campdraft event.
Event President David Kelly told The Gwydir News that it was a relief to get the weekend underway after a four year break. “We hadn’t run since 2017/18, with the drought and then COVID-19. It’s green and the grounds have never looked better,” he said.
Competitors in the ladies section line up to compete at the Upper Horton Campdraft after the event was held for the first time in four years
A highlight event on New Year’s Eve was the CL Squires and Co APRA affiliated, Extreme Broncs competition. The Horton Valley’s ‘Big Valley Blowout’ was the final event of the year for Xtreme Broncs Australia.
A total of 35 competitors, with a strong NSW contingent and some from as far away as Mt Isa, made the trip to vie for the title. Champions Brad Pierce, the Knight Brothers, Heath Chalmers, Josh Barnett, Greg Hamilton, Tony Caldwell, Tim Hammond and Jack McKenzie were joined by hot rookies Sam Weston, Clint Read, Jayden Blacker and Lachie Sheppard for the competition.
The quality of entrants was a talking point with the local Gill brothers back home and two of Australia’s greatest, Rhys Angland and Glen Kent, coming out of retirement for the weekend, with six Australian champion broncs bucked on the night. With $5,000 on the line there was fierce competition, however Greg Hamilton from Augathella, Queensland was too good on the night, taking out the title.
An audience highlight was the Edwards Livestock Junior Rodeo. Local poddy riders took to centre stage on New Year’s Day. “A huge shout out to our major sponsor, CL Squires and Co for all their support.”
“We are so grateful to Gwydir Shire Council who assisted with everything we asked for, whatever we needed, which changed often as the restrictions did,” said Mr Kelly.
“And, to the community that all pitched in, it’s got the Club back on the ground. We all did it for the Horton Sports Club. It’s been battling without any events for the past couple of years.”
“It was just great for everyone to be able to get out and enjoy themselves,” said Mr Kelly. Just like that, 2022 is underway and the committee is looking forward and planning for their mid-year draft.
