Tenterfield Junior Campdraft and Rodeo president John Butler couldn’t be happier with how the weekend’s event at the Tenterfield Showground rolled out, and is already looking forward to doing it all again next year.

The campdraft is the sole opportunity for younger riders to get experience in competition in Northern New England. Farther west Inverell hosts a regular event, as does Walcha in the south on a more irregular basis, but local riders generally have to travel considerable distances to gain the competition exposure.

The Tenterfield Campdraft is an ABCRA (Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association), allowing competitors to earn points for their national tally.

This year the organising committee slotted in a novice draft for the parents, grandparents, sponsors and helpers in place of the rodeo which – with 40 runs – was more successful, committee members Wendy Kings said.

She and Mr Butler sent a huge thank you to the cattle donors and carriers.

“Without them there’d be no draft,” Mr Butler said.

The committee also appreciated the support it received from local business houses who sponsored the weekend.

Ultimately there were 300 competitors in the draft, down from 400 last year due to a clash with events running elsewhere. Riders ranged from under eight years through to 21 years all had an opportunity to compete.

Mrs Kings said the committee will again be making a donation to the Tenterfield Cancer Support Group, and will also be directing proceeds to the Tenterfield Showground Trust for maintenance and repairs to facilities.

There were two rounds of competition, with Saturday winners for each age group and again on Sunday.

Saturday: 8 and Under 11: Logan Berkely on Rosella (69), Elsie Maloney on Chester (64), Hollie Thomas on Bianca (52), Paige Parker on Meg (43), Emily Ward on Storm (21). Emily also received the highest cutout score of 21.

11 and Under 13: Blake Rossiter on Kelly (109), Blake Rossiter on Eve (108), Thomas Carlill on Rocky (85), Emily Mills on Topgun (83), equal 5th Mackenzie Berkely on Red and Blake Rossiter on Cash (81). Blake on Kelly received the highest cutout score of 22.

13 and Under 15: Cade Rossiter on Kelly (112), Shannon Williamson on Archie (85), Anne Porter on Que (83), Cade Rossiter on Diamonds (82), and equal 5th Anne Porter on Stilettos and Tyler Berkely on Chex (80). Cade on Kelly received the highest cutout score of 22.

15 and Under 17: Billy Porter on Hot Rod (89)