LAST weekend marked a milestone for 18-year-old Sean Rynne, who was elated to experience his first campdraft win.
The Miles competitor and his three-year-old gelding Lyric took home the EnVision Partners trophy in the encouragement draft at Chinchilla with 165 points, after a runoff with Condamine rider Timothy Dwyer on Robbie (160).
While Sean competed in his first campdraft at age nine, he has had only the occasional opportunity since, and Chinchilla was just the second start for Lyric, who was purchased by the Rynne family last year from Geoff Wallen. The pair epitomise the intention behind the Chinchilla encouragement event, which is to give young riders, maiden horses and new competitors the opportunity and experience of competing at a campdraft.
Jandowae cattle donor Barry Little stole the show in the maiden event, securing the first win for his Edenvale Double Identity gelding, Eddie (176). Second place was split five ways to competitors on 173 - Roger Boshammer (Just Paris), Adrian Lamb (Playgirl), Tanya White (Ruby, Cocoa) and Wayne Dennien (Jimmy). Robert Plant on Consent won the Plant Family Trophy for the highest scoring local rider in the first round with a 90-point run.
Seasoned campdrafter Wayne Dennien also had success in the Landmark novice draft, picking up Jimmy's first blue ribbon. The Proston pair acquired the Jackson's Parts and Industrial prize with 178 points, four points ahead of equal second placegetters Mick Connolly (Stylish Suzie), Louise England (Chulas Buckshot), Wayne Knudsen (Durkins Ruby), Adrian Lamb (Leroy) and Johnny Mackenzie (Humphry). Johnny Mackenzie and Humphry also won the Australian Stockmans Saddlery cutout prize.
The weekend was a great opportunity for the young competitors to gain some experience and hone their campdrafting skills. The junior and juvenile events were supported by the Plant and Knudsen families, and showcased intense concentration and impressive manoeuvres from 23 promising riders.
Lane Lamb won the junior draft on Spin It Again (81), followed by Rachael Plant on Kool Change (75). Riley Rockemer cleaned up in the juvenile, taking out first and second place on Ella (87) and Spin 'n' Lynx (85).
Chinchilla campdraft committee president John Plant said the event was another successful campdraft for Chinchilla and extended his gratitude to the cattle donors, sponsors, judges and committee members for making it possible.
