Operating since 1976, the Armidale Campdraft Club is going all out to celebrate its 50th anniversary, hosting a three-day event expected to draw more than 250 competitors to the region.
“We’re running a three-round Open, which is the main event, and offering $20,000 in total prize money,” said club president Tony Menkens, who’s helping lead the expanded program this year.
Menkens says the milestone event has attracted riders from across New South Wales, as well as interstate entrants from Queensland and the Northern Territory.
“We’re on the lead-up to the big Nutrien horse sale in Tamworth, which kicks off a week after us. That draws a lot of interest—people come through Armidale on their way there. We’d love to accommodate everyone, but unfortunately, we can’t. Still, we try to get as many in as we can, and it makes for a great event and a great weekend.”
The event has proven so popular that there’s now a waiting list for those hoping to compete.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the club will also be awarding life memberships to long-standing members who’ve contributed to the campdraft’s enduring legacy.
A portion of the proceeds from the weekend will be donated to local charities Angel Flight and Can Assist.
A Campdraft with history
Reflecting on five decades of campdrafting in Armidale, Menkens says the club has seen its share of highs and lows.
“I’m told that in the mid-1980s, it was sponsored by a company and was the richest campdraft in the country. So, it’s definitely been at the pinnacle of the sport at times,” he said.
“Like anything, committees change, and it went quiet for a few years, running a smaller show. When I got involved, it was a small to medium-sized event. But over the past few years, we’ve seen a bit of a resurgence. We’ve increased the prize money and made it really attractive to competitors.”
“We feel like we’re getting back to where we belong—as one of the top campdrafts on the calendar.”
A Weekend for the whole community
The event kicks off at 3pm on Thursday, 22 January, and will run through until Sunday evening, 25 January. The finals are scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Tony also extended thanks to local supporters who help make the event possible.
“We’d really like to thank the cattle donors from the local area and our major sponsor, Kelly’s Transport,” he said.
“Overall, it’s a great event for the community—bringing people to town, showcasing our region, and celebrating the sport we all love.”
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