By TANIA PHILLIPS
SOME of the region’s best campdrafters went back to school at Stanthorpe at the weekend to iron out any rough spots in their techniques.
While it might not be unusual to see campdrafters at the Stanthorpe Showground – the beasts they were drafting caused passersby to do a double take.
Dungong horseman Kendell Nielson brought his bison to town to help the campdrafters work on their technique.
Event organiser Kirsty Beckett said she had heard of the schools before and after travelling to Tenterfield to see one in action. With the help of the Stanthorpe Campdraft Committee she decided to bring Kendell to town for the two-day school.
“He’s from Dungong and he gets his bison off a breeder in Victoria and then trains them so that they can be used to help us train with our horses,” she said.
She said the bison were more tolerant than cows.
“He brought 12 bison and did three days at Grafton and then two days with us,” she said.
“So that was five days working with 12 bison. With cattle it usually takes two cows per person.”
Twelve riders on each day took part in the school with the animals working on the finer techniques of campdrafting.
Kirsty said both days were huge successes and it was hoped to have him back later this year provided it fits in with his schedule.
