Horseman finds campdrafting a 'holiday'
TIMES may be hard on the land, but the spirit of the country was shining through at the campdrafting events at the Warwick Rodeo this week.
While some might prefer a trip to the beach as a way to relax, Michael Wilson said he found nothing better than testing out his horsemanship skills.
He has competed in campdrafting at the Warwick Rodeo for more than a decade, and said he saw it as a holiday.
"I like to chase the cattle on the sand - that's the only sand I like," he joked.
Mr Wilson breeds and sells quarter horses and stock horses on his 1200 acre property at Gunnedah, and also keeps a herd of beef cattle.
"It's a bit dry at the moment," he said.
"We're battling like most people on properties, and I think it is harder now than it ever has been.
"It can be a lifelong struggle to live off the land."
Mr Wilson finds the competitive nature of campdrafting the best thing about the sport.
"It's the appeal of trying to win," he said.
"Most people serious about campdrafting would love to get their name on that Gold Cup list."
However, the socialisation aspect of the events was something else he enjoyed.
"It's great to catch up with people you don't see often," he said.
"Everyone here has got something in common."
