Campdraft action is on at the AELEC.
THE 2013 Landmark Classic Campdraft Sale kicked off yesterday with more than 200 horses taking to the competition arena.
This year’s week-long event is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with 540 horses catalogued for the traditionally massive three-day sale at the end of the week.
It’s the sixth year of the sale, but the fifth time it’s been held at
Tamworth’s multi-million dollar Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.
Landmark national equine administration manager Amanda Nicholson said consistent crowds had already turned up to the first day open campdraft competition yesterday.
About 247 horses and riders took part in events from 7am.
Ms Nicholson said the open campdraft included novice horses purchased from previous Landmark sales.
Terry Hall, from Goondiwindi, was the leader at yesterday’s round one events with his horse
Hazelwood Conman.
Together, they ran a top score of 92.
The Landmark campdraft offers the highest campdraft prize in Australia, with the overall winner being awarded a $35,000 cheque.
Ms Nicholson said there was $200,000 all up in cash and prizes for the full campdraft program.
Ms Nicholson said the campdraft would continue up until Thursday, culminating in the arrival of thousands of buyers for the first sale on Friday.
She expected 5000 people to attend the prestigious sale during the three days until Sunday.
Ms Nicholson said the sale, Landmark’s biggest multi-vendor auction, is being given some of the strongest support they’ve ever seen.
Buyers who can’t attend the event in person will also be able to preview prospective buys on YouTube and take part in the live sale webcast.
Round one of the campdraft classic kicked off at 6.30am today.
About 216 experienced horses will take part in events.