Popular horse and dog handling aficionados are ready to battle it out at the first-ever Gwydir River Run from the 31st of March.
Planning for this event has been in the works since 2022 and the weekend promises to provide challenging competition and excellent viewing for campdraft and animal handling enthusiasts.
Affiliated with the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) the Gwydir River Run has attracted a large amount of attention both locally and nationally. Some huge names in the sport, including Australian Campdraft Magazine, have provided sponsorship monies.
This year’s event will commence on Friday the 31st of March and conclude on Sunday the 2nd of April. There is a fully packed schedule with a wide variety of categories on show, ranging from open and hack challenges, dry and wet work, open campdraft and yard dog trials.
Entries to the Stockman’s Challenge event have now closed, with organisers being very pleased with a large number of entrants applying to be a part of the weekend.
Last-minute entries to the Sheep Dog Trials will be accepted until Wednesday the 29th of March.
If you can’t make this weekend’s event, there will also be a cattle dog trial held in September, with more information to come.
Entertainment won’t just be restricted to the competition arena either, with local country music artist Brent Larkham performing on Saturday night from 7:30 pm.
If you’re not local to the area, on-site camping is available, as is the use of the stables for competitors. Bookings must be made in advance, however, so please contact the event organisers to secure your place.
Whether you’re an experienced horse rider or dog handler, or simply just interested in being a spectator, the Gwydir River Run will bring plenty of action to the Bingara Showgrounds. For more information about the event, visit the Gwydir River Run Facebook page.