HARD work and perseverance has paid off for Moree riders Georgie Humphries and Tom Hall, who will both compete at the 2024 ABCRA National Finals Campdraft and Australian Campdraft Championships at North Star Sports Club next week.

Sixteen-year-old Tom Hall qualified on his home-bred mare Twinkle however will compete Tucker in the National Finals’ Juvenile Section.

His mum, Yasmine, said Tom’s sister, Kate, will compete Twinkle, a family favourite, in the Campdraft Championships.

“Tom has qualified as one of 25 riders in his division,” Yasmine said.

“Points are collected over a 12-month period to qualify for the ABCRA Finals, and Tom has been very fortunate to qualify before.

“We are all competing as a family at North Star, as the ABCRA Finals and the ABCRA Championships will both be held, and we will compete our team of horses.

“It’s a big family effort, Tom and Kate work all the horses most days, generally taking six horses to events like this,” Yasmine said.

Sixteen-year-old Tom Hall on home-bred mare Twinkle. He’ll ride Tucker in the Juvenile Section next week (Photo courtesy of Kate Jones Photography).

The week-long nationals start Tuesday, September 24 and is ABCRA’s flagship event.

For 13-year-old Georgie Humphries, this is her first shot at a national competition.

Georgie’s sister, Lara, and their father Luke will compete in the championship rounds.

Georgie’s mum, Jane, said the national finals represent a remarkable opportunity for their daughter. “This is a chance for Georgie to compete at the highest level, showcase her skills, and learn from some of the best in the country,” Jane said.

“Making the national finals for the ABCRA campdraft this season is an incredible result for Georgie and her dedication and commitment to reaching her goals have been nothing short of inspiring. “From early morning practices to balancing school and her passion for riding, Georgie has worked tirelessly to make it to the nationals.

“As a parent, it fills me with immense pride to see her hard work pay off,” Jane smiled.

“This opportunity is not just a reflection of her perseverance and determination, but also her love for the sport.

“It’s amazing to witness her growth, not just as a rider but as a young person who understands the value of setting and achieving goals.”

Georgie will ride family favourite, a big bay gelding named Contest, and the deep bond between horse and rider developed over the past three years has played a big part in getting them to national level.

The nationals sees Australia’s best campdraft and rodeo competitors go head-to-head each year.

The series comprises three major events: the National Finals Campdraft, National Finals Rodeo and Junior National Finals Rodeo, with the rodeo events part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.

“No matter the outcome, we’re incredibly proud of Georgie and excited to support her every step of the way,” Jane said.

Georgie Humphries will compete in the 2024 ABCRA National Finals Campdraft and Australian Campdraft Championships at North Star Sports Club (Photo courtesy of Kristy Bullen, Miss Kayellebee Photography)

Garah-Boomi Pony Club instructor, Bronte Egan, said North Star Sports Club was successful in its bid to hold this year’s nationals.

“This makes it a very easy trip for Georgie’s family to attend. She will be up against the best of the best, but will give it a red-hot crack,” Bronte said.

The Humphries family regularly travel the north-west circuit, competing most weekends during campdraft season.

“They have several horses they all ride and share between themselves,” Bronte said.

“Georgie and Lara compete in the junior and juvenile competitions, allowing them to have up to two runs, and their dad, Luke, competes in the open and novice events.

“Brother Archie is often found with the cattle and chatting to the truck drivers and Jane keeps everyone going by cheering, feeding and hydrating them all,” Bronte smiled.

Fellow competitor, 14-year-old Hannah Traynor, also qualified for the finals but will instead attend her older sister’s Year 12 graduation.

Mum Lee said eldest daughter Elsie graduates from Calrossy Anglican School next week.

“Sadly, Hannah can’t be at the finals but Ben and I are very proud of her achievements,” Lee said.

“Hannah chose to be at Elsie’s graduation ceremony and will try and make the finals again next year.”

Hannah Traynor will miss the ABCRA National Finals Campdraft next week (Photo courtesy of Kate Jones Photography).

This is the third year in a row Hannah has qualified for the ABCRA Finals.

“Hannah spends most weekends at campdrafts and cutting shows as she also loves riding cutting horses,” Lee said.

“She works hard and spends many nights after school in the arena, working her horses and spoiling them afterwards with an abundance of carrots,” she laughed

“Hannah loves competing at the finals and loves the camaraderie among her friends. There’s a great group of kids competing against each other every weekend who are all exceptional riders, and the really nice thing is, they are all there on the sideline cheering on their mates when it’s their turn.”