Three clinics have been held in the last six months at Harvey Dickson’s Rodeo Arena, Boyup Brook, as well as monthly meets.
On the long weekend in September, Jim Laverty and Clay Cant ran a Campdraft Clinic for beginners where 20 riders with their horses and families stayed for a weekend of fun and learning.
“The weather was very wet and cold but we battled through, and all had a wonderful time,” Secretary Cassi-Jo Fiorenza said. “We had the most amazing roast dinner and music on Saturday night at Harvey and Rose Dickson’s Music Shed for about 40 people.”
A raffle circulated with prizes donated by many of the local businesses and $370 was raised for the ‘Forty Something Cowgirls Australian Chapter, Hot n Dusty Cowgirls’ for them to donate to Cancer research.
“A massive thank you to Jim Laverty for donating his time and expertise to teach us all how to Campdraft. I think a few of us are hooked!” Ms Fiorenza said.
Accredited Judge and Quarter Horse and Appaloosa Breeder Robert Whitelaw came to the Club to teach the art of halter showing, just in time for the Upper Blackwood, Collie and Bridgetown Agricultural shows. Ten horses and handlers enjoy this very informative clinic where they had a chance to 'ask the judge' all the things they ever wanted to know about show preparation, attire, and rules.
“Thank you so much to Rob Whitelaw for donating his time and knowledge, we all learnt so much,” Ms Fiorenza said.
Internationally renowned horseman, trainer and reigning champion Darren Simpson from Queensland ran a Clinic on November 13 and 14.
“Darren ran an amazing Ridden Horseman and Cowhorse Clinic for us where we learnt how to train and educate our horses to be soft, supple and willing partners,” Ms Fiorenza said. “He then taught us how to transfer this knowledge to our horses when they are working cattle and we saw how having this knowledge improved our cattle work out of sight.”
The difference in every rider and horse team at the end of the clinic was incredible and everyone went away with a huge amount of information and exercises to practice. Blackwood Cowhorse Club will be definitely getting Darren Simpson back in the future.
“Thank you Darren and his wife, Sharon for running a very professional clinic complete with loud speaker PA system and recorded DVD for us to take away and revisit the clinic,” Ms Fiorenza said.
Blackwood Cowhorse Club wishes to thank and acknowledge Harvey and Rose Dickson for allowing the Cowhorse Club to run out of the Rodeo Arena.
“Your hospitality and warmth is amazing, thank you for everything you do for us,” Ms Fiorenza said. “We would like to thank Dave Inglis for continuing to supply us with beautiful cattle every club day and clinic and for being so reliable and efficient with transporting the cattle to the Rodeo Arena.”
Behind the scenes is an extremely hardworking committee, Clay Cant, Marie-Claire Ryder, Ms Fiorenza and Fran Ryder who volunteer many hours to organise and run these days and clinics.
“We would also thank our wonderful members who make cakes for morning teas, take amazing photos and are always hands on deck to help these days run as smoothly as they do,” Ms Fiorenza said. “Thanks also to the ABCRA with who we are affiliated for your ongoing support and encouragement.”
A social training day with Cattle will be held at the next Club meeting on December 14. Bookings are essential.
Blackwood Cowhorse Club has some very exciting clinics and events planned for 2015, including clinics with Ian Francis, Darren Simpson and Clay Evans from the Eastern States, as well as monthly training days and other clinics with well-known Western Australian horsemen and women. There is also a team penning, barrel racing, small arena campdrafting and a youth camp in the pipeline.
“We welcome anyone interested in horses and cattle work to our Club regardless of age or experience,” Ms Fiorenza said.
Contact Cassi-Jo Fiorenza on 0459596447 for more information or follow Blackwood Cowhorse Club on facebook.
