AFTER almost a lifetime of riding horses, it’s no surprise that competitions, trophies and prizes become a way of life to some people.
For Boyanup resident Henry Clifton, his 34-year passion and skills in camp drafting saw him win the Australian Stock Horse Society of WA 2015 State Championship title after he beat his nearest rival by just one point.
Mr Clifton said he knew the competition would be fierce because it was an invitation only event with some of the State’s best camp drafters taking part.
“I was very happy to put a total of three steers through the gate,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to know you’ve done your best and achieved a good result.”
Starting with polo cross as a youngster, he then did rough riding, followed by 30 years in rodeo. His camp drafting takes him to the Pilbara, Mount Newman, Pannawonica and Tom Price every August, then Pinjarra, Capel, Dardanup and Mayanup in the autumn.
Daughters Kate and Louise are following in their father’s footsteps with their passion for horses and enjoy everything from pony club to exercising the horses daily on their farm.