Working Holiday

The winter holidays is the perfect time to sleep in on cold foggy mornings, catch up with friends, catch a movie. But for Year 10 Boarder, Liv Hawkins, her June/July holiday was spent “working” - albeit on her passion in life: campdrafting.

Liv, from Hughenden, said while the best part of her break was reuniting with her family and friends and spending time with her beloved horses, it was essentially a “working” holiday. She spent the better part of her holidays on a journey across Queensland, competing in various campdraft and challenge events.

Liv and her family travelled across the remote roads of Outback Queensland in a truck with a living trailer, carrying nine horses, and a car. Their first stop was a two-day competition in the Pentland Campdraft. As they rolled into town ready for the first event of the season, Liv said she was nervous but excited.

Though she didn’t place in the top ranks, Liv loved the experience and the chance to be among her competitors who have all become friends.

Next stop was the Saxby Campdraft where Liv demonstrated her growing skills and dedication, securing a commendable 3rd place in the Juvenile Draft.

However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. A primary concern, obviously, is the health and happiness of the horses. Ensuring they were well fed, well rested and keeping the horses happy and healthy was paramount in importance. Liv and her family had to make sure the horses did not become sour from the repetitive nature of the competitions. Despite the difficulties, they worked tirelessly to maintain the well-being of their equine companions.

The Mount Isa Campdraft, the Cloncurry Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft and the Flinders Classic Challenge and Campdraft rounded out her holiday. Her 7th place in the Juvenile Draft division at Cloncurry was followed up by a 3rd and 4th at Flinders and she impressively clinched 1st place in the Encouragement Challenge.

Liv said it was the perfect culmination of a winter holidays filled with hard work, determination, and passion. These achievements were not just personal victories but a testament to the support of her family and the bond she shared with her horses.