Held from 14–17 May at Willinga Park, Bawley Point, the 2025 Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdraft Championship welcomed over 200 competitors from across Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and the local South Coast, along with their families and event goers from across the country, for an unforgettable showcase of grit, talent and true campdrafting spirit.
This year’s Championship marked an exciting evolution of the program, with the introduction of two new finals—the Maiden Horse Shoot Out and the Novice Horse Shoot Out—alongside a brand new standalone event, the Terry Snow Memorial Restricted Open. These additions expanded the competitive field and created more high-stakes moments across the week.
The Open Gold Buckle Semi Final, held Friday 16 May, featured a record-breaking field of 121 riders—the largest semi-final in the event’s history. Evan Hiscock posted the top score of 92 on Nix, continuing the family legacy after his father Michael Hiscock claimed the Gold Buckle in 2021. Also delivering top-tier performances were Jon Templeton on Diva and Pete Comiskey on ROY, both scoring 91, with Hugh Miles not far behind after posting three consecutive scores of 90.5 across three horses.
Hugh Miles and Vintage Whiskey win the Gold Buckle
The headline event belonged to Hugh Miles, who rode Vintage Whiskey to victory with a winning score of 181.5. Miles had five horses qualified for the final—an exceptional feat—and also placed sixth on Summa Reyn with 178.5. He was closely followed by Pete Comiskey, a former three-time Gold Buckle champion, who scored 180 on ROY (Nashvale Roy Ell Destiny). Third place went to Tim Hollis on Dulkara Victoria with a score of 179.5, while Troy Palmer on Looks Smart in Blue came in fourth. Rounding out a fiercely competitive top ten were Evan Hiscock, Wyatt Young, Jon Templeton, and Sam Campbell, demonstrating the depth of talent at this year’s event. Nashvale Roy Ell Destiny and Pete Comiskey delivered an outstanding performance throughout the 2025 Championship. While they finished runner-up in the final standings, their consistency across all four rounds was unmatched—posting scores of 85.5, 90, 91 and 89 to claim the Highest Aggregate Overall. That achievement earned them the coveted custom-made Roohide Saddle, a prize reserved for the most consistent run across the entire event.
The Australian Quarter Horse Association was once again proud to support the Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdraft Championship, returning in 2025 to award a custom buckle to the highest placed Quarter Horse in the final. This year, the honour went to Vintage Whiskey (by RS Chisum) and Hugh Miles.. Drawn #13—unlucky for some, but not for this pair—they entered the final round with a 1.5-point deficit and delivered a standout run of 91 (23-64-4) to win the championship by that same margin. A dominant performance from a proven pair, and a fitting result for the best of the breed.
Rob Leach and Hazelwood Congressman the stand-out in Terry Snow Memorial Restricted Open
The Terry Snow Memorial Restricted Open made its debut in 2025, honouring Terry Snow AM, founder of Willinga Park and a passionate supporter of campdrafting. Created to celebrate Terry’s legacy of connection between people, horse and community, the one-round shoot out featured Open Draft-winning horses. Rob Leach delivered a standout run of 91 on Hazelwood Congressman, early in the draw, to take the win and the inaugural title. He was awarded a handcrafted bronze trophy by Queensland sculptor Jaye Hall, created in tribute to Terry Snow’s enduring influence on the sport.
David Thorn and One Hellofa Time win inaugural Maiden Horse Shoot Out
In the inaugural Maiden Horse Shoot Out, Hugh Miles and Summa Reyn topped the leaderboard with a 90 in a final that came down to the wire. With 32 riders in the draw and three competitors just behind on 89.5—Mat Oakley on Acres Dual Delight, Sam Campbell on Dainty, and Troy Palmer riding Looks Smart in Blue—the win was decided by fractions in one of the tightest contests of the week.
David Thorn and One Hellofa Time, owned by Kirk and Tracey Nicholson, took out the inaugural Novice Horse Shoot Out with a brilliant score of 89.5. The field of 33 novice horses saw incredibly close competition. Ben Rossiter and Miss Lorena Wood followed just behind on 89, while Matt Bechaz on Alil Spinifex and Mat Holz on Con Ellen posted strong runs of 88. The class was introduced to showcase the strength and progression of emerging horses in Australian campdrafting.
Skye Sylvester claims Ladies Dash for Cash
In the Ladies Dash for Cash, Skye Sylvester secured her first Willinga Park title in a high-stakes run-off against Lara Garlick. Both riders posted 88s in the first round, but Skye returned aboard Bronc to lay down another commanding 88 and take the win. She received a handcrafted 18ct white and rose gold Hereford Steer pendant by Palomino Jewels.
Feature Cut-Out Final goes to Troy Palmer on Bluetoonz
The Feature Cut-Out Final brought more tension to the camp, with three riders—Troy Palmer on Bluetoonz, Jake Williams on Hand It To Lena, and Bryony Puddicombe on Picasso Chex—all scoring 24 and forcing a run-off. Palmer emerged as the winner, securing another strong finish at this year’s Championship.
Henry Mitchell wins Junior Draft
The Junior Draft was won by Henry Mitchell of Cowra on Royal Dreams, claiming back-to-back titles with a score of 68. In the Juvenile Draft, which attracted 50 riders, Beau Rossiter came out on top with Miss Lorna Wood on a score of 88.
The 2025 Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdraft Championship was led by Competition Manager Lauren Newton. Judging duties across the event were undertaken by Jonathan McDonald and Joe Payne, who presided over the Open Gold Buckle. The Cut-Out competitions were judged by Mat Holz and David Thorn. The Junior and Juvenile Drafts were judged by Wyatt Young, while Shane Corbould officiated the Ladies Dash for Cash and co-judged the Terry Snow Memorial Restricted Open alongside Cameron Jones. Commentary throughout the week was delivered by Glenn Morgan, Lesley Dennien, and Karen Butters, who brought the action to life both on-site and via the livestream.
Over the course of the four-day Championship, more than 40 hours of livestream coverage was broadcast from Willinga Park, allowing viewers to follow every run, every final, and every standout moment. Hosted daily by Dan Steers, the livestream captured all arena action, with nightly wrap-up shows co-hosted by Steers and lead commentator Glenn Morgan. From living rooms to classrooms, paddocks to lunchrooms across Australia and overseas.
Willinga Park extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors and prize contributors whose support helped make the 2025 Ringers Western Gold Buckle Campdraft Championship a standout success. Ringers Western, as Naming Rights Sponsor, and 4CYTE, as Principal Partner, played a pivotal role in delivering an event of this scale and quality. From handcrafted jewellery to custom saddles and saddle pads, every prize reflected the prestige of the championship and the calibre of its competitors. To all our supporters—thank you for championing Australian campdrafting.
Source: Willinga Park press release
