All participants wish to be competitive and as the sport progresses there is an increasing demand for clinics so people can have access to the knowledge and experiences of the elite competitors. Pete believes that the sport must cater for everyone and that everyone must have the chance to develop their skill level.
Pete Comiskey sees this as his way of giving back to the sport that has been so good to him. He makes himself available to do 2 day Campdraft Clinics whenever he can. These are either mid week or weekend events.
With campdraftings growing popularity, safety and stockmanship are a very important part of enjoying the sport and becoming successful. He is proud of the results his schools achieve and happily admits that his students are regularly in the prizemoney!
Pete’s first school was run in 1992 and he now tries to fit 20 schools per year into his busy schedule. This does not include the 1 to 2 charity schools/year to which he donates his time.
2 Day Clinic – Guidelines
Pete has a general format for his 2 day clinics. He takes a maximum of 20 students per school and has plenty of cattle available for everyone to have a few runs per horse. Clinics are organized by individuals or committees, for adults or children, advanced or beginners, so the format for a clinic can be altered to suit unique situations. It is encouraged for participants to bring at least 2 horses, that they are confident riding, so that they can get the most from all the tuition. Safety is always the largest factor in any horse discipline, so everyone is encouraged to assess their own horse, gear and surrounds to be sure that there are no accidents.
Day 1
Starts with dry work to get horses and riders up to a consistent level. This time is devoted to basic horsemanship, safety issues and the basics of a Cut out. Pete deals with the technique required for cut outs, the aids for your horse and how to pick a beast. Pete works through “having a run” and how to get your horse ready to compete.
The clinic stops for a smoko break and also lunch. A four-wheel motorbike is often used to teach horses and riders to rate and learn the course, mimicking cattle and competition.
The day finishes with everyone having a run on cattle, and some more dry work to “finish off”.
Day 2
Following along the same format as Day 1, but much more quickly, participants are having a run on cattle early in the day, and seeing the results of their hard work from Day 1.
Lunch Day 2 sees an in-depth information session where Pete deals with “bits and spurs”, tools of the trade, saddles, horse care, competition preparation, an overview of Campdraft Rules and what a judge may look for, cattle welfare, and many other interesting pointers. Fence-sitters are also invited to this session, which is followed by time devoted to questions and answers.
After lunch a final run, some dry work finishing off and any specifics for those that still have the energy to continue.
Fence sitters are always welcome
Fence sitters are always welcome at Pete’s schools. For a fee they are able to participate in all proceedings without actually riding.
Pete insists he is always learning and he recommends everyone do the same.
