HE enjoyed a stellar 2016 competing in pony club events and campdrafts.
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Now Wingham’s Dylan O’Hara is hoping to start 2017 off in a similar manner when he contests the ABCRA National Campdraft Finals in Tamworth this week.
The top 25 point-scorers from campdrafts held through the year qualify for Tamworth. Dylan, who gained a top 20 finish, will contest the 8 to under 13 years division.
Dylan finished the year in style at the Comboyne Rodeo when he finished first and second in his age division to seal a spot in Tamworth.
He’s looking forward to riding in the nationals.
“There’s going to be some top riders there,’’ he said.
Dylan also gives himself a reasonable chance of finishing among the major placings. The campdraft section will be conducted over two days.
Dylan lives on a acreage near Wingham and has been around horses all his life. He started riding when he was just two.
Campdrafting is an almost year-long activity. At this stage Dylan competes on the busy local calendar, with Walcha being about the furthest he’s travelled for competition. However, he’s looking forward to expanding his horizons as he gets older.
Dylan spends a lot of his spare time on horseback.
“Every day if I can,’’ he answered when asked how often he rides.
Dylan is a keen member of the Wingham Pony Club, joining when he was six. If he’s not involved in campdrafting on weekends it’s a pretty safe bet he’ll be either competing or training with the pony club.
Wingham Pony Club is part of Zone Nine. This takes in 18 clubs from Wallamba to Coffs Habour. Dylan competes in the 11 to under 13 years division and at the recent Wingham presentation he was awarded the trophy for the overall point-score at zone jamborees.
Dylan says he has no preference for competing in pony club events or campdrafting. He enjoys the different challenges both sports provide.
However, Dylan does have a longer term ambition.
He has started show jumping and he wants to take this to the highest level.
“I’d like to ride in the Olympic Games,’’ he said.
As soon as Dylan returns from competing in the nationals, he’ll prepare to start year 7 at Wingham High.