Coming up with a workable combination of horse and rider is often the best starting point.

At the Hughenden Campdraft recently, John proved that teamwork was the key by winning the Hughenden Agribusiness Flinders Classic Challenge aboard his self-reared 7-year-old gelding, Jessamine Kanaka.

The Flinders Classic is a points accumulation competition consisting of a dry work pattern and a campdraft-style run guiding a beast around a course.

His conglomerate score was enough to secure him the prize on the day.

What’s more, Kanaka also won the highest scoring Australian Stock Horse prize, giving the “team” two rugs to take home from the event.

John said everything just seemed to fall into place on the day.

“I’ve competed in the Classic for a few years but never really done all that well in it,” he said.

John is a Hughenden boy originally but now runs a Droughtmaster herd on the Winton property Daintree, along with his wife Katrina, and their four children Ella, 11, Darcy, 10, Lydia 8, and Sam, 6.

John said there was something special about having a win on a horse that you’ve bred yourself.

“It can’t be any more satisfying,” he said. “There’s nothing like taking your mare to a stallion and seeing what is produced.”

Kanaka has sisters on the ground with one in particular, Jessamine Charisma, showing real promise of big things.

John said there are no real secrets to successful campdrafting, just things to keep in mind such as proper preparation, being patient and persistent.

“You’ve got to put the bad runs behind you,” John said.

“You need to find what works for you. What you do on one horse will differ to what you do on another. It takes time to develop.”

John said after his Hughenden success, he now has his sights set on the Julia Creek Campdraft.

It’s an arena Kanaka has tasted success in previously, having won a cut-out there from among 336 competitors.