Andrew Turvey and Cats ‘N Roses won the Open Campdraft at Willinga at Juandah Plains Campdraft (26-31 August) in Wandoan, Queensland. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
Bush riders competing in a campdraft on a remote Queensland cattle station couldn’t seem more removed from the world-class dressage arena of Willinga Park – yet both are part of the legacy of Terry Snow.
From France to the Australian bush, Terry Snow’s legacy reminds us that no matter the discipline, the heart of equestrian sport is universal – a deep connection with the horse, and a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
Juandah, roughly 400km northwest of Brisbane in the heart of the Western Downs cattle country, is one of several properties developed by the late businessman and horse enthusiast. Spanning 42,000 acres – or 170 square kilometres – it embodies both his vision for land and his deep love of horses. While Terry’s legacy is often linked to the sophistication of dressage and the world-class equestrian hub of Willinga Park, here in the Australian countryside he left something equally powerful — an enduring mark on the uniquely Australian sport of campdrafting.
What makes this story compelling is the striking contrast between Terry’s equestrian worlds. Also a supporter of dressage, Terry owned WillingaPark Quincy B who partnered with Jayden Brown to represent Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The sport of dressage and campdrafting could not appear more different from the outset: running at the same time as Juandah’s Campdraft was the 2025 FEI Dressage European Championships in Crozet, France, set against the backdrop of Mont Blanc with riders in tails and helmets.
At the other end, the dust and authenticity of the Australian Outback — campdrafting, where the test is not choreography but instinct, partnership, and grit. Two very different stages bound by the same truth: the horse and rider must become one, showing supreme control, confidence, and athletic ability.
Set among gum trees, rolling hills, and endless blue skies, Juandah became one of Terry’s most cherished escapes in his later years. It was here that he built upon a sporting tradition that captures the essence of rural Australia: horse and rider working in harmony to control cattle, demonstrating not only skill and athleticism but a cultural connection to the land.
Alongside Juandah Plains Campdraft, Terry’s legacy also includes the prestigious Willinga Park Gold Buckle Campdraft. Few have done more for the sport’s visibility and growth than Terry, and his influence continues to echo through generations of riders.
Andrew Turvey and Cats ‘N Roses won the Open Campdraft in a tight contest. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
“A staggering 554
horses fronted the judges
for the opening rounds.”
DEEP CONNECT WITH THE HORSE
From France to the Australian bush, Terry Snow’s legacy reminds us that no matter the discipline, the heart of equestrian sport is universal — a deep connection with the horse, and a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
The third annual Willinga at Juandah Plains Campdraft was without doubt exceptional. The event, shaped by the inspiration and influence of Terry Snow and driven by the passion of staff and the wider community, proved to be a true showcase of the sport at its very best.
There was more than $300,000 in prizemoney awarded over the course of the event, with $50,000 to the winner of the pinnacle event – the Open Campdraft.
A staggering 554 horses fronted the judges for the opening rounds of the Open Draft, narrowing down to 37 finalists for the concluding afternoon. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and the standard of competition proved exceptionally high across all classes, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
After three intense rounds, the scores were tied between Morgan Marks and Andrew Turvey, leaving the judges with no choice but to call for a dramatic shoot-out. The tension was palpable as the first competitor, Morgan, produced an outstanding round, appearing almost unbeatable.
Morgan Marks and Complex were a close second in the final of the Open Campdraft. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
“The story of Cats ‘N
Roses is as remarkable
as her performance.”
But when Andrew Turvey and his mare Cats ‘N Roses entered the arena, the energy lifted again. Delivering a breathtaking performance, Andrew guided his mare with precision and passion to edge ahead by the narrowest of margins – 0.5 – the work in the camp being awarded the better marks that clinched the win. The crowd’s enthusiasm was electric, celebrating not only the win but also the heart, theatre, and excitement that makes campdrafting so special, being the next biggest equestrian sport in Australia after racing.
AN EMOTIONAL VICTORY
The final of the shoot-out brought spectators to the edge of their seats, and it was Andrew who rose to the occasion, guiding his beautiful mare Cats ‘N Roses to a thrilling victory. The atmosphere was electric, and for Andrew, the win was not only a sporting triumph but also an emotional milestone with a mare who finally claimed the glory she deserved.
Speaking after the competition, Andrew was visibly moved when reflecting on the journey he has shared with his mare. Her story is as remarkable as her performance. She was bought by Andrew’s father at auction for a fraction of her true worth – an almost accidental bargain caused by a confusion in the bidding. As Andrew explained, “Dad only paid a few thousand more than the service fee for her.”
Despite her impeccable American bloodlines, the mare shone in the early years but didn’t quite achieve her true potential. She certainly had a great fan club but just kept missing out. Many might have wondered, but Andrew and his family never lost faith. Their belief finally paid off when she began making her mark. It was at Willinga Park – where she has previously won the Cut Out and also won the first round of this year’s Gold Buckle – that she firmly announced herself as a serious competitor. That success became the launching pad for a career that has now brought her and Andrew to the very top.
The triumph also strengthened Andrew’s connection with Terry Snow, whose enthusiastic approach for Willinga Park inspired riders across the country. Together, their shared journey helped set the foundation for Juandah and Willinga Pastoral, now the proud host of its third campdraft.
It was an event to remember for Andrew Turvey and Cats ‘N Roses. Image by Roger Fitzhardinge.
For Andrew, the victory was more than just another win. It was the culmination of patience, belief, and trust in a mare that always had greatness in her. Overcome with emotion, Andrew admitted this was the win that Cats ‘N Roses truly deserved – and one that cemented his own place in campdrafting history. It was as if Terry was watching and if only he could have shared the moment.
“It was the culmination
of patience, belief and
trust in a mare.”
What a classy competition and the feeling of the improvement in the scores across the board, which were for wonderful work, can be partly attributed to the input of improved footing and facilities, and above all, not to forget the 2,800 head of cattle that were all supplied off Juandah. These factors all help to improve the confidence and competence of these talented horses and drafters. The prizemoney at hand and the camaraderie and open attitude to share advice amongst all campdrafters as a family attitude attributes to the ability to improve.
It is without doubt an exciting sport that continues to grow in numbers and popularity with no egos and a sport uniquely Australian. EQ
Related articles
The World Championship Gold Buckle Campdraft is the sport’s biggest showdown, with 500 entrants, 2,500 head of cattle and 5000 spectators expected at Willinga Park.
The only rider to win Open and Non-Pro Futurity titles on the same horse – and the first woman to win the Open Futurity – Gail Ritchie will be a special guest at the 50th NCHA Futurity in Tamworth.