The Victorian Highland Breeders Group is pleased to announce the 2023 Highland Handlers Camp! Have you ever wanted to show your cattle, but just don’t know where to start? This camp offers an immersive experience where you’ll spend the weekend in a simulated show environment with your own animal learning the ins and outs of show etiquette, animal care, grooming and showcraft. The event culminates with a handlers competition, where participants compete to demonstrate how much (or little) they’ve learned. This is a great introduction to showing for kids and adults alike, without the stress, and you should leave prepared to bring your own beasts to the 2023 Victorian State Show in Bendigo.
This event is open to everyone, but places are limited to allow for a more personalised educational experience. It is fully supervised by experienced and knowledgeable Victorian Highland Breeders Group volunteers. During the camp you will be assigned your own animal to feed and care for. You will learn how to prepare your animal for the show ring – with demonstrations on the unique clipping, horn polishing and other grooming requirements of Highland cattle, before heading out to wash and dry your own. You’ll also learn other essential skills, such as assessing cattle structure, what gear you need to take and how to keep your station at a show neat and safe. There will also be lessons on leading and presenting cattle in the show ring, and more. And it’s all totally hands-on (unlike YouTube).
Why?
Showing our cattle is fun! Our first Camp was held last year and was a huge success – read all about it here. It is a goal of the Australian Highland Cattle Society to increase members’ participation in shows, and they have sponsored this event to ensure that members are properly educated in the necessary skills and responsibilities of stud grooming.
Who Can Attend?
Anyone, basically. Participants need to be at least 8 years old, but other than that there are no limits – the previous camp had an equal mix of juniors and adults, and it is open to both AHCS members and non-members who might be interested in showing cattle or would like the experience of handling Highland cattle before purchasing their own.
Accommodation Options
Participants are encouraged to “bed down with the cattle” in the cattle shed, so bring your own swag or camp bed. There is also camping available on the Warragul showgrounds. Those requiring higher levels of comfort may arrange their own accommodation in Warragul – but must be back on site in time to care for their own animals.
But I don’t have my own (halter trained) animal
Don’t worry – we have a number of halter trained ballot animals (rent-a-coos) available for participants without their own. These are provided at a cost of $120 per participant for the weekend, which covers the cost of their transport and feed. The owner of the animal will also supply halters, leads and equipment such as brooms and water buckets.
We have big cattle for big folks, and we have little cattle for little folks. And for those who have never handled cattle before, we have cattle that have never been handled.
Can I Bring my Own Animal?
Yes. You may bring your own, but there are rules. All animals must be registered (or registerable) Highlands, halter trained, and be between the ages of 6 months and 24 months. Bull handlers must be at least 18 years old. The animal registration form (below) must be completed and the relevant animal health declaration and certificate of currency for owners public liability insurance attached.
Cost
Thanks to a generous sponsorship by the AHCS, members and their children (U18 yrs) will be offered a special discounted price for the camp. The cost breakdown is as follows:
- Camp cost for the weekend: AHCS members: $320, non-members: $360. This includes camp attendance, camping in the shed or on the showground, all meals, some drinks (tea, coffee, water) and an embroidered camp shirt.
- Additional camp shirts: $60
- Ballot animal: $120
- Non-participating attendees (e.g. parents/guardians) includes food and camping but excludes a camp shirt: $120
Confirmation
Places are limited so if you are interested in attending you must register below. Those bringing their own animals or supplying ballot animals should also complete the animal registration form.
The event is supported by a sponsorship from the Australian Highland Cattle Society and volunteers and breeders who offer their time and expertise for free. We believe it is important to try and keep the event costs as low as possible to encourage more people to try their hand at showing as this is how we can promote and grow sustainable interest in our breed. We therefore ask all members to help by providing a donation or sponsorship to help us host this event and if you can help please click on the link below.
All Bronze, Silver and Gold Sponsors will be acknowledged in all reports on social media, the website and the Highland Fling.
If you have any questions, email handlerscamp@victorianhighlandbreeders.org.au or call Hugo Howse on 0452 539708. You will also be placed on our attendees list to receive further details and updates as the event approaches.
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