Campdrafting: Shannon Brown sets up women-only riding event

When Shannon Brown first set up her women-only riding event, she had no idea the philanthropic journey it would take her on.

For Bridgewater’s Shannon Brown, there’s nothing more spectacular than seeing women competing their hardest and riding their horses in a skilful campdraft event.

It’s a sport she has a driving passion for, and one which she has mobilised as a vehicle for raising almost $250,000 for breast cancer support via the McGrath Foundation.

Ms Brown’s charitable weekend event, the Women in Campdrafting clinic, is designed to unite enthusiastic, passionate women from across the country for two days of campdrafting skills sessions, with the next event to be held September 7 and 8 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria.

She said the event was born from her love of riding horses, and a friend’s encounter with cancer.

Shannon Brown and her horses on her farm at Bridgewater. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“My girlfriend and I were at a clinic and thought how good it would be if it were just girls?” Ms Brown said.

“Then at our first event, we had a friend who had breast cancer, and was being supported by the McGrath Foundation, and asked us to put the hat around. It just makes the event so much better because it’s for women, but it also helps other women.”

Ms Brown said since the first campdrafting weekend back in 2008, other women she has encountered have needed the support of the breast cancer foundation, including her own mother.

“It makes it even more important to me.”

Shannon’s passion in life is raising funds for breast cancer support, while also empowering women on the horse. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“I think we get into the sport because we love horses, and cattle, and it’s such a challenge to be involved in a sport,” Ms Brown said.

“Campdrafting seems to attract down-to-earth people who are great fun.”

The campdrafting events are run in conjunction with the Classic Ladies Foundation.

Together, the foundation and the clinics have raised more than $1 million in funds.

To make a donation to the Women in Campdrafting fundraising efforts, visit the Classic Ladies Foundation website.