Samantha rides high in national campdraft

Campdrafting is an event that may seem unfamiliar to many people but a Bunbury girl has beaten more than 80 others to win a national title in the horse-based sport.

Bunbury Senior High School Year 12 student Samantha Kerr won an under-21s event at the Glowalman Championships in New South Wales earlier this month.

Campdrafting competitors ride a horse and select one animal from a herd of cattle to bring under control and steer around a set course.

"I love the adrenaline rush and the freedom of it," Samantha said.

"For the 40 seconds you do it, you feel free and like nothing can stop you."

Samantha was one of only two competitors to represent Western Australia at the championships, where she competed in three events.

In one event - the Manning Campdraft at Wingham showgrounds - she won the title.

She rode a horse for the first time only six years ago - beating more experienced competitors - and was given a horse to ride at the championships.

She described campdrafting as a hobby from which she had made friends and spent time with a host family, plus gained practical skills.

"I have a broader knowledge on how to work cattle and ride horses," Samantha said.