WILLINGA PARK 2026 GOLD BUCKLE CAMPDRAFT CHAMPIONSHIP 8-11TH JULY 2026
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WILLINGA PARK
WILLINGA PARK 2026 GOLD BUCKLE CAMPDRAFT CHAMPIONSHIP 8-11TH JULY 2026
“ It was more about keeping her fit and strong,” Mark explained.“ Working her on cattle enough to keep her fine-tuned.” That preparation paid dividends when the pressure was on.
“ The semi-final was a fast, tough run that she handled with ease. Chances Granny Rocks is so good in your hands; she is soft under pressure. She is the perfect campdraft horse.”
For Mark, the foundation of their success has been built over time, through an honest partnership and a deep understanding between horse and rider.
“ The key to our successful partnership with Chances Granny Rocks has been an honest relationship built over a long time.”
Granny had already received an excellent foundation with Jason and Rachel Leitch before making the transition into campdrafting with Mark and his team in 2021.
“ We have been blessed to work with Denise, John and Jill over that time,” Mark said.
CARRYING THE BLOODLINE FORWARD
While Chances Granny Rocks continues to establish herself as a formidable force in the campdraft arena, her importance to Chance Lodge extends well beyond her competition career.
The mare has now become an important part of the Chance Lodge breeding program, carrying forward the extraordinary legacy of her dam.
“ We are so excited to have Chances Granny Rocks Q-83337 in our breeding program as she has inherited the grit, immense cow sense and trainability of her mother.”
This year, Chances Granny Rocks gave Chance Lodge two special colts, and the team is eagerly anticipating what she will produce in the coming season when crossed with Freckles Fortissimo.
Her influence is also being felt within Mark and Bec’ s own family. Mark recently purchased a colt foal out of Chances Granny Rocks by Counting Checks as a birthday present for Bec.
“ We are very excited to see how he comes along.”
A FUTURE STILL TO BE WRITTEN
Despite her impressive achievements to date, the story of Chances Granny Rocks is far from finished. Mark and his team intend to continue giving the mare every opportunity to succeed in the campdraft arena.
“ The future plans for Chances Granny Rocks are to continue her campdrafting career, giving her the best opportunities we can.”
Mark describes her as a unique mare, one capable of handling the toughest runs while retaining the softness and composure required to come back and perform for Bec.
“ She can handle a tough run and can come back as soft as ever for my wife Bec to draft.”
For Chance Lodge, watching the last remaining daughter of their foundation mare excel at the highest level is an incredibly rewarding experience. Chances Granny Rocks represents not only the success of a carefully considered breeding program, but also the continuation of a remarkable bloodline that began with a special decision made in the United States many years ago.
From Blue Boons My Granny’ s journey from America to her success in the NCHA arena, to becoming the foundation mare of Chance Lodge, and now through her daughter Chances Granny Rocks, her legacy continues to make its mark.
The Reserve Championship at Willinga Park and the accompanying AQHA Incentive Buckle are another significant chapter in that story, one that celebrates exceptional breeding, talented horsemanship and a mare with the grit and cow sense to rise to the occasion.
Chance Lodge and Mark Buttsworth extend their thanks to everyone who has played a part in Chances Granny Rocks’ journey, with appreciation to Denise MacCallum, John and Jill Farnham, and Jason and Rachel Leitch for the foundations that helped shape this exceptional mare. And for Chance Lodge, there is perhaps no greater reward than seeing the qualities they treasured in Blue Boons My Granny continues to shine through her daughter. Congratulations to Chance Lodge, Mark Buttsworth and Chances Granny Rocks Q-83337 on an outstanding Willinga Park 2026 Gold Buckle campaign.
AQHA 2026 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER ISSUE