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On Sunday 21st February, we held our second competition for the year (and it’s only February!) which was the Young Horse National Qualifier at the State Equestrian Centre in Brigadoon. We had 4 x 4 year olds, 7 x 5 year olds and 2 x 6 year olds. The Young Horse competition immediately followed a Freestyle competition being run at the Centre which was a great idea, as there were plenty of spectators who stayed on and marvelled at these stars of the future battling it out for the beautiful rugs, very kindly donated by Horseland.
Watching these young horses was inspirational, and even the 4 year olds hardly put a foot wrong which was amazing as some of them were a little hesitant about being in the indoor arena during the warm up. We decided to give the horses 15 minutes ‘arena orientation’ time, particularly for the 4 year olds, so that they could get used to the sights and sounds of being ridden indoors, before the competition, and judging from feedback we received from riders afterwards, it was very much appreciated. We had a horse from Geraldton, and one from Kalgoorlie, so it’s an honour for us that people are making so much effort to attend our competitions.
A very special mention must go to Gemma Barnett who came second in the 4 year old class, this was Gemma’s first ever dressage competition, so we presented her with a SVDA cap as encouragement to keep up the good work, well done Gemma. |
Bellario & Royal Oak II ridden by Deon Stokes
Photo: Perfect Pony Photographics
The competition winners
4yr old
1st Joshua Brook Jamison ridden by Wendy Cummings
2nd WP Midnight Oil ridden by Gemma Barnett
3rd Dorado ridden by Shona Nelson
5yr old
1st Bellario ridden by Deon Stokes
2nd World Sensation ridden by Deon Stokes
3rd Regal Crusader ridden by Ruth Ellis
6yr old
1st Royal Oak II ridden by Deon Stokes
2nd Bonita ridden by Colin Chantler
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All riders went home with a Swan Valley Dressage Association ribbon, and our very kind sponsors at Brigadoon Produce had provided some products for a ‘lucky dip’ so that each rider chose a something nice to remember their day with us. We also presented both hard working judges, Wendy Barker and Hannie Byrne, with an engraved Swan Valley Dressage Association wine glass as a memento.
Stockfeed West kindly gave us vouchers for the 2nd place getters, and everyone seemed happy. Chris Hope came and shadow judged, and Heather Martin gave up her time to pencil for the afternoon.
Brigadoon Produce have offered us a fabulous sponsorship package. If you mention that you are a Swan Valley Dressage Association member when you go in to purchase anything, they will note it. Then, at the end of the year, they will donate a percentage of all SVDA sales back to the club for us to then use next year for the purchase of prizes, paying judges, venue hire, etc. Please support them, to then support us. Joanna Dale |
