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Writer's pictureFran Cleland

Bits: Games in France, jumps stolen, Tassie awards and more


TEN Pony Club members have just represented Australia at the 2022 World Mounted Games Championships in France.

The team comprised (pictured above from left) Daniel Suvaljko (Serpentine Pony Club WA), Gemma Vanderight (Wonthaggi Pony Club VIC), Adelaide Gibbs (Serpentine Pony Club WA), Jack Bissicks (Yarrambat Pony Club VIC), Ebony Johnson (Serpentine Pony Club WA), David Gardiner (Circular Head Pony Club TAS), Jemima Gardiner (Circular Head Pony Club TAS), Ella MacMillan (Woonona Pony Club NSW), Taleha Urszulak (Woonona Pony Club NSW) and Breanna Geloven (Woonona Pony Club NSW).

These riders have represented their club, their state and now their country in mounted games, an experience that will last with them for a life time.

The World Mounted Games will be held for the first time ever in Melbourne in 2023 from the October 11-14. Put these dates in your diary to come and watch riders from all around the world, you will not believe their skills and horsemanship. For more information http://worldsdownunder.com.au * PONY clubs work hard to provide their youngsters with good safe equipment so Griffith Pony Club members in central NSW were devastated to find their shed had been burgled.

The new jump wings and poles they had worked so hard to get by raising money through Bunnings sausage sizzles and small grants had been stolen.

Stealing from children is an all-time low thing to do, so if anyone is spotted with a nice new set of poles and rails they can’t account for, the club asks to be let know and for Griffith Police station to be informed. Information can be supplied anonymously through NSW Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

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WHEN it comes to what’s right and what’s wrong in riding wear, people can get very stressed. Just ask the Barastoc organisers about the first time they held show hunter classes, when the phones ran hot for days with people asking what was the correct attire.

Peter and Caroline Wagner of Wagners Saddlery have joined forces with EQEAL Equine Events Australia to present a series of pay-to-view videos on the following topics:

  • Garryowen and Senior Turnout Costume

  • Turnout Saddlery

  • Junior Turnout Costume

  • Mini-Turnout Saddlery

  • How to correctly tie a stock

The cost is from $12 per video for 24 hours of unlimited viewing, but at least you will know you have been told by experts.


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THE Northern Tasmanian Eventing Club has held its annual awards.

Horse of the year EV80 and above went to Isabelle Wynwood on Diesel Engine. Runner up: Gemma James on GE Mayfield.

Horse of the year EV50 and 65 was Bridie Dwyer on Marley. Runner Up: Melanie Paterson on BS Gracie.

Other winners were: Best Dressage, EV80 and above: Isabelle Wynwood on Diesel Engine. Best Dressage EV50 & 65: Leanne Barker on Tralee Galileo. Gygis Award: (most clear XC EV65 & 80) Suzanne M Walton on Super Fly. Runner up: Lisa Buckby on Prickly Diamond. Maraschino Award: (most clear XC EV 95 and above): Isabelle Wynwood on Diesel Engine. Dan Kelly Award: (junior XC clear EV80 and above): Hunter Palfreyman on Fast and Furious. Most Improved: Charley Freeman-Finn (Odyssey Horses) On Odyssey Boss. Most Dedicated: Jess Cowan

The sportsmanship award went to Kindra Martin.


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WELL-KNOWN show organiser and steward at major shows Wayne Loughnan was honoured by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria last week.

He was presented with and Honorary Life Membership, for “outstanding service to the Horses in Action competitions as an exhibitor, steward and committee member”.


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ANNELI Drummond-Hay has passed away aged 84. The wonderful horsewoman was the idol of young female horse riders in the 1960s and set a path followed by them to now when as many women as men ride in Horse Trials.

Anneli won the first ever Burghley Horse Trials back in 1961 and lived the most extraordinary life and career. Her partnership with Merely-a-Monarch is one that so many people remember and was truly something special.

At the age of 16 she won the European Pony Championship and was the leading rider of combined training in Britain for three years.

She won both Badminton and the first ever Burghley Horse Trials and was second five times and is the only rider to be shortlisted at Olympic level in dressage, showjumping and three-day eventing for the same Olympic Games.


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AUSTRALIAN riders Tyler Donaldson-Aitken and Howard Bassingthwaighte have crossed the finish line of the Mongol Derby in sixth place.

The pair rode the majority of the race together, riding some seriously feisty steeds and conquering a fair share of obstacles.

Howard is an experienced cattleman and campcraft competitor who has lived and worked in the NT, while Tyler, from Ballarat, runs a business breaking in and training young horses for the racing industry.

This is the first Mongol Derby for two years after the 2021 event was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It covers 1000km through the Mongolonian steppe, with riders competing on barely broken horses.


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