Grass surface gets the nod from dressage riders
THE northern part of Victoria is quickly becoming a centre for horse activities, with Elmore, Tatura and some smaller venues having had a really busy spring and there’s more to come through summer.
The Rich River Equestrian Club ran a HRCAV dressage jackpot on the grass arena at Elmore Equestrian Park recently, seeing it as a chance to give competitors a different riding experience.
“The sand arenas have been out of action for some months now due to resurfacing and our club members were keen to get out and compete and saw it as a great opportunity to promote the less-used grass surface at Elmore Equestrian Park,” Rich River committee member Jodi Dobson said.
“We knew it would be more work due to having to put up the arenas and we would have to limit numbers as we would only have four arenas instead of our usual six (so) we decided to ask another club to join in and run a second day as this would help with the pack up of the arenas and the hire costs as well.”
Goulburn Valley Equestrian Club came on board and ran their competition the following day, with the dressage arenas hired from the Echuca Adult Riding Club.
“We had over 80 riders and everyone had a great day,” Jodi said.
“The consensus was that the grass surface was beautiful to ride on and that it stood up well to two full days of competition.
“We were so proud of how all our members worked together to make it a great success and we look forward to the next event.”
Karen Sandow riding Ridgemont Sasse from Glenlyon won the advanced section.
Gina Farrugia riding Cloverfern Sampson for Macedon Ranges won the level one and Lisa Goodin from Cobram Barooga took the level two sash on Marquis Rolly.
The competition in level three was tight, with Janette Borella and Cooramin Sir Archie from Rich River winning on a countback after tying with Elmore’s Stephen Valentine on Hollingrove Ferrari.
Stephanie Waras and her mount, Typhoon, came from Werribee Central to win level four and level five went to another traveller in Joel Stevenson and Winston from Lancemore.
The Rich River event concluded with a presentation by the local CFA on preparing properties for the fire season.
The following day, it was Goulburn Valley’s turn.
Stephen Valentine rode Northern Finnlaigh to win the advanced for the Elmore Club, Andrea Fuller and Furst Felix from Rich River were the winners at level one.
Level two went to the consistent Big Ted ridden by Louise Perrin from Mansfield.
There was a big field in the level three making it a good win for Tia Andrews Smiths and Squiggle from Rich River Club.
In level four, Stephanie Waras and Typhoon made their trip north very worthwhile with another win.
Kim Garsed and Coleslea Opal from Spring Plains won level five.
GALLERY
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All images JOE CATENA & TONI McCLUSKY of EQUINE PROMOTIONS AUSTRALIA
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