Innovative horse trials format gives every rider a chance of success
DENILIQUIN is a large town in the fertile southern Riverina region of south-central NSW. It lies on the Edward River (a branch of the Murray), 75 km from the Victoria border.
It might be well away from the mainstream central horse activities but their active pony club provides an opportunity for children and their families, as well as adult riding members, to come together to share a common interest for all ages and abilities.
In 2009 the club celebrated 50 years of Pony Club Association of Victoria affiliation and in May 2013 they hosted the Victorian State Horse Trials for Northern Zone PCAV.
They have great facilities and an energetic committee that works hard.
This year their annual pony club and open horse trials attracted more than 150 keen competitors, some who travelled far distances to get there.
They also held combined training and supercross events. Organiser Rachael Napier said doing this gave every rider a chance to compete in the event they preferred.
For those who would ratehr leave out cross country, combined training was the perfect foil, and supercross is an innovative event created for those who love horse trials but are happy to leave out the dressage phase.
Normal PCAV show jumping and cross-country penalties apply, plus a ride-to-time scoring system for cross-country. A rider’s cross-country time is measured against the optimum time with points allocated accordingly. Penalties apply to riders unnecessarily winding down the clock.
Some riders entered in more than one section and this shows in the results list. Georgia West and Narriah Brae Tom Thumb were one of many combinations judged in all three.
GALLERY
ABOVE: (clockwise from top left: India Gready and Temptress Of Valour, Sophie Pearn and Ripple Brook Pageant, Annie Holmes and Atlas, Emma Wettenhall on BP Atomic Blonde and Ebony Bayliss and Midnight Montage. Pictures: GRAIN AND MANE PHOTOGRAPHY