Riders relish annual gallop across lakes and craters course
THE course designers at the Lakes and Craters International Horse Trials at Camperdown excelled themselves, constructing an amazing cross country course decorated with plants and themed characters to challenge riders.
The park-like presentation of the venue was achieved with the help of a local government grant.
Set in the picturesque ancient crater lakes of the area from which the event gets its name, the course is a true test at each level.
Riders arrive on the Thursday before for identification and horse inspection, with the field including entrants from as far away as Western Australia, NSW and Tasmania.
There was even a Belgium competitor who now calls South Australia home.
Friday’s weather was extremely hot and the dressage was fiercely contested in all classes, from EvA80cm through to the CCI3* long format.
On Saturday the weather gods provided rain for most of the day, but the temperature was just right for the horses on cross county.
The final inspection to check the fitness of the horses before the showjumping on Sunday was held in more pleasant weather conditions.
The off-the-track (OTT) series continues to grow and class winners included a busy Alexah Robinson who won the A80A riding Isle of New Norfolk and the EvA80B riding Harley’s Blue Moonshine. Alexa, who is off to Poland to work and ride, also won the People on Ponies (POP) class with Moonshine.
The EvA80 off-the-track class was won by Fiona Hawkes riding Bocelli’s Legend.
The EvA95A went to Natalie Davies riding Berlock Neika, the EvA95B to Bronte Bravo riding Incline Park Remembrance, the EvA95 POP to Charlize Scott riding her pony Banyiera Park Pocket and the EvA95 OTT was won by Chelsea Whicker riding Ocean Drive.
The international level events showed the quality of the Thoroughbred horses with all major winners also taking out the OTT awards.
The CCN1*L went to Wilhelm Enzinger riding Innaminny.
In the two-star classes, the CCN12*S was won by Samantha Cesnick riding Giovanni Georgio and the long format CCI2*L was won by Asha Warnock riding Gold Symphany.
The CCI3*S went to the Belgium rider Audrey Nicolai and Insidious Ghost. She also won the CCI3*L. Sophie Warren from WA riding Reduction also won the OTT CCI3*L rug too for her win in the CCI3*L.
Lucy Gunn riding Blackall Park Tooleybuc won the Jean McArthur Memorial for the best dressage overall.
GALLERY
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