Sowing seeds of success with new grass-roots event series
- Fran Cleland
- 43 minutes ago
- 5 min read
GRASS root competitors have welcomed a new eventing series that caters specifically for lower-level riders.
The brainchild of a small group known as Southern Equestrian Eventing Direct (SEED), the series comprised three events over a four-week period in June-July at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre in Victoria.
All sections were filled to capacity with waitlists, showing just how needed events of this type are.
Competition started at grade six and cut off at grade three, attracting top level riders using lower-grade events as training and fun, down to the 35cm-riders who were delighted to just get out there and give it a go.
There was also a separate section for off-the-track Thoroughbreds, which was also very popular.
All up across the series, more than 400 horse and rider combinations took part.
The driving force behind the SEED group is Beth McCann, Jarryd Stanley and Aimee Cuthbert, who were delighted with how the first series went and particularly with the level of interest from those wanting to compete in grade six.
“It was wonderful to be able to include this level in our grass roots series and it was well received by Pony Club Victoria members and open riders,” Beth said.
“We had heaps of positive feedback on offering an open grade six – plenty of adults who have never done a horse trials before, or who hadn't competed in 10-plus years.
“Grade six might only be 35cm but it's an introductory level to cross country where for some, riding outside an arena is more daunting than the size of the jumps.”
Karen Cook, who competed with her remarkably fit veteran equine partner Ruby (aka Thalaba Ruby Dreaming), was typical.
“Ruby's approaching her 21st birthday and I’m a few decades ahead,” Karen said with a smile.
The pair have been a very successful show and dressage combination at high level, but eventing was a different kettle of fish.
“Having a grade six level shows there is a need for 35cm jumping events for both riders of pony club age, those approaching retirement and everyone in between,” Karen said.
“I'm the first to admit I'm not brave when jumping, which is why I tackled grade six for our first go.
“Once we got started in both the showjumping and cross-country rounds the nerves disappeared and I had a ball – the adrenaline kicks in.”
Karen said one of the drawcards of the series was the opportunity to ride at the national equestrian centre.
“Riding cross country at Werribee Park, with a great range of cross country jumps available for grades five and six, was exciting,” she said.
“Not just logs, which is often the case for grade six, but roll tops, ski ramp and plastic pipes.
“Navigation around the sand mound on the second corner was interesting for some, as were the sprinklers operating in the market gardens during the grade three cross country rounds.”
At the other end of the age range, Annabelle McDonald, eight, is riding in her first season of horse trials on her pony Dantra Park Golden Gem (aka Deni).
Already an eventing fan and proud of her coach La’Moza Velisha’s recent Melbourne Three-Day Event win at Werribee Park, she was thrilled to be competing at the same hallowed venue.
“I was really nervous for my first event but everyone was very kind to me,” she said.
“My pony Deni was also a bit nervous stopping at some of the jumps because we are learning how to do horse trials together.
“I loved how everyone cheered everyone on no matter how their ride went – the whole event was so much fun and I can’t wait to do it again.”
Annabelle overcame her nerves to claim the grade five series after a win in the second and third rounds.
Exciting as this was, she still said the best part of the experience was riding alongside her best mate and coach.
Just what grass roots sport should be about.
Top six series finalists
Grade six
1: Grace Mackenzie and Blandings Smokey Bear
2: Astrid O'Reilly and Sophia from Camlee
3: Oriana Sliwinski and Seawynd Matilda
4: Joanne Eftimova and My Momentum
5: Poppy Chettle and Sampson
6: Peyton Leggett and Squid
Grade five
1: Annabelle McDonald and Dantra Park Golden Gem
2: Megan Farrall and Shannon Lodge Llewyn
3: Charles Sheers and Lord Boulevard
4: Lilly Heal and Ashtan Park Taylor Made
5: Kimberley Machell and Dashingly Divine
6: Lavinia Berridge and Keera Lee Berbere
Grade four
1: Ava Olive and Gulf of Aden
2: Bonnie King and Salient Park Bobbi
3: Georgina Birrell and LJ Tanzanite
4: Maggie Jackson and Mithril Voyager
5: Charlotte Thorp and VP Coralina
6: Grace Bailey and Rachem Ezekial
Grade three
1: Pearl Hodson and WHF Hendricks
2: Natasha Moody and Sloane Square
3: Meg Small and Foxcote Frankincense
4: Olivia Logan and Entally High Class
5: Nina Allport and Ever So Clever
6: Tara Macdonald and Crestfields Freedom
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