Strathalbyn puts on a show that would make Jim proud

ABOVE: Courtney Munro was on fire riding her aptly named Jen Jan Dracarys. Picture: TY MANNING

THE Jim Dunn Memorial Show continues to be a highlight of the South Australian equestrian calendar, embodying Jim's dedication to the sport and his belief in fostering talent within the community. 

The show, held at Strathalbyn across two days on March 22-23, featured two show jumping rings, with some of the best numbers in the senior classes that have been seen in South Australia recently. 

The continued success of the event is a fitting tribute a man whose name is synonymous with dedication, passion, and commitment to the world of equestrian sports, particularly in South Australia.

Jim’s contributions to the equestrian community have left an indelible mark, not only through his accomplishments as rider but also through his work in fostering and promoting show jumping and eventing alongside other equestrian disciplines.

A show jumper, course builder, coach, administrator and judge, Jim was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2004 for services to equestrian sport in Australia and at Olympic Level.

In 1981, Jim was elected chairman of the Equestrian Federation of Australia eventing committee, a position he held for many years, eventually relinquishing but continuing to stand in a lesser position.

His love of all things equine led him to travel the world as chef d'equipe to the Australian eventing team at the World Equestrian Games and judge to many more international events.

Jim’s proudest moment of his career was to lead the Australian eventing team in to collect their gold medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

ABOVE: Danni Hampton on her little pocket rocket Wynara Bronze medal had an exceptional weekend winning three classes. Picture: TY MANNING

ABOVE: Ella Manning and Kerstcadeau had one of the few clear rounds to take the win in the Open 105cm class on day one. Picture: TY MANNING

For such a well-known and highly respected figure in the international and Australian equine world, Jim worked tirelessly for Strathalbyn Show Jumping Club.

He had been re-elected as president and willingly kept this important position not long before his passing in 2013 at the age of 67.

Jim had been on the committee for 50 years, many of those as president, which is a huge achievement in itself.

To honour the man, his contributions and achievements, the Strathalbyn Showjumping Club holds a special event named after him each year.

The show also features two memorial classes that bear his name: the Jim Dunn Memorial Trophy and the Jim Dunn Memorial Cup. 

These classes not only pay tribute to Jim's legacy but also offer riders of all levels a chance to compete in championship classes.

The weekend also featured the Sue Brandon-Brown Memorial Trophy in recognition of another tireless volunteer and advocate for the South Australian showjumping scene.

Sue dedicated herself to supporting the local equestrian community.

She became deeply involved with the Golden Spur Pony Club and served on the committees of both the Strathalbyn and South Australian show jumping clubs for many years.

Sue was also the vice president of the Strathalbyn Show Jumping Club and ran the club's canteen with incredible dedication.

Known for her warm hospitality, Sue’s contribution to the show jumping community on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide Hills was invaluable.

ABOVE: Sophia Craddock and GH Emmaville Olga backed up some nice rounds on day one with a minor placing in the Jim Dunn Memorial Cup. Picture: TY MANNING

Results

Jim Dunn Memorial Cup 1.35m

1st - Fieldbrook Vienna – Briony Temby

2nd - Charamae – Mark Lindh

3rd – Tulara Colette – Briony Temby

4th – Kasbah – Mark Lindh

5th – Freeloader – Sam Seaman

6th – GH Emmaville Olga – Sophia Craddock

Jim Dunn Memorial Trophy 90cm

1st – Able Man – Ester Harrington

2nd – I Am Magic – Carsten Graetz

3rd – Steele – Damien Hill

4th – Tik of Approval – Jan Macpherson

5th – What A Gem – Sasha Crawford

6th – Glenara Cleopatra – Sasha Crawford

Sue Brandon-Brown Memorial Trophy

1st - Blackall Park Koraleigh – Lucinda Roberts

2nd - Tik of Approval – Jan Macpherson

3rd – MP Sugar and Spice – Indy Berden

4th – 5th Avenue Diamond – Melissa Kester

5th – My Secret Weapon - Kate Pannell

6th - Cash Splash – Samantha Foster

Best Performed Off-The-Track Thoroughbred 

Ring 1: Best performed OTT Sophie Bairstow 's Forbidden Dream.

Ring 2: Best performed OTT Jan Macpherson's Tik of Approval.

ABOVE: Winner of the Sue Brandon-Brown Memorial Trophy - Lucinda Roberts and her own Blackall Park Koraleigh. Picture: TY MANNING

ABOVE: Briony Temby had another solid weekend of performances with her team. Winning the Jim Dunn Memorial Cup aboard Jeff Evan’s Fieldbrook Vienna. Picture: TY MANNING

The South Australian jumping calendar now looks toward the Yeltana Show Jumping Championships on the west coast of South Australia and the Northern Districts Showjumping Club’s Guley Cup in mid-April. 

View and purchase MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY images from this event 

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