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The EFA National Show Horse & Rider Championships 2005 |
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On Friday 2nd
and Saturday 3rd December at the Werribee Park National Equestrian
Centre, the very best show horses and riders from all states of
Australia as well as a strong… and the very vocal team from New
Zealand converged on Melbourne to compete for national championships
in saddle horse, show hunter and riding classes. Also judged was the
Trans Tasman championship between traditional rivals, Australia and
New Zealand. Of course the Trade Village had lots to offer, Cedar
Lodge did a roaring trade with their custom made rugs clearly
indicating horse people are wising up to the benefits of buying
Australian made rugs that last, Wagner’s were there with plenty of
show gear and accessories along with many other trade stands.
The indoor
arena was dressed to the hilt with the canopy over the VIP section
been red, white and blue sashes complete with gold tassels, while
beautiful flowers colored the arena borders with the side walls
covered in black and dressed with stars all to lift the arena into a
more national affair. Both nights the gallery was packed, supporters
from each state were in super form and if there was a
Both Friday and Saturday proceedings commenced around 1pm with the popular parade of states followed by show hunter and leading rein classes on Friday which were judged by leading UK judge, Stuart Hollings, what a honour for riders to compete under such a man of Stuarts standing, author, reporter for Horse & Hound and of course trainer of many Royal International and Horse of the Year Shows in the UK. Saturday classes consisted of junior, intermediate and senior riders, and small pony, large pony, galloway and hack championships. Saturday evening was a glittering occasion with a gala dinner and the auction of three superb youngsters from Kolbeach Stud which created much interest and top dollar, which a percentage of each sale donated back to the society. Judges for Saturday classes were Shelley Riley (WA), Eileen Gibson (NSW) and Denise Timmerye (Vic). |
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Apart from the
highlights it was also a sad occasion in a way as Mark Tarrant did
his final competition in rider events, 14 times NSW Rider of the
Year, winner of the National title 3 times the showman entered the
arena late Saturday night for his final lap to a crowd that showed
how popular he was…. one thing for sure if you wanted some
excitement to a show, see a powerful and strong workout that left
you sitting on the edge of the seat Mark was the one to deliver,
hopefully we will get to see him back with galloways or hacks as
having done all he could in the riding classes Mark decided it was
time to leave the rider classes to up and coming NSW riders. Another good-bye was to Caroline Wagner and the partnership with Black Label, a lady who has had a brilliant career, most noted for her Garyowen wins as well as numerous Champion Riders at Royal level and of course for fashion on the fields! She brought the classy style of how to put together an outfit and look totally elegant on horse back, of course couple that with some stunning horses she has produced over the years and what a sad loss to the show world as she sets forward into the dressage arena. Saturday night was to be the last performance between her and Black Label who is for sale … [although not confirmed with owners Caroline and Peter] the talk was he was purchased over the weekend.
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competition
for the best supporters it would have came down to a fine line
between the South Australians and the New Zealand’s…
Leading
Rein Championship