the BARASTOC Horse of the Year

Barastoc Friday

every inch of the grounds had something happening, the Interschool section were gearing up for a very, very long day of showjumping, working hunters and their brothers the show hunters were all revved up and ready to put on a show, throw in all the riders events, plus a few extra special classes and the showmanship event, today started at 7.40am and will finish around 10pm.

The JOSPEH LYDDY rider events were held out on the main arena, judges were Mrs S Fehlberg, Tas and Ms K Durante, Qld, Champion Rider 8 & under 12 years was Thomas Madigan, Champion Rider 12 & under 15 years Demi Morrison, Champion Rider 15 and under 18 years Lauren Tomasi, Champion Rider 18 and under 30 Rebecca Groen and Champion Rider 30 years and over Shelley Penny.

MAL BYRNE SADDLERY show hunters were under way indoors and were set to go right thru till 9pm starting time for the hacks tonight. The winners as per their height class were Michael Ridis Toravale Olivia, L G Howe Acheron Powder Puff, Sophie Scott Morningside Daybreak, Emma Adams Silkwood Renaissance, Coldstream Kaiser and Sarah O'Connor's Uncovered winning the large hack.

CEDAR LODGE proudly sponsors the adult show hunter pony with this years winner been E McCrae's Grande Tall Poppy. Cedar Lodge custom makes all their own horse-wear, and if your horse should not fall into the 'normal size' category Kylee will happily make what ever you desire to suit.

Mal Byrne has a long standing with producing quality gear, his bridles adorned the heads of many champions and his saddles are the ultimate in comfort for both horse and rider, when you are looking for the best you can get, you seriously can not go past Mal and his team for the finishing of show gear.

Mr D Dixon of UK, saw to the judging of the show hunters, Mr Dixon has been successful at national level in various disciplines including showing both in hand and ridden, eventing, dressage and showjumping and has also bred various horses which have gone on to compete at national level.

One thing that was pointed out by many in the stands throughout the judging of the show-hunters [and new terminology for me was learnt, it appears some do it often is ...spinner] upon where a judge continually spins which means horses are missed been seen if you happen to be on the back end of the spin, sadly at this level and no doubt the cost involved by competitors to compete it would have been nice if all exhibits were given the chance to be seen, catching the galloway class I was dumb-struck when well known and one of our most famous hunters Janlyn Three Wishes didn't even make a call in, he was looking and working right up to his high standards ....sigh, that I suppose is showing for you but no-doubt disappointing for those caught on the off spins.

The working hunters the flat section was judged by Ms C Reynolds, Tas who had her eyes keenly on the subjects, while the Jumping judge was Ms Jan Heine, IRE [now here is lady that knows a thing or two about jumping. owner of a stable full of handy types back in Ireland] this is a class were the ponies get to raise a sweat and show how nifty they are over jumps, it was divided into 4 sections by height starting with the small pony and thru to hack. As yet the results have not made their way to our van but shall follow shortly.

We do know one winner pictured above right and that was the Working Hunter large pony Merrindale Fantasy owned and ridden by Grace Joel, a handy mare who although a little miffed at having to stand and look pretty finally gave the ears forward for some snaps, shes a lovely bold type.

Another new class was the GAHAN TROPHY judged by Mrs E Richardson, Vic the Peter Gahan Challenge for boy riders was won by Stuart ARCHIBALD pictured opposite and the girl rider was won by Lauren TOMASI.

HORSE DEALS well there is not much need for a intro to them, if you do not know of Horse Deals its clear you are from another plant! [where horses don't exsists] but seriously thanks to them for bringing the Showmanship Championships to this four days of everything equine, 4 sections to contended with, sort the 'who can' from the masses of numbers entered, in-hand, jumping, show riding and then dressage, from the first time this event was introduced numbers have been nothing short of encouraging. This event is a way to come back to our grass roots where many moons ago it was just the normally for us oldies [when we were young] to have the one horse that could do all 4 phases and as riders we did too. Judges were:- Mr L Grima, NSW (In Hand), Ms E Coffey, Vic (Rider), Ms B Barclay, Vic (Jumping) and Ms M Jess, Vic (Dressage) This year winner Kathreen Climas with a score of 120.5.

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photo proofs of this event shall be sent via mail to exhibtors within 48hours of event