Bits: Silver for Simone, good opportunities for pony clubbers and Tassie award winners
SIMONE Pearce and No Limit took the silver medal in the five-year-old final at the FEI Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in the Netherlands – the first time an Australian has won a medal at this event.
No Limit recorded three nines on his score sheet, the highlight being a 9.5 for his trot. Simone, who only recently picked up the reins of No Limit, never expected a medal. “Six weeks ago, No Limit could not even perform this test, so I am incredibly proud of him,” she said.
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PONY Club Australia is offering members a chance to visit and ride in China in December.
Applications are invited from teams of four riders, aged 13 to 16 years (at January 1, 2023), and one coach.
The estimated travel dates are December 6 to 18 and the team will fly into Shanghai. The team will visit Saga Pony Club in Suzhou city and Dream Rider School (or an alternative riding centre) in Ningbo city.
The team will take part in a competition that will include 90cm showjumping and novice dressage events. The estimated cost of the trip is $2000 per rider inclusive of travel, accommodation, meals, uniform, riding and insurance.
Questions can be emailed to info@ponyclubaustralia.com.au
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THE World Mounted Games Teams Championships is coming to Melbourne for the first time in October and there is an opportunity for several pony clubs to win backstage passes to meet the overseas riders and the 120 ponies before they enter the arena to compete.
Successful applicants will also receive VIP seating to watch the competition on that day. All you need to do is let us know in 200 words or less why you think mounted games is such an awesome equestrian discipline.
The championships will be held at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre on October 11-14.
Please send your submission to IMGA.Australia@Mounted-Games.org
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THE golden oldies of the horse world will get their chance to shine at the All Breeds Show Society’s show at Bendigo in November.
The horses and ponies have to be at least 15 with proof of ages, and there will be saddle classes for ponies, galloways and hacks.
Spread the word, and watch for the program.
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THE Northern Tasmanian Eventing Group has named their award winners for the year.
Hunter Palfreyman’s Fast and Furious is horse of the year for the 80 and above section and Charlie Freeman’s Odyssey Delight for 50 and 65.
Hunter and Fast and Furious also won the Dan Kelly Award. The Maraschino Award went to Isabelle Wynwood on Artyluvstoparty and the Gygis Award to Madalan Morgan on Pharwood.
Best overall dressage 80 and above was Madalan Morgan on Pharwood and best overall dressage 50 and 65 Emma Walker on Laloki Digger.
The most improved combination was Jess Cowan on Rough Road and most dedicated rider Ben Baker.
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IT’S the time of year when show horses have to be measured and Equestrian Victoria and Show Horse Council will conduct a measuring day at Tatura Park on Sunday August 13 from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
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ONE of the Victoria’s leading equestrian centres has been sold. The owners of Boneo Park on the Mornington Peninsula have advised that a contract has recently been signed for the sale of the property and business. “We are delighted that all business operations will continue in their current form and that the significant conservation area will continue to be protected. A statement from the purchaser will follow in August.”
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THE Australian Pony Club team has placed fourth in the World Clubs Tournament on borrowed horses. The Australian team placed behind teams riding their own mounts with the final results being Italy (zero penalties over three rounds), Portugal (four penalties), France (eight penalties) and Australia (nine penalties).
The team thanked their coach Rachael Edwards and the Normandy Committee of the French Equestrian Federation.
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THE team selected to represent Australia at the upcoming Young Rider Trans-Tasman Teams Challenge has been announced. The event will be held during the Waratah Showjumping World Cup Show at Sydney International Equestrian Centre from August 17 to 20. Riding for Australia will be Anneliese Wansey, Hayden Parker, Alexandra Gostelow and Ashley Cutler. The reserve is William Wood. They will be battling it out against what is sure to be a strong New Zealand Young Rider Team and are looking forward to a great competition.
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REGISTRATIONS are now open for a new event exclusively for retired Thoroughbred racehorses that is offering $1 million in prizemoney across four disciplines.
Equimillion will be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre on the October long weekend from September 30 to October 2.
Eventing, showjumping, dressage and show horse competitions will be held.
Each discipline will include classes for junior, amateur and open professional competitors, with total prizemoney of $30,000 per class and prizemoney paid down to 5th place. A minimum of 44 classes will be conducted.
“Equimillion has the potential to become the Everest of the equestrian world and will be a game changer in terms of providing an enhanced future life for retired thoroughbred racehorses,” Racing NSW chairman Russell Balding said.
For more information, please visit www.equimillion.com.au, contact Racing NSW on 9551 7500 or email enquiries to equimillion@racingnsw.com.au
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ARE you an Australian dressage, show jump or eventing rider?
A research team from CQUniversity is investigating the perceptions and physical activity habits of Australian equestrians in these disciplines.
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THE Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Horse Trials had to be abandoned after rain exacerbated bad conditions underfoot.
All five of Gatcombe’s famous championship classes were cancelled.
“It is with deep sadness and regret that, despite great efforts from the organising team, the decision has been made to abandon the Festival of British Eventing,” organisers said.
“The adverse weather experienced at Gatcombe today has made the site unsafe for the event to continue for all our competitors (human and equine) as well as the many thousands of spectators that were due on site tomorrow. Safety for all is our main priority.”
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