Crookwell showcases talent, quality across all sections
YOU have to admire an agricultural show that has been around since before the telegraph was connected.
Crookwell in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales held its first show in 1879 and 146 years later it is still a showcase for the state’s finest horses.
This year, Standardbreds, stock horses and stud ponies filling the breed rings was a feature, as well as a strong presence by the sporting horse contingent in the novelty classes.
“We had a selection of fabulous judges on both days,” horse section secretary Renata Furina said.
“They had nothing by lovely comments about the horses and the competitors.”
Like a lot of shows, Crookwell focusses on supporting district riders and a new local section on Saturday attracted good entries.
Harper Locke was named supreme local rider under 12, Montanna Allwright was supreme local rider over 12, the supreme local hack was Montanna’s Conroy Lodge Sriracha and supreme led exhibit was Elizabeth Easton’s Rockin J Hustle N Spin.
The Standardbred ring was well supported, with a strong group of quality horses and owners.
Supreme led Standardbred was Elizabeth de Graaf’s Flashman and the champion ridden was Pickpocket, shown by Lucas Stephenson.
The sporting classes were fun, supported strongly by local riders.
Claire McCormack took home the majority of the wins, with her husband Alan also winning the men’s division.
Amongst the junior sporting winners and placegetters were Grace and Joe McCormack, Easton and Colton Gay, Tom Culley and, show her versatility, Harper Locke.
Tim Hadlow had double successes in the show horse section, taking out the supreme champion open hack with Rhythm and the supreme show hunter with the pony, Derigeree Park Jackson.
Tim said he was delighted winning the double as he has started both from newcomers.
Rhythm is a classic, traditional Thoroughbred bought off the track.
Jackson was bred by Del Jenkins (partner in the Derigeree Park Stud) from her favourite mare Derigeree Park Minetta.
He has given the pair a lot of pleasure. “We loved him the first time we saw him trot across the paddock,” Tim said.
Shylah Marshall topped off a great show with Australian Stock Horse Waymere Oaks Le Star winning supreme child’s exhibit.
The supreme led stock horse was Sheady High Society shown by Emerald Equestrian and the supreme ridden stock horse was Alias Halo owned by Angus Hill.
The Palomino, NSJ Enraptured owned by NSJ Ponies added the supreme Welsh exhibit sash to her collection.
The supreme rider under 17 was Xanthe Pye.
Ms Furina is already planning for next year’s show.
“Our pride and goals are to support the next generation of farming and agriculture,” she said.
“Showing our horses is just the pinnacle of preparation of our horses, and we have some fabulous local competitors and studs in the Crookwell region.
“Next show we will again hold the supreme child’s section, and introducing next year, we will have parents versus children sporting events.”
Missed this year’s Crookwell show? Here’s the horse program to help plan your 2026 season.
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