Currency Creek on the money with new, growing event

ABOVE: Bella Masters rode Teach Me How to Dougie for confident clear rounds in both showjumping and cross country to sneak into the placings with a fifth in the EvA95 class. Picture: TY MANNING/EQUESTRI LENS

WHILE the world’s eyes have been on Australia’s event riders at the Paris Olympics, eventing action at home hasn’t stopped.

The Currency Creek Horse Trials, previously known as the Canoe Tree Horse Trials, showcased an exciting weekend of equestrian competition south-east of Adelaide in South Australia.

The event, still relatively new and gaining momentum, featured a course designed by Tracey Leigh, with a newly added 1* course and a freshly rebuilt water jump at the Currency Creek course.

Despite concerns about late rain across the state, the grounds held up remarkably well, providing excellent conditions for cross-country day.

Young gun Amelie Morelli dominated the higher levels winning the CCN1* division with ESB Irish Illusion.

Morelli maintained her lead from start to finish, despite some minor time penalties cross country.  She also clinched the EvA95 class with her second ride for the weekend – Capitair – again leading from start to finish.

ABOVE: Amelie Morelli and ESB Irish Illusion, confidently through the water complex on her way to a win in the CCN1*. Picture: EQUESTRI LENS

Other winning performances included Rebecca Fidge and Jag Fonzarelli finishing on her dressage score to take out the SAEEM80 class. 

Amelia Massicci and RRQ Shorty Valentino took out the SAEEM65 class, and Vicki Hein secured victory in the SAEEM50 class with Seawynd Maverick.

The organising committee announced plans for a second event in a few weeks, anticipating strong entries again as the weather continues to improve.

This growing event, set on the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula, is quickly becoming a key fixture on the South Australian eventing calendar.

ABOVE: Madelyn Hanna and Rhesa Elisha were just out of the placings in the SAEEM65. Picture: EQUESTRI LENS

ABOVE: Emily Weir had a clear round in the SAEEM65 showjumping. Picture: EQUESTRI LENS

ABOVE: Jag Fonzarelli and his owner Rebecca Fidge, winners of the SAEEM80. Picture: EQUESTRI LENS

ABOVE: Amelia Massicci and RRQ Shorty Valentino, winners of the SAEEM65. Picture: EQUESTRI LENS

ABOVE: Vicki Hein with Seawynd Maverick at the presentations of the SAEEM50. Picture: EQUESTRI LENS

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