Royal judges stepping back onto familiar turf
THE 2022 Melbourne Royal judges list has landed and show organisers have gone for experienced people when it comes to this prestigous event.
Many of those judging are previous competitors who spent their childhood competing in the original big competition ring and running round the old blue stables at the northern end.
The show was not held for the last two years and to make up for this, the 2022 Melbourne Royal Show Horses in Action Competition features an extended timetable, improved scheduling and the chance to share in over $100,000 in cash and prizes.
The Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout is in its 88th year and judging panel member Deanne Melrose, of Yarra Glen, is thrilled to be part of an event that means so much to her.
“There is nothing like competing at Melbourne Royal,” she said.
“The total calm that washes over your body as you step on to the main arena. I remember looking up at the stands searching all the faces for my parents, looking for an ‘ok’ hand signal from my Dad.
“Nothing else on earth feels like the main arena – the buzzing in my soul, the smells, the noise even the air tastes different.”
Ms Melrose said it was hard to describe waiting for the winners to be announced.
“The joy of not only a win but any placing is only heightened by hearing your number called and then your name announced,” she said.
“I remember bursting with pride, trotting with the red coat as you led everyone off around the track, grinning ear-to-ear.
“It’s exciting to think I will play a part in that experience for this year’s competitors.”
Gary Beaton has also competed at the show with great success, and will now judge the classes he rode in the past.
“I think it’s an absolute privilege and honour to judge at any Royal show, but to judge at your own state Royal is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
The 2022 Royal Melbourne Show horse judges are:
Stock Horses: Sue Lind.
Stock Horses (General Appearance): Jayne Stuchbery
Led Clydesdales: Louise Beer
Harness Clydesdales: Joe Lawrence
Ridden Clydesdales: TBC
Tradesman and Delivery: Joe Lawrence
Light Harness: Noel Collins
Saddle Hacks: Garry Beaton
Saddle Galloways: Lisa Smith
Saddle Ponies: Louise Barton
Open Child’s Mounts: Megan Howe
Show Hunter Hack: Shelley Penny
Show Hunter Galloways: Amanda O’Sullivan
Show Hunter Ponies: Caroline Reid
Show Hunter Child’s Mounts: Megan Howe
Leading Rein: Allison Woodroofe
Senior Riding: Jan Smith
Intermediate Riding: Allison Woodroofe
Junior Riding: Robyn Pearce
Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout (riding): Catherine Neill
Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout (C & S): Michael Tweedie Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout (Saddlery): Cynthia Doherty
Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout (Mount): Carol Hassell
Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout (GP): Dearne Melrose
Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout (Costume): Penny Verco
Esquire Equestrienne Turnout (riding): Carole Hassell
Esquire Equestrienne Turnout (C & S): Catherine Neill
Esquire Equestrienne Turnout (Saddlery): Dearne Melrose
Esquire Equestrienne Turnout (Mount): Penny Verco
Esquire Equestrienne Turnout (GP): Jan Smith
Esquire Equestrienne Turnout (Costume): Cynthia Doherty
Junior Turnouts (riding): Caroline Reid
Junior Turnouts (C & S): Lynette Cameron
Junior Turnouts (Saddlery): Cynthia Doherty
Junior Turnouts (Mount): TBC
Junior Turnouts (GP): Allison Woodroofe
Junior Turnouts (Costume): Claire McDonald
Show Jumping: Anne Garner
Hunting: Gary le Brocq
Led OTT Thoroughbred: Caroline Reid
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