NSWRHA State Championship Show: Report, Results & Photos

Warren Backhouse riding Anita Ganzer’s ‘Rocin on the Ranch’ won the Open Derby (Photos: Jenny Solomon)

Bec Laurie riding ‘Arglyes T Whiz’ won the Non Pro and Int Non Pro Derby

Words cannot describe nor can pictures capture the vibe that the 2013 NSW Reining Horse Pre Futurity and State Championship Show produced out at Maralya in early July! 

Whether stuck in the mud, a victim of a power outage or a stabling squeeze, nothing could dampen the spirits of competitors from the tip of Queensland to the bottom of Victoria.  Over 300 runs over three days created a tapestry of competitive commaraderie, infectious enthusiasm, and world class runs that scored BIG BIG scores.

Victorians, Queenslanders, New South Welshman equally shared the limelight and were equally cheered on by all regardless of state of origin! From the Cooper family who dominated to Rob Lawson to Brett McDonald to the brilliant debut of Erin Neylon! And how about Greer Campbell in the youth 14-18? Where else do you see that type of competition, whilst upholding the ultimate in sportsmanship. We have to give a shameless shout out to our own  Shane Sainsbury - our quiet achiever who rode his pony to two buckles and to our Secretary and temporary Treasurer Bec Laurie, who also doubled up on a belt adornment! Both of these NSWRHA members did us more than proud!

The ‘Bear Cottage’ ladies class raised in excess of $2,000 for this very worthwhile charity. The class was proudly won by Steph Cooper riding CTS Major Impact.

Saturday night's Futurity class proved to be a crowd pleaser, but not before Dan Steers of Double Dan Horsemanship wowed the crowd by putting not only his ultimately trained sidekick out there Double Image, but NSWRHA’s own Argyles T Whiz, who took whip cracking, crowd cheering and general horsing around in his stride! The pre Futurity entertainment and Calcutta got the crowd ready (thanks to Dan) to go!  Khris Martin, accompanied by Clancy Erlin and Elle Cooper flew the flags proudly, rounding out with Khris’s crystal clear rendition of Advance Australia Fair.

Key Class Champions

Open Derby – Warren Backhouse riding Anita Ganzer’s ‘Rocin on the Ranch’ with a score of 148.5

Int Open Derby – Graham Cooper riding Nils Euren’s ‘Tassa Golden Oak’ with a score of 147.0

Non Pro and Int Non Pro Derby – Bec Laurie riding ‘Arglyes T Whiz’ with a score of 145.5

Open Futurity – Graham Cooper riding his own ‘Cromed by Custom’ with a score of 147.5

Int Open Futurity - Graham Cooper riding ‘Cromed by Custom’ with a score of 147.5

Non Pro and Int Non Pro Futurity - David Nixon riding ‘A Custom Oak’ with a score of 142.0

Open – Robert Lawson riding Jozette Hazeldines ‘Topsail Wimpy’ with a score of 147.5

Non Pro – Brett McDonald riding ‘Badgers Lil Gem’ with a score of 146.5

If success is measured by gratitude, compliments, praise, or a firm handshake and a happy smile, as a club, NSW reining, is truly, a +1 and a half manouvre!

By: Tony Mitchell/NSWRHA

Quick Links

• View the Photo Gallery for a huge selection of photos from the event
• See Reining Horses for sale on Horsezone
• Visit the NSWRHA Website