Young Riders Gain More Than Trophies at PCANSW State Championship

Sita Brown, Grafton Pony Club, Zone 15. State Sporting Championships. Photo: Barry McGregor photography VIEW MORE PHOTOS

The AGL State Sporting and Campdrafting Championships held over the weekend of the 13 to the 14 April at Gloucester has been hailed a great success. 

The event is a great social occasion for Pony Club members taking part, with around 300 competitors and their families travelling from all over the NSW and QLD to camp at the grounds over the weekend.

The Sporting Championships which was held on Saturday attracted 274 entries. Riders battled it out in a variety of races including Bending, Flag and Barrel racing. 

Well done to the following Sporting age champions. In the under 11’s, Georgia Rigby from Queensland and in the under 13’s Jessica McDonald from Wallsend New Lambton Pony Club in Zone 25. Anastasia Martin from Merriwa, Zone 7 placed first in the under 15 age group. Emma Sheargold from Canberra Riding Club, Zone 16 took out the under 17’s, while Tegan Byrnes from QLD placed first in the under 25, associate division. 

The Campdrafting Championships which was held on Sunday attracted 136 competitors. In this unique event riders demonstrate their skills at cutting a beast out of a mob in an enclosure and then manoeuvring it around a set course.

Congratulations to the following Campdraft age champions. In the under 13’s age group, Rohan Fenlon from QLD, and in the under 15’s Rowena Dillion from Paterson River Pony Club in Zone 25. In the under 17 age group, Brendon Weis from Glen Innes Zone 13. While in the under 25 age group Matthew Ireland from Walcha Pony Club in Zone 13 was the champion. 
Brendon Weis 15 and under 17 years age champion, has been riding since he joined Glen Innes Pony Club in Zone 13 at five years of age. Since then Brandon who enjoys all aspects of Pony Club, has competed in Campdraft since he was ten years old.

This was a very special win for Brandon and his horse Joker, competing for his last year in the under 17 age group.

According to Brandon’s mother Belinda Williamson, Brandon is wise beyond his years, “Brandon understands that it is more about being happy with what he is doing then getting the ribbons.”

Under 25 years age champion, Matthew Ireland has also been competing since the age of four and “would recommend it to anyone to get out and have a go at state level.”

“It’s always good to meet people and a good way to meet up with some old friends.”

“A big thank you to the Gloucester Pony Club for hosting it and my family for the support and help getting me this far.”

The next State Championship is the State Jumping Equitation Championships hosted by Zone 6 from the 18-19th May at Mudgee.

The Pony Club NSW State Sporting and Campdrafting Championships is supported by Naming Rights Sponsor AGL Energy Gloucester, Flametree Inc, Sport and Recreation a division of Communities NSW, Mitavite official feed partner, as well as other local sponsors.

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