The country’s most prestigious horse showing event for female riders, the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, was won by 20-year-old Stephanie Barrington of Moorooduc on her horse L.A. at the 156th annual Royal Melbourne Show.

 

Also awarded Champion Lady Rider today, Miss Barrington was named Best First Year Competitor in the Garryowen in 2009 and said competing in and winning the coveted Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout had been a lifelong dream.

 

“When I was at school everyone would ask me what do you want to do when you grow up and I would always say I want to win the Garryowen,” Miss Barrington said. 

 

“I am just in shock to be honest. My saddle used to belong to Pam Ahern who is actually a former Garryowen winner so it’s great to carry on the tradition.”

 

Miss Barrington won the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout with 12-year-old thoroughbred L.A., a former racehorse and Champion Hack at Canberra Royal, who will be representing Victoria in Senior Riding with Miss Barrington later this year.

 

“He is a pretty special boy and we know each other very well. I’ve had him for two years and we have a special bond, I love him to death,” Miss Barrington said.

 

Second place was awarded to Miss Shae Hanger, great-great-niece of successful horsewoman Violet Murrell, who tragically passed away in a stable fire as she tried to save her beloved horse, Garryowen.

 

RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan said: “The RASV would like to congratulate Miss Stephanie Barrington on winning the 77th annual Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, the most prestigious horse showing event for Australia’s finest female riders”.

 

Best First Year Competitor was awarded to Miss Heidi Pickstock riding DP Amazing.

 

Other sash winners included Miss Rebecca Farrow (Kholo) in third place, Ms Rachel Lawrie (Bond) in fourth place, Miss Heidi Pickstock (DP Amazing) in fifth place and Miss Rachel Keskinen (Request) in sixth place.

 

The 2011 Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout winners joined riders, judges, stewards and industry professionals at the Garryowen Cocktail Party in the Port Phillip Room  for a presentation and announcement of the Hall of Fame Inductees on Thursday night.