David Galvin Fundraiser Show - Day 2

 

David with his family, the Western Horse Forum members , SEQAC committee and judge Joanne Gregory, thrilled after being presented with his cheque for $18,000.

 

The centre of the western showing universe (for QLD anyway) on Sunday 28 November, was the A Show held at Burpengary Equestrian Centre, as part of the two days of the David Galvin Fundraiser Show.

There was very good attendance for the show, especially as this close to Summer, most of the shows in QLD have finished for the year. A comprehensive program, with good numbers in most classes, meant that judge, Joanne Gregory from Sydney, was kept busy throughout the day. Organisers and competitors alike were very grateful to Joanne who donated her time to judge. The trail judge, Sue Maxwell, also donated her time and there were many volunteers who helped out tirelessly over the weekend, to ensure all ran smoothly.

Darren Simpson and Winderadeen Staratthebar

As a follow on to Day 1 of the show, it was once again a really fun and sociable occasion with everyone enjoying being out competing with their horses, catching up with old and making new friends. The weather was very kind, not too hot and the rain stayed away, which helped make for a wonderful day. The excellent cause and the fact that David was in attendance, seemed to make everyone that little bit nicer to each other and more appreciative of what we all usually take for granted, the fact that we have the ability to ride our horses and attend shows anytime, whereas this simple joy isn't possible for those who have suffered accidents, such as David's.

On Saturday night a buffet dinner, auction and various horse related demonstrations were held and attended by well over 100 people. The money raised from this event, raffles, the two day show and donations from companies and individuals, meant that at the end of the day on Sunday, a cheque was presented to David Galvin in the amount of $18,000! This will help David purchase the wheel chair friendly car that he needs so badly - at the moment if he wants to go out, David and his family travel in a taxi. The look on David's face when he was presented with the cheque was priceless and I don't think there was a dry eye in the stands when he gave his 'thank you' speech.

Congratulations to the Western Horse Forum and SEQAC for organising the fundraising events and enabling such a huge sum of money to be raised!

David Galvin Fundraiser Show - Day 2: Impressions

Most impressive:
On the horse front - Lovely mare RQH That's Her Style with Sam Daley in the saddle (left) - this 3 yr old mare won every class she went in - both Hunter Under Saddle and Western Pleasure. Lenore Webb's mare, Winderadeen Staratthebar, was a standout performer in the Western Pleasure winning with Lenore and trainer, Darren Simpson.

Generally - large numbers in the classes and lovely attitude of all the competitors.

Goose bump material:

• A tiny little girl on a Paint Horse who was jawdroppingly accomplished and showed great professionalism in all her classes. Look out grown ups!


• Lenore Webb's Excitement when she won for the first time on her mare Winderadeen Staratthebar.


• Burt Purcell and Mighty Awe Dacious' perfect Horsemanship pattern.


• David Galvin's face when he saw realised how many people had given their support and how much money had been raised.

Most popular with competitors:
Open Walk/Trot Hunter Under Saddle and Open Walk/Jog Western Pleasure - both these classes had huge numbers. Is everyone tired of cantering/loping? You bet! Cantering is so last year!

Crowd pleaser:
Mandy Smith and her gorgeous quiet mare, Skippy, swapping the english gear for a clown suit and trying their hand at reining!

The place to be seen:
Hanging out by the Horsezone banner, of course!

What's in?

• Bling and lots of it!


• Horses of all imaginable colours (even more so than on Day 1)


• Photos with the Horsezone banner


• Laughing with, not at, fellow competitors


• Raising thousands of dollars for a fantastic cause!


• Amazingly accomplished youth competitors

What's out?

• Plain outfits in Western Classes


• Cantering (not really...)

There was one High Point award given out for the show, which was for Beginner Improver and was won by Terry Fabricus.

There was also an Encouragement Award, a lovely garland donated by Western Horse Forum members, Bingo and Boots and this was awarded to Youth competitor, Islay Collins.

 

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