NSW Reining Horse Association State Championships a Huge Hit!

Warren Backhouse and Rocin on the Ranch - Open Futurity winners

Bec Laurie and Argyles T Whizz - winners of Novice Horse Non-Pro

Shaun Saunders and Big River Spanner in the Works

The NSW Reining Horse Association held their annual State Championship and Futurity Show on the 6-7 July 2012 at Horseworld Stadium, Maraylya.  The show was a huge success with many competitors and spectators.  Some of the competitors travelled long distances to the show, many from both Queensland and Victoria, to compete for over $14000 in prize money.  There were even some spectators all the way from Victoria.

Friday competition kicked off with the Short Stirrups and Youth classes which were followed by the Snaffle Bit/Hackamore classes.  Next were the highly competitive Novice Horse Classes. The Novice Horse Non Pro was won by Bec Laurie riding Argyles T Whizz with a score of 134.5.  The Novice Horse Open went to Glenn Browitt of Victoria riding Jewel Park Bewhizzed with a score of 137.5. Next out on the Friday were the Beginners and Green Reiners, followed by the Intermediate Open and Rookies classes. 

Friday evening featured the Open, Non Pro Derby and Open Derby.  They offered over $4000 prize money between them.  The Non Pro Derby was won by Brett McDonald riding Badgers Lil Gem with a score of 140.5.  He narrowly won over Keiran Moses riding Wimpy’s Little Charlie who came second with 140, both from Victoria.  Shaun Saunders, from Queensland and Sweet Whiz Sugar took out both the Open and Open Derby with a big score of 145. Following in second place was Shaun’s mentor, Warren Backhouse, also from Queensland, riding Whizpy Little Step with 141.

The Any Handed Class was up first on Saturday followed by the Ladies.  Next up was the Limited Non Pro, this was among the biggest classes of the show.  Janice Barr and Peppys Bootscooter won with 142.5.  Close behind in second place was Guy Laurie and Docs Joelita with 141.5.  After lunch were the Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Open, Rookie Professional, Prime Time Non Pro and Non Pro classes.  The last class out before the dinner break was the very entertaining Freestyle.  This saw some great costumes, music and routines, there were even some fabulous dancers.  In the end Lisa Lawson and Hollywood Tradition won followed by Annie Woodhouse and Miss Melody Chex.

The dinner break was also very entertaining with some line dancing, a horsemanship demonstration by Greg Powell and a freestyle dressage demonstration by Janice Usherwood.  The classes finished with the feature Boyd Hilton Non Pro Futurity and the $5000 Open Futurity.  The Non Pro Futurity went to Errol Thomas of QLD riding Hustlers First Flame with 140.5.  The Open Futurity went to Warren Backhouse and Rocin On The Ranch with the top score of the show of 150.  Rough Stock wrapped up the show with many people finding the energy to dance and party into the night.

Some of the big winners from NSW include Bec Laurie, Shelly Peters, Greg Peters and Janice Barr, to name a few.  It was very impressive to see almost every member of NSWRHA helping at the show.  There were also many outside helpers including some of the interstate competitors.  These volunteers worked hard and made the show a real success.  The NSWRHA would like to thank all of the show’s supporters including all the volunteers, sponsors, competitors and spectators.

See PDF below for full results.

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