Practice Makes Perfect for Pony Club Champions

Katie Simcock Under 13’s Zone 24 competitor (Photo: Barry McGregor photography)

Baylee Stapleton from Zone 24 (Photo: Barry McGregor photography)

Alexandra Wolters-Mannix, 17 and under 25 year’s age champion (Photo: Barry McGregor photography)

The Pony Club NSW State Jumping Equitation Championships hosted by Zone 6, were held over the weekend of the 18-19 May 2013 at the Mudgee Australian Rural Education Centre, Mudgee. 

Around 170 competitors travelled from all around the state to the event with most competitors and their families camping at the grounds for the weekend. Riders competed in four classes and were judged both on their riding style and control of the horse whilst jumping.

According to Jackie Perring, Zone 6 Pony Club Publicity Officer, “The weather wasn’t very kind but spectators didn’t seem to mind the freezing wind as they watched some incredibly talented riders compete in four different classes vying to win the Champion title.” 

In the under 13 years age group Sophie Hamilton-Smith from Quirindi Pony Club in Zone 5 was the age champion. In the 13 and under 15 years age group Matilda Seppelt from Londonderry Pony Club in Zone 19 took out first place. Georgina Grove in the 15 and under 17 age group from Forest Hills Pony Club Zone 23 was the age champion for the second year in a row. While in the 17 and under 25 age group Alexandra Wolters Mannix from Orange Pony Club in Zone 3 also placed first for the second year in a row.

Alexandra has also won the 2012 Pony Club NSW State Jumping Equitation and 2012 Pony Club NSW State ODE Championships on the same horse. Alexandra’s advice to young pony club members hoping to follow in her footsteps is to ‘Keep trying! I have been attending state championships for equitation, dressage, showjumping and eventing since I was 11 and have always aspired to be one of those riders taking home the champion ribbon. It’s taken me nearly ten years practice, so keep coming back and keep trying different competition techniques until you find what works for you.’

Alexandra would like to thank ‘Zone 6 and Mudgee pony club for a great event and PCA NSW for supporting all the junior, and senior, riders by holding these state championship events. They are great fun and I look forward to them every year! My biggest thanks definitely goes to my awesome mum though, imagine putting up with me and taking me to all these events over the years! She does a great job as mum and as team manager and I’m sure Ollie thanks her too.’

The next state events on the Pony Club NSW Calendar are the Pony Club NSW State Showjumping Championships which is to be held at Bathurst Showgrounds, Bathurst on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July and the Bombers Australia State Polocrosse Championships which is to be held at Wee Waa Showgrounds, Wee Waa from the 12-14th July 2013.

The Pony Club NSW State Jumping Equitation Championships are supported by Sport and Recreation a division of Communities NSW, Mitavite official feed partner, Flametree Inc State Championship rug sponsor, as well as other local sponsors.

 

Quick Links

• To find a Pony Club near you visit the state website on www.pcansw.org.au
• View Pony Club horses for sale on Horsezone

 

By: PCANSW