Riders Shine as the Sun Comes Out

 

At this time last year the hard working members of the Young Dressage Association were frantically repairing damage to their grounds at Bendick Murrell, caused by flooding, in time for their annual club Championships in April. Over the past few weeks it looked like they would be repeating their effort, but thankfully they were saved from the task. Instead they have been focussing on preparations for their upcoming Donges IGA Young Dressage Championships. Preparations included holding a warm up event last Sunday in beautiful sunshine, the perfect lead up. 

This event attracted competitors from both the local region and other major regional centres including Bungendore, Bathurst and Canberra. Under the watchful eye of a panel of experienced local and interstate judges the riders excelled on their beautifully turned out mounts.

High scores were a feature of the day in both the official and unofficial classes. Megan Bryant of Cowra, (who was recently named on the National Young Riders squad), brought a team of young horses with the most successful being the lovely Meeandah Adagio owned by Chris Hardwicke of Canberra. This mare won the associate Elementary 3A on a score of 70.714%.

Local Young rider Sue Walker started in the two FEI tests on her very successful gelding Look at Me, winning the Intermediate 1 and placing second in the Prix St George to Anne Reader of Murrumbateman on imported mare Pandolientje.

 Sue also had several young horses out including Winta, (by the imported stallion Whisper), who was second to Anne Nelson’s well performed Remi Wildflower in the Associate 2A. In an exceptional display of her talent and training, Wildflower managed to score over 70% in all her associate classes.

Simone Pye won the official Elementary 3B in a very tight battle, with both judges declaring a different winner. The closeness of this event was testimony to the quality of all the horses with the top five competitors scoring over 65%.

Kaye Spence of Nanima won the large Official Novice class on Welt’s Rob Roy, with Cheryl Gander of Wagga Wagga, second on Harvest Orpheus.

The Young Dressage Association will be holding the Donges IGA Young Dressage Championships at their grounds at Bendick Murrell on 20 to 22 April.  These grounds are located only a short drive from both Young and Cowra, and are also a pleasant drive from Canberra through Boorowa and Murringo. This competition will cater for horses and riders competing at all levels including Grand Prix, freestyles and a young riders section. It has fantastic sponsorship with over $22,000   prize pool up for grabs, a wonderful friendly atmosphere, sand arenas and good safe yards and stables on the grounds it is sure to attract some of the best riders in the country.

Entries for the championships close 23 March, entries only accepted via nominate.

The Donges IGA Young Dressage Championships is a fantastic day out for the whole family. On Saturday afternoon there will be a “happy hour” whilst the freestyle to music takes place. This is an excellent opportunity for spectators to come and watch some of the best horses and riders in the country close up. Admission is free. 

Quick Link

• For more information go to www.youngdressage.com.au.