Springing into Action at Northside Riding Club

Spring arrived just in time for the September Mitavite Show Jumping competition at Northside Riding Club. The Princess Anne Arena looked gorgeous in the sunshine as riders walked courses in both rings designed by Rob Horwath. There were massive entries, especially in ring 1 with many regular riders showing great improvement throughout the year. The decision to begin competition at an earlier time of 8:30 proved to be wise with pack up finishing just before dark.

Competition in ring 1 was largely dominated by the junior riders. Steph and Riley Mackillop proved hard to chase down, inheriting their father Jock's need for speed. Mitch and Sarah Beale kept the Mackillop's on their toes as did Samantha and Jess Tripp and Kirrily and Emily Mann, all of whom are well horsed and keen to win. The monthly competitions at Northside are hotly contested with these families keen to take home the Mitavite Xtra-Cool on offer to the winners.

The Tripps were warmed up under the guidance of Tom McDermott who recently returned from the youth Olympics in Singapore with a Silver medal for Show Jumping. Organisers were thrilled to be able to congratulate Tom on his success in person as he is well known at Northside for both his victories at the Copabella Classic and for his remarkable good manners.

Determined not to let the juniors have all the glory, the Gostelow Equestrian Team and the Oakville Green Team both turned up in force with game plans in place. Martin Gostelow showed that the tight turns were possible for the more seasoned competitor, winning the Official 105cm on his lovely imported Carrasino. Steph Mackillop was faster, but rode Hors Concurs in the class on Handy High Ambitions. She won the unofficial class 105cm on her other ride Calvin Clyde. Martin also placed second in the 115cm class, this time behind Samantha Tripp on the cute little chestnut Cussowan Shahri.

Also proving that they could mix it with the talented youth were eventers Tim Boland and Sophie Adams, back at Northside after the Sydney Three Day Event where Tim and GV Billy Elliot placed fifth in the Two Star Class. Tim was second and third in the Official 105cm class on Mercator du Ry and Grand Armee and was third and fifth on GV Billy Elliot and Mercator du Ry in the 115cm class. Sophie was fifth in the official 105cm class on GPS Legal Proof and sixth in the 115cm class on Tainui Lad.

Before helping with pack up Tim quickly jumped his talented eventers over a 125cm track. Northside is well known having impressive gear and Tim took advantage of the opportunity for some training. Yet more equipment has been added including new eye catching candy poles built by The Jump Maker. With enough feature fences and fill to build long courses in both rings even the beginner riders are able to experience a true competition environment.

Volunteer phasehead Ebony Bryant ran the event without joint phasehead Rosemary Allen who was off gallivanting around England. Ebony, supported by a team of volunteers, managed the event without a hitch and also won the NRC Masters 80cm class on Smarten Up. NRC relies on the dedication of volunteers who donate countless hours at each event. Without these hard working bodies running massive events such as the monthly show jumping competitions would not be possible.

Planning is underway for the ISS Young Horse Qualifier to be held on 9 October, the October Mitavite Show Jumping Competition to be held on 10 October and the Mitavive Championships to be held on 14 November. Mark Atkins will be designing at the Young Horse Qualifier and the October Competition and David Lawrence will design at the Championships.

Sponsors for the November Mitavite Show Jumping Championships include, Brighton Saddleworld, Mitavite, Randwick Equine Centre, Copabella Sporthorses, Better Produce, LJ Hooker Terrey Hills. Sponsorship is an excellent way to support the sport and the club as well as promote your business. There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available.

Check out the Horsezone gallery for more photos from the event.

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