Tim, his partner Heidi and 19 month old daughter Kirra live on their 22 acre property where they train, bred and operate a saddlery and equestrian clothing business importing quality French saddles and tack plus specialising in Winston Equestrian Clothing. The 16 years young Mr Innocent, known as Spankie to his friends won his first World Cup qualifier at Caboolture aged 7 years and then scooped the title in 2010 followed by this year’s title. The 16hh (who only measures 15hh on his rump) Mr Innocent won the Australian World Cup league in 2006 after being the runner up in 2004. Tim and Spankie are world travellers and have won Grand Prix’s in Belgium and France plus the Belgium National Championships in 2008.

 

Tim did not start showjumping until he was 17 years old and his first notable win was when he was 18 years old riding Baby Animal for a win at the Queensland State Championships.

 

Mr Innocent was bred by Tim’s partner Heidi, a quarter horse thoroughbred cross, his mother died when he was just a few weeks old and thanks to Heidi’s care he survived. Asked of the plans for Mr Innocent Tim said “ I will place him for events that suit. He has been a wonderful horse to me and it is now time for me to look after him. Spankie is my best mate.”

 

Tim and Heidi have just imported a 4 year old Centolano stallion, they have high hopes for the lovely brown jumping machine who will also add another quality stallion to the Australian breeding programs.

 

The horses jumped super in the World Cup qualifier, thanks to the work course designer Leeson Sirett had done on the jumping surface, eight horses jumped clear in the first round from the 21 starters. 13 horses returned for round two and only three jumped double clear, Mr Innocent, second placed Billy Raymont from Cooroy riding Stardom and Billy again this time riding Ocean Beach NZPH.   Fourth went to Becky Allen from Toowoomba riding RSB Jacana with 4 penalties for a rail down at 6C the oxer. Fifth was Brook Dobbin from Yarra Glen riding Advisor who jumped clear and carried 4 penalties from the first round for a rail down at 6C. Sixth was Merrik Ubank from Beaudesert riding Aladino jumping clear in round two carrying 4 penalties from a rail down at 6A in the first round.

 

In the supporting classes Ron Easey from Quipolly won the Mini Prix riding Town Man, Alex Rooney from Garfield North won the C Grade Championship riding Hilton Park Calypso, Queenslander Sarah Jones won the D Grade Championship riding Immenhof Fame, Shane Davidson from Beaudesert won the Future Stars Futurity riding Fairbanks Casper. Kate Hinschen from far North Queensland continued her super form and won the Junior Championship riding Not Over and Nelson Smith won the Tekna Young Rider Championship riding Classic Mischief.

 

World Cup jumping now moves to South Australia where the Gawler and Adelaide qualifiers will be held starting with Gawler this Sunday.

 

Story and Photo: EA/Jenny Sheppard