Young gun Ashby knocks out 3 Olympians to take out her first CIC 3* at Canberra’s international horse trials

CIC3* winner Teegan Ashby and her horse Rockinham No Reason

Matt Dickson presenting the Kevin Dickson Perpetual Memorial Trophy to Megan Jones. Matt is Kevin's son.

Former Olympians - L to R: Neale Lavis Gold from 1960, Megan Jones Silver Beijing 2008, Shane Rose Silver Beijing, Gillian Rolton Dual Gold medallist 1992 and 1996 and Stuart Tinney Gold medallist 2000. Neale spectated, Gillian was head of the 3* ground jury and Megan, Shane and Stuart all rode in the competition at 3* and other levels.

By: Fiona Gruen

Stunning weather, a world class venue, five Olympic medallists and over 300 competitors set the scene for an amazing weekend of eventing at the magnificent Equestrian park in Canberra. For young gun Teegan Ashby the  unexpected and totally awesome win came after her first start at CIC3* level, riding the fabulous Rockingham No Reason.  

The Over the Top CIC 3* class win for the 20 year old Ashby came after she clocked the fastest  X country ride  around  the Grant Johnson designed 3* track moving up from her overnight 4^th position.  Ashby was totally unfazed by the formidable line up of Olympic medallists in the class, her main aim was to complete the event, she was delighted with her horse and thrilled to take out the class. Her fast round nudged the overnight leader Olympian Megan Jones  riding Kirby park Allofasudden  into second place. Jones was delighted with the way the horse jumped after returning to competition from a break. Team Jones had a great weekend winning the Tuff horse rugs Prelim on the fabulous new forest pony  Bain park Nebiolo from event commentator Charlie Brister riding Light my Fire. Megan also winning the Horseland 2* on Kirby park Impress from Andrew Coopers Goldrosser. The National Capital horse trials Kevin Dickson memorial trophy awarded to the rider who wins by the largest margin from pre-novice up was presented to Megan Jones by  Matt Dickson  for her stunning  win in the 2*class.

Time was influential in the placings in the Bucus horse rugs 1* taken out by the Stylish Lauren Balcombe and her lovely Guido Hatzis from Sam Lyle and Satchill, both  getting within 0.4 of the optimum time. Local Hall rider and recently crowned PC State champion Eleanor Miller riding Kaloona Kaydee along with Olympian Shane Rose riding Another Biscuit  were the only riders to make time in the class and they were rewarded in the placing’s, Miller climbed from 21^st to 5^th and Rose climbed from 25^th to 7^th as a result. The Pine ride EA 105A winner on a count back was Sam Lyle riding Cleddau Revelry from George Sheriden on Equus Spencer both finishing on 32.4 penalties .By a much bigger margin talented local Yass rider Anna Stevens and her lovely big horse Tonto CG won the Southern stars EA 105B from Shane Rose on Swiper. The Horsezone EA 95 B was won by Sarah Wheaton riding Weona Punisher from Sappho Ranson-Elliot riding SR Penhaligon. The junior  introductory level riders had to finish without penalities in both the XCountry and show jumping to earn a place on the podium.The Wallaroo Equestrian junior class was hotly contested and Ruby Haylock with Woodside Topi did a super job holding top spot all weekend from Olivia Lalak and Kelecyn Princess. The horse and hound Ea 80A winner was Jessica Exton riding Loraly Pike from Catriona McGufficke riding Cayuse Kingmaker. TheFunky Brew EA 80B saw impressive dressage scores on day one, Leah Brown riding Jayem Blequo just held from Sam Ring riding Houdini Sam later played starring role in the ABC news coverage of the event.

Congratulations to the brilliant and small volunteer event committee that includes  event secretary Kate Mackenzie, event director Rachel Stephen Smith who recently returned to Canberra from  the USA and to the club course builders and designers Ben Smith and Grant Johnson. Thank you to the sponsors, the supporting local clubs, local government  and the many generous volunteers and officials who made the event possible.

It was wonderful to welcome Neale Lavis and his two grand daughters Emily and Jess to watch the event, his presence along with 3* head of ground jury Gillian Rolton meant that the Canberra CIC hosted an extraordinary 5 Olympic eventing medallists spanning over 5 decades of Olympic experience . It is their contribution to the sport that has made it what it is today and it is they who continue to inspire the next generation of riders to kick on.

The team at Horsezone were proud to be supporters of this prestigious event.

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