The Champion Newcomer Large Hack was taken out by Total Fashionista ridden Romsey Park’s Greg Mickan. © LMG Photographics

By Equestrian Life

The 51^st Barastoc Horse of the Year Show took place at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre from 7-9 February.As always, the event saw many of the nation’s top combinations compete for titles across a vast number of classes.

Although each and every class is prestigious, the Large Hack (over 16hh) is always one that draws a crowd on the final day of competition. This year had some big names take to the arena, including last year’s winner and National Champion Rolex, ridden by Kaitlin Labahn-Meyland, Reserve National Champion St Andrews and Natalie McKay, and two past Garryowen winners in Stage Presence, ridden by Rebecca Farrow and SLM Mercedes, ridden by Catherine Neill.

However, this year the title went to Total Fashionista — the mare that took out the champion Newcomer Large Hack on day two of the show. Ridden by Romsey Park’s Greg Mickan and owned by Georgie Kellock, the stunning bay warmblood by Furstenball was a unanimous first with all three judges. The pair edged out St Andrews and Natalie McKay who finished reserve champions, with Rolex and Kaitlin Labahn-Meyland taking third.

Romsey Park, run by Barastoc ambassador Greg Mickan and Terry Van Heythuysen, followed on from their success at the Showhorse Nationals late last year with many wins across other classes.

Greg also rode Sue Thompson’s Givenchy to champion Newcomer Small Hack and champion Small Show Hack, and Terry Van Heythuysen’s Dreamtime Ambition to champion Large Show Hunter Galloway. Meanwhile, Stephanie Barrington and Emily Murray, who train with Romsey Park, also enjoyed success. Stephanie and Rebelle backed up the Nationals win in the Rider over 25 years, while Emily and Riegal Manolete won champion Child’s Small Show Hunter Galloway before backing it up to be crowned champion Small Show Hunter Galloway.

Thoroughbreds also shone at this year’s show, with two classes dedicated to the breed. Catherine Neill rode Jan Clarke’s SLM Mercedes to champion Off the Track Ridden Thoroughbred, while Briony Randle rode Sarah Allsop’s Montero to champion Off the Track Freshman’s Thoroughbred.

For full results from Barastoc HOTY, click here: https://barastochoty.org.au/2020-results/

While the event has seen many changes over the years, one thing has remained constant: the naming rights sponsor, Barastoc. The feed company has been with the event since its inception and the sponsorship has continued for 51 years through five company ownership changes. A remarkable feat, and possibly the longest running continuous sponsorship in the Australian equestrian industry. 

“Barastoc itself has been going since the mid-1930s, and has a very long history,” says Ridley (Barastoc) CEO Tim Hart. “Some of the Ridley mills have been going for over 100 years. We’re really proud to have been involved in this event for over 50 years; it’s a great industry and there are so many passionate people — so hopefully we can be involved for many years to come!”

It certainly is a great event, and we look forward to 2021!

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