Flying high in Gundagai
© Fiona Gruen
Report by Fiona Gruen
Nothing can keep a good man down, Jim Scobie and his incredible support team presented the most stunning visual feast for riders and spectators at the 2019 Gundagai horse trials. A massive effort and a giant leap of faith following last years inaugural event has ensured the event is here to stay. Support for this emerging regional event was demonstrated by the 280 riders and horses lining up to compete and a fantastic response from returning and new local sponsors. Some really special guests came to watch this family friendly event event. The Gundagai mayor, Abb McAlister, showing his support and interest alongside the CEO of EA Lucy Warhurst and NSW EA president Peter Dingwall. They enjoyed watching an amazing band of volunteers and officials deliver a superb event for a very enthusiastic bunch of competitors and their support crews. Their presence was really appreciated, it is possibly a first for a regional event, the eventing community is encouraged by their interest.
Congratulations to the winners and place getters across the levels, nothing was given away. Saturday was blessed with a fine autumn weather, however the icy blast that followed from and overnight frontal rain saw beanies, rugs and thermoses appear and studs being firmly screwed into place for Sundays action packed day. The Murrumbridgee Lucerne 2* overnight leader Jessica Grossman held her overnight position adding only 1.2 time penaties xc to her superb dressage test score of 23.50 riding the beautiful Wendela Petaluma. The Boehringer Ingelheim 1* took some skilled xc riding to get home under time,it was won by Hayley Robl riding Lucky decision finishing on her dressage score 26.4 .The EvA 95 cm Crawford glass and Aluminium was taken out after a count back by Kimberly King and her seasoned horse Allegretto from Emma Creet and BHM Black Galaxy both finishing with 30.5.The same score of 30.5 penalties a saw Maya Basson riding Monte Argo take out the junior Agstock Eva 95 cm.
The lower 3 levels were very well subscribed .The EvA Truck tradies 80 cm had two divisions and a junior section. Div A was taken out by Courtney Stubberfield and Cisco . Div B was categorically won by the amazing Jim Walsh and BHS Summer rain finishing on an amazing dressage score or 21.70.This level xc was quite tough for the greener horses and riders, following the rather spectacular train carriage at 4, fence 5 a and B were very influential, that skinny 3 strides after the 5 a house was pretty tricky .It didn’t worry the in form junior Anna Stott Despoja riding Moonbah ridge Truffle ,they stormed around the course taking our the junior Crawford glass and Aluminium EvA 80cm.
Gundagai event collage
© Fiona Gruen
The Gundagai vet clinic Div A 60 cm was hotly contested and despite adding a rail SJ was won by Elizabeth Dawes and Donald .Div B was taken out by Kim Slocum and Wally Munchin climbing from 3rd place to clinch the win after her clear SJ and xc finishing on her dressage score of 28.80. The junior Murrumbidgee Lucerne was won by Sophie Tapp and Aspenview Amber Lilly finishing on a cracking dressage score of 24.1
The most amazing stuff was happening in the 45 cm classes. So much cheering and camaraderie and support for those just starting out, youngsters from the Pether and Mackenzie families having their first starts and newby OTTs being introduce to the sport by their loving owners. A special SJ and xc course was dedicated to this level and finished before the main classes got underway.
The Boehringer Ingelheim Jnr class was won by Olivia Waugh riding her lovely Karrugang Sydney. The senior class overnight leader, event vet Kathy Blay riding the ever young 21 year old legend Xylophone, lost her top spot after xc by 0.3 penalties to the amazing event vet Claire Cupitt who zoomed around the xc on her wonderful Echo ,Claire was the only rider in the Agstock 45cm to make time xc and she moved up from 9th place to take the class win. Both Claire and Kathy put on their officials caps being the doctor and vet respectively on call for the event, gloriously multitalented ladies, the event being so lucky to have them.
Congratulations to the event committee and the generous volunteers that ensured the event ran smoothly, surviving a rather brisk weather change from autumn to winter in 24 hours! Gundagai horse trials is a hit, great committee, challenging courses, glorious setting and magnificent grounds and super fun atmosphere, there will even be an indoor by the time the next event is held and a promise of more beautiful hand carved jumps by Timba tumba carvings. Well done Jim.
Click here to view the results.
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
