The thoroughbred Rolex II being ridden at an event in 2019. © LMG Photographics
By Equestrian Life
The EA Australasian Show Horse & Rider Championships returned to Werribee Park 10-13 March, after a Covid-induced hiatus. The 2020/2021 ‘Nationals’ saw four days of action with competitors ranging from lead rein ponies to show hacks and everything in between!
The Large Hack Championship (over 16hh), a class that always commands attention, went to Thoroughbred Rolex II, ridden by Kaitlin Labahn-Meyland and owned by her mother Michelle Labahn. Liam, as he is fondly known at home, also won the class in 2019. “He is just the horse of a lifetime,” said Kaitlin via social media following the win. Soloman, ridden by Alanna Richards and owned by Chris Lawrie, was named Reserve Champion. The Small Hack Championship went to Royalwood West End, ridden and owned by Joanne Prestwidge.
The Large Galloway Championship 14.2hh-15hh was won by McArthurparc Star Soprano, ridden and owned by Isabelle Ker, while the Small Galloway Championship 14hh-14.2hh went to Royalwood Touch of Lyric, ridden and owned by Adam Oliver.
Royalwood Enchanting was crowned Champion Large Pony 13hh-14hh, with owner Margot Haynes in the saddle. The Medium Pony Championship 12hh-13hh went to Margaret Burrows’ Thorn Park Dance All Night, ridden by Millicent Quigley-Smith, while the Small Pony Championship 12hh & Under (rider 14 years old & under) went to Brayside Miss Divine, ridden by Annabelle Richardson and owned by Annique Smith.
In the hotly contested rider classes, Madeleine Gaden won the Junior Ride Under 12 Years riding her own Xtra Riches of Sefton; Jessica Sharp won the Intermediate Rider 12-14 Years riding her own Kingsfield Arlington; Tyler Kelly won the Intermediate Rider 15-17 Years riding Eden Richardson’s Kryptonyte; Abby Heffer won the Senior Rider 18-25 Years riding Arielle Stella’s Quantador; and Rebecca Farrow won the Rider 26 Years & Over riding her own Stage Presence.
When it came to the team event, NSW were crowned the winning state, ahead of Victoria and QLD. There were also many great performances across the Show Hunter, Leading Rein and children’s classes.
For full results from The Nationals, please click here.
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