The Australian Team, L-R: Amy Cunzolo, Catelin Crawford, coach Rachael Edwards, Abby Raymond and Lalwa May. Image: PCA.
Aussie riders shine in Pony Club international showjumping
Congratulations to the Australian team of young women who placed fourth in the World Clubs Showjumping Tournament in France.
The Aussies, on borrowed horses, placed fourth of eight teams, behind three teams on their own mounts. The win went to Italy with no penalties over three rounds, Portugal – 4, France – 8 and Australia – 9.
THE TEAM
The team coach was Victorian Rachael Edwards, who was the Pony Club Australia (PCA) 2020 National Coach of the Year. The riders were:
Catelin Crawford – Tumut Pony Club NSW
Amy Cunzolo – Comet River Pony Club, QLD (August newsletter cover photo)
Lalwa May – Darwin Horse and Pony Club, NT
Abby Raymond – North Dorrigo Pony Club, NSW
Abby Raymond at the Aussie stables. Image: PCA.
Pony Club riders from around Australia were invited to apply. They needed to be at least B certificate level and be proficient in riding unfamiliar horses. The Australian team is invited by the Normandy Committee of the French Equestrian Federation, and we first sent a Pony Club team to this major event in 2018.
Amy Cunzolo. Image: PCA.
Teams taking part: Italy, Portugal, France, Australia, Madagascar, Turkey, Malta and Belgium.
The World Clubs Tournament takes place every year at the Parc équestre fédéral in Lamotte-Beuvron (France) during the Generali Open de France Clubs, one of the largest equestrian gatherings in the world. In addition to its impressive size, with more than 5000 riders and 5000 ponies and horses who come together for a week to represent about 1000 clubs, this event includes 17 equestrian disciplines.
The team parade of nations. Image: PCA.
During the two week stay, the team visited the chateau de Versailles where the equestrian events of the 2024 Olympics will be held, the National Stud farm and WEG (World Equestrian Games) venue at the Haras du Pin et la Jumenterie, where they also met the course builder and designer for the European championships. In addition they had a trail ride across Mont Saint Michel Bay and enjoyed sightseeing in Paris.
PCA says it’s grateful to Susan Williams, an Australian now living in Normandy, for arranging the invitation and hosting the team. Horses for the event were provided by Haras de la Chéchinière (an equestrian centre in Normandy).
Congratulations to all involved!
You can read more in the current PCA newsletter here.
Source: Pony Club Australia (PCA)
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