CCN4*S winners Stuart Tinney and Celebration.
© Fiona Gruen
A stunning win for Stuart Tinney and Celebration in the CCN4*-S at the Canberra Horse Trials
Superb weather, top level competition and a thrilling finish made for a fabulous and Covid-compliant 4* one day event in the nation’s capital over the long weekend. The star classes were jam packed with Olympians and Australia representatives, and despite the competition being limited to riders from the ACT and NSW, the standard was world class.
The Ben Smith designed and built cross country courses rode well with only a couple of fences proving influential across the levels, however it was time that had the greatest impact.
The Bucas Rugs CCN4*-s saw the top three place getters producing sub-30 dressage scores. Stuart Tinney and Celebration stamped their authority after an amazing 23.2 test, closely followed by Shane Rose riding the stunning Easy Turn, and Hazel Shannon riding the wonderful WillingaPark Clifford.
Stuart Tinney and Celebration won the 4*.
© Fiona Gruen
Shane Rose and Easy Turn were second in the 4*.
© Fiona Gruen
Hazel Shannon and WillingaPark Clifford were third in the 4*.
© Fiona Gruen
They all jumped double clear, superb cross country riding and booming around the clever Grant Hughes designed show jump course. Stuart on Leporis came 4th after an unlucky rail show jumping and legendary Heath Ryan riding Bronze Boy R finished 5th. Gemma Tinney looked superb on Diabolo coming 6th.
Heath Ryan and Bronze Boy R were fifth in the 4*.
© Fiona Gruen
The Webb Equine Veterinary Services CCN3*-S won by the stylish and super speedy Emma Mason and her lovely Warrego Marco Polo finishing on her dressage score of 31; only one other rider made the time cross country in the class. The final line up was heavily influenced by the xc time and show jump course. A very unlucky rail and time xc saw Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca slip into second from top spot after dressage.
Emma Mason and Warrego Marco Polo, winners of the 3*.
© Fiona Gruen
The Elizabeth Borowik Photography CCN2*-S was won by Courtney Foster and the stunning Gattamelata HPS, finishing on an amazing dressage score of 22.20. Courtney also won the NCHTA Kevin Dickson memorial trophy. Nikki Rose riding Glenorchy South Park came second, finishing on her dressage score of 25.3. This was a very tightly contested class, with the show jumping the most influential phase.
The Kane Hunt Farrier Services CCN1*-S was won by Emma Mason and Hebrides, with the class results being heavily influenced by the xc phase where no one made time. The fence before the water complex was influential on the standings. This class and the 80cm classes were completed on the Saturday.
The Horse Rug Whisperer CCN1* Junior class was taken out by the talented Zoe Hutchinson riding the amazing Annapurna; she gave the horse a great ride xc.
The Riverview Farm EvA95 Section A saw Grace Kay riding Expressen post a great dressage score of 24, and despite having 5.2 time on cross country, won the class. Section B was won by Christine Bates riding the really beautiful horse Schatzi, finishing on her superb dressage score of 22.1.
Special mention in this section goes to the mare Girl with a Curl, competing in the same class as her son JJ Flash. Girl with a
Curl, ridden by Tori Doak, came 8th and son JJ Flash placed 6th ridden by Nat Blundell.
The R&J Equestrian EvA95 Junior class was won by Hannah Rockwell and the gorgeous Lamondale Remini, finishing on their dressage score. The show jumping proving to be very influential on the final standings, Linda Thane, the show jumping course designer, created clever flowing courses for the lower levels.
The Hanson Rural Contracting EvA80 Section A saw Fantastic Mr Fox and Deon Stokes take the win. The Wallaroo Equestrian EvA80 Section B was won by Belinda Carruthers riding the scopey Akaroa Tia Maria, finishing on her dressage score. It was very fitting that the winner was coached by the sponsor of the class! Rosemont EvA80 C was won by Olivia Emmert riding Emmaville Tia Maria, also finishing on her dressage score. The Funky Brew EvA80 Junior was won by Megan Syme riding Nalkari Lucille, finishing on her dressage score; both the show jumping and xc were influential in shaking up the class final standings.
Deon Stokes and Fantastic Mr Fox, winners of the EvA 80cm Section A class.
© Fiona Gruen
The NCHTA event committee, headed by Kate Mackenzie, did an amazing job getting the event up and running in such a short period after the regional Covid restrictions were lifted. Cross country course designer, Ben Smith, had been building new fences over the past year, and it was exciting to finally see them being jumped.
Felicity Moran and team organised the dressage, Lauren Mcintosh and team the show jumping, and Kerry Tanner the cross country jump judge organiser all did a fabulous job. Hunter Doughty the TD was ably shadowed by Grant Johnston. The many volunteers that worked tirelessly over both days ensured the weekend organisation of two separate competitions ran smoothly.
The Covid factor was a challenge for the organising committee; limited contact was enabled by the extensive use technology, from pre ordering food by volunteers to riders printing their own numbers and course maps. The social distancing rules also meant minimising direct contact with riders, volunteers and officials, and by limiting the number of riders competing each day and holding a whole event each day, this was achieved.
Event Secretary Kate Mackenzie on her catch ride!
© Fiona Gruen
The riders and horses managed the all in one day format brilliantly, despite being very short of outings to prepare. The fitness of both rider and horse was influential, with many opting to ride a little more conservatively and not chasing time. It was very good to see the use of locally sourced officials, TDs and judges, and course designers, and we were very lucky to have such experienced people to call
on.
The volunteers were amazing. It was sad not to be able to enjoy the celebratory and community feeling at the end of the event for competitors and sponsors and volunteers, but the safety and health of everyone is paramount in these extraordinary times.
Congratulations to all who competed, participated, supported and shared this lovely weekend of eventing. Let’s hope we can continue.
Full results can be found here.
Report by Fiona Gruen and Wallaroo Equestrian.
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