The hardworking club members.
© Roger Fitzhardinge
By Equestrian Life
From April 20-22, the very popular and successful Donges IGA Young Dressage Association (YDA) Championships was held in Bendick Murrell. With perfect weather over three days of competition, more than 250 horse and rider combinations took part — with even more locals and visitors attending to watch and make the most of the trade village!
The event attracted a very wide range of competitors, from very young riders through to Grand Prix combinations. Classes spanned Preliminary to Grand Prix, and there were also preparatory classes for young riders, specific breeds, ponies and also YDA members. In total, there were 1,065 tests ridden across the three days.
Roger Fitzhardinge chats to 85 year old competitor Zita Denholm:
The first day concluded with Roger Fitzhardinge presenting a well-attended masterclass; Roger also competed over the weekend, winning the Intermediate A and B — and overall Medium Tour Champion — with Amerigo.
The Big Tour Champion was Robbie McKinnon and Robali Razzamatazz; the stunning chestnut Razzamatazz did his very first Grand Prix test at these championships a number of years ago. Small Tour Champion was Sally Quigley and Larapinta Orlando.
It was a great turnout with a very friendly vibe.
© Roger Fitzhardinge
You can view the full results from the event here.
You can view our event gallery here.
The event attracted a number of well-known names, including the likes of Sue Hearn, Mel Parbery (and Brett in a coaching capacity), David and Robbie McKinnon, Susan Elekessy, Nina Boyd and Amanda Shoobridge. The judges came from across Australia — and even overseas — with Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New Zealand represented.
YDA grounds are located in Bendick Murrell, between Young and Cowra. Facilities include 6 sand arenas, a large sand warm-up arena, parking area, plenty of shade, wash bays (with free shampoo/conditioner supplied by McDonald’s Young), lunging areas, a dedicated spectator’s area, 36 permanent covered yards, 37 rubber lined yards, 16 stables (sponsored by Horseware Australia), and camping facilities. Thanks to funds made available through Hilltops Council, YDA now has a new club house as well. The club delivers great surfaces for competitors, largely thanks to good arena maintenance. Barry Matthew from Young Pony Club watered the arenas — he works for Hilltops Council, and they allow him to use the water truck, but all his time is volunteered.
The beautiful surrounds of the club grounds.
© Roger Fitzhardinge
First established in 1974, YDA has a loyal and hardworking committee who make these fabulous events possible. At present, the committee is led by President Megan Bryant and Vice President Jenny Bryant; Julie Vandyke, Kim Lang, Karen Skimmings, Doug Beer, Sue Walker, Pat Healey, Anne Nelson, Kate Still, Stasi Grovenor and Amba McGoldrick round out the committee. The committee worked hard to bring in more then $50,000 in sponsorship for this event — meaning there were prizes a-plenty!
The overwhelming feedback from this fabulous event was outstanding — competitors were full of praise for the organisers, saying it was one of the best-run and friendliest events they’ve attended. Well done YDA on a fantastic weekend!
#ydachamps2018
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