Bec Radny riding West Coast Kia and Jane Radny riding Steel Poppy
© Down Under Images
By Rebecca Radny
Endurance is the second largest FEI discipline in the world, eclipsing eventing and dressage. Yet, there are only a handful of FEI accredited endurance events in Australia each year. The lack of funding to hold these events coupled with the tightening of restrictive rules and regulations is limiting Australia’s capability to host FEI endurance events. This has the effect of crippling the aspirations of endurance riders hoping to represent Australia on the international stage.
Despite these factors, Western Australia recently saw the resurgence of FEI Endurance events in 2018 after a six-year long hiatus. In August 2019, Wheatbelt Endurance Riders Incorporated hosted a CEI 80km* and CEI 120km** in Merredin. Five of the seven horses and riders who had successfully completed the CEI 80km* the previous year fronted up for the CEI 120km**. Of these five combinations, four completed the course in commendable time with one opting to withdraw. One horse and rider successfully completed the CEI 80km*.
Sisters Lienca & Rachell Nell rode their respective mounts Winjana Nardine and Robmurty Jimminy for 1st and 2nd place in the CEI 120km**. Mere seconds apart, they crossed the finish line in 8 hours 21 minutes. A tremendous effort from both riders whose horses took the deceptively challenging course on with power and ease.
3rd in the CEI 120km** went to Bec Radny and West Coast Kia, whose fathers Norbert Radny and West Coast Acharon rode together at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and 2012 World Endurance Championships. The true spirit of family of endurance was further exemplified by Bec riding alongside her mother, Jane Radny, on board Steel Poppy Regent. Both completed the course in 8 hours and 23 minutes.
Steel Poppy Regent was awarded Best Conditioned Horse in the CEI 120km** category, an award that takes into consideration the horse’s physical and mental appearance. West Coast Kia was presented with the Equestrian Australia Best Managed FEI Horse Award that acknowledges the fast recovery times (Kia averaged 2 minutes and 9 seconds) and vetting factors during the ride.
Norbert Radny and Pembrooke Park Royalty were the only combination to enter the CEI 80km*. They completed the course for 1st place in a time of 5 hours and 54 minutes. The vets awarded Pembrooke Park Royalty with the Best Conditioned Award, which is only presented if the horse looks in exemplary condition after the ride.
The efforts of the Wheatbelt Endurance Riders Incorporation, officials, vets and riders show the determination and drive to throw FEI Endurance in Australia a lifeline.
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