The versatile stockhorse.
© Michelle Terlato
While most events have a story behind them, the 2019 Australian Stock Horse Society National Show is no different. This year’s Show tells a tale of struggle, success and the hope of good times ahead.
The forthcoming 2019 event will be held from 28th February to 9th March and will be a prime example of sheer grit and determination by a dedicated Event Committee and competitors who won’t let anything get in the way of holding this major event. Like most equine associations in Australia, the drought conditions continue to challenge Committees who are organising popular equine activities, and in particular, the sport of Campdrafting. A continued struggle with sourcing suitable cattle, feed costs and transport have weighed heavily on the Event Committee. Discussions to split this year’s programme and relocate part of the event were considered in the early stages of planning to ensure a wide range of disciplines would continue to be included and the proud history of the event, now in its 31st year would continue.
Thankfully a chance phone call from a generous cattle donor in the Tamworth region of New South Wales came to the rescue just before the event was going to be split and moved. Other cattle donors have since pledged their support despite these trying times and ongoing uncertainty of any decent rain on the horizon. Long term supporter, Martin’s Stock Haulage will transport the cattle to and from the properties of these cattle donors to the AELEC venue. The Cattle Committee take their responsibilities to those donated cattle very seriously. They spend a lot of time talking to cattle donors and inspecting the cattle before the National Show to ensure they are suitable in terms of size, age, general health and are comfortable around horses.
The 2019 event signifies the 30th Anniversary of the National Maturity, sponsored by Baxter Boots & Shoes and Wylarah Pastoral Co. and is designed to showcase the ability and temperament of the Society’s four-year-old horses over five disciplines (Led, Hack, Working, Time Trial and Cattle sections). From its humble beginnings, the event was first held in Dubbo NSW on 28th April 1990 where BROWN EXPO owned by KM Brown and ridden by Allan Young cemented their names in history on the National Maturity Roll of Honour. The event has grown tremendously in participation, reputation and prizemoney along with the other featured events consisting of the Baxter Boots & Shoes National Futurity, R.M.Williams ABBEY Open Challenge and the Affinity Equine Insurance & Rosebrook ASH Stud Snaffle Bit Futurity. The Committee is grateful for all sponsors support and they look forward to building lasting relationships well into the future.
The Australian Stock Horse Society realised that 2019 was going to be a tough year but are committed to recognising the outstanding performance and calibre of the horses, riders and trainers involved with this prestigious event and have increased the prizemoney by a massive $38,000. The prize pool is now expected to reach over $180,000 and will consist of cash, trophy saddles, stallion services and product that has attracted an increase in Competitors from across the country.
Disciplines that continue to grow in popularity at the ASHS National Show include Dressage, Show Classes & Challenges.
Nominations are being finalised for the Campdraft Programme and with events like the; $20,000 Pryde’s EasiFeed Maiden Series Campdraft, being the wealthiest restricted breed Campdraft in Australia, along with the R.M.Williams Open Campdraft, the Martin’s Stock Haulage Novice Campdraft and the Tamworth Equine Veterinary Centre Stallion Campdraft it is likely that there will be an increase in entries compared to the previous years. The Society is thankful to the generous Sponsors of these events and is hopeful that the 2019 event will be the biggest National Show in recent history.
The Fountain of Youth Sale will once again be held in conjunction with the National Show and will offer sought-after young Australian Stock Horses and includes $10,000 in vendor and purchaser incentives plus other benefits. Eighty- six horses will be offered to go under the hammer and will consist of yearlings & two-year-olds with quality performance bloodlines. The Society is excited to again partner with approved selling agents, Landmark Equine, in continuing to build this prestigious young horse sale and offer exclusive competitions, awards and cash incentives for horses purchased at this reputable sale. The 2018 National Futurity Champion, DEROWIE SERENDIPITY, was sold at the 2016 Fountain of Youth Sale proving that this is where success begins for many of these young Australian Stock Horses.
Spectators and visitors are encouraged to attend this significant event to witness the superior performance of the Australian Stock Horse breed and enjoy the social atmosphere with fellow equine lovers.
Why not make a weekend of it and visit Tamworth?
There are lots of free things to see at the ASHS Nationals, here is a brief list:
Friday 1st March
Day Program: Dressage & Campdrafting
6pm | Freestyle Dressage – See Australian Stock Horses perform to music in this evening competition
Saturday 2nd March
Day Program: Dressage & Campdrafting
2:30pm | Fountain of Youth Sale – Offering 86 quality yearlings & two-year-olds for you to inspect and bid on.
7pm | Australian Stock Horse Gala Night – Opening Ceremony & Evening Entertainment MUST SEE
See the amazing relationship between horse and human performing to the theme of “The Breed for Every Need”. The ASHS Gala Night has become a huge drawcard for spectators and will continue to deliver must-see live equine entertainment. The line-up will include professional equine entertainers performing awe-inspiring horsemanship, thrilling stunts and a hint of comedy for the whole family to watch and enjoy.
Sunday 3rd March
Day Program: Campdraft Finals & the R.M.Williams Abbey Open Challenge
Other attractions & event facilities:
• A range of trade stands offering everything the equine enthusiast could want or need!
• Food & Coffee Outlets
• Licenced Bar
• See the best Australian Stock Horses & Competitors battling it out for a share of the $180,000 prize pool!
Visit the event website for further information and the full ten-day competition programme – www.ashsnationals.com.au
Follow us on Facebook @ASHS1971 & Instagram @ashs1971
EVENT DETAILS:
Event Name: 2019 Australian Stock Horse Society National Show
Where: AELEC- Goonoo Goonoo Road, TAMWORTH NSW
When: Thu 28th Feb – 9th March 2019
Open: See event timetable for further information
Website: www.ashsnationals.com.au
Source: Event press release
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