Christine Bates and Schatzi jump through the water complex with room to spare at Canberra Horse Trials.
© Fiona Gruen/Wallaroo Equestrian
A stunning performance by Christine Bates and the beautiful Schatzi saw them take the win at Canberra Horse Trials on the weekend, jumping clear in both the cross country and show jumping phases to finish on their dressage score of 29.20 penalties.
Young gun Zoe Hutchinson was so close, riding beautifully on the seasoned Annapurna, leading after dressage on a cracking 25.3 test, going clear and undertime xc, but taking two show jumping rails on the cleverly designed Linda Thane track. The show jumping proved to be a very influential phase; Rebel Morrow on the very useful OTT Togo also jumped double clear and moved up from 11th to take 3rd place.
Zoe Hutchinson riding Annapurna finished second in the CCN2*-S class.
© Fiona Gruen/Wallaroo Equestrian
The Neigh Hay 1* A was won by local sponsor and rider Kimberly King riding ESB Irish Craft finishing on her dressage score, moving up from 7th after dressage to secure the win. This class saw a big shake up in the placings after the jumping phases, with riders who finished under time cross country and kept the rails up experiencing big climbs up the score board. Hanson Rural Contractors 1* B saw Sam Lyle retain his overnight lead and finish on his dressage score of 28.3 riding the lovely Harry Hill.
Record number numbers of competitors at the event saw three sections for each of the heights for the 95, 80 and 60 cm EVA classes. There were some incredible dressage scores posted. The Rosemont EVA 95 A class was won by Justine Blunden riding Bj Cyber finishing on her dressage score of 23.4. The Imperial floats EVA 95 B saw another win for Christine Bates riding a very beautiful OTT Sparky L,ad finishing on her dressage score of 22.6. Not a bad day at the office when you bring two horses for two wins, well done Christine! The R & J Equestrian EVA 95-J was won by Lucy OSullivan riding Sandford Park Blue Steel.
The EVA 80 classes were completed on the Saturday, this helped the smooth running of the event and ensuring the event finished in good time on the Sunday. The Brindabella Equine EVA 80 A was won by Deon Stokes and Dicavilli Royal Sapphire finishing on a dressage score of 26.4. Riverview arm EVA 80 B winner Emily Kendall and Sir Wiggle also finished on their dressage score of 23.9. The most amazing dressage highlight was delivered by junior Sophie Wight riding Mowbray Jackpot , winning on their overnight score of 21.40 in the CGA contracts PTY LTD EVA 80 – J.
Funky Brews Junior EVA 60cm was won by Ashley Bennet riding Spyda finishing on her dressage score of 30.6. The TEQ EVA 60 B was won by Brooke Kaveney riding Kaya and the Kane Hunt Farrier Services EVA 60 A was taken out in decisive form by the very popular committee member Lauren Mcintosh and the beautiful Valerius Scipio bred by local Jenny Howlet. This partnership having waited patiently for an injury to repair and rehab for two years, triumphantly finishing on their dressage score of 30.
The event also saw the trial of the TeQ teams competition, this provided much fun and camaraderie. The Berry girls, team 12 being the overall winners: Kristie and Jodie Brooks, Elysia Horan and Penny Hutchinson. The event was enjoyed by over 340 rider and horse combinations competing in glorious weather, treated to the balloon spectacular each morning and for those that ventured into town the Enlighten festival at night. Congratulations to the committee for delivering another brilliant eventing weekend in Canberra, thank you to all the officials, volunteers and sponsors and competitors and their support crews for coming and supporting the sport.
Full results can be found here.
Report and photos by Wallaroo Equestrian and Fiona Gruen
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