THE state’s best dressage riders converged on the Bendick Murrell Sportsground this week to take part in the Bamborough Pony Stud 2014 NSW Young Rider and Pony Dressage Championships.
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In what marks a first for the Young Dressage Association, the local troupe were granted approval to host the state championship event from September 24 to today.
“We had to apply and be approved to host the event, and prove we had the adequate facilities,” event director Maryann Schiller said.
Bendick Murrell Showground’s five Olympic size arenas with Olympic quality surface, permanent stables and large rubber-lined yards appeared to have ticked all the boxes.
And so be it up to 120 of the state’s best riders and 160 horses from as far away as Western Australia travelled to participate in the championships that included competitors from Victoria, ACT and all over NSW in a bid to take home a state title.
Among those riders were local competitors Laura Delamont, Megan Bryant, Sarah Clark, Sue Walker, Annabell Reynolds, Claudia Kimber, Vicki Wilder, Tyler Kimber and Paige Simms.
“They’ve been going really good and are up there with the best,” Maryann said.
With the state’s best riders come the country’s best judges, making for extremely tough competition.
“Judges look for rhythm, submission, contact, collection and harmonious,” Marryann said.
Despite poor weather conditions over the three days, nothing was going to dampen the spirits of those involved.
“It has settled the dust and has made the surface even better,” Marryann said.
“We might be called princesses but we’ve got heart!”
Come time of print yesterday afternoon three of Young’s riders had excelled in the arena, in particular Tyler Kimber who was named fourth overall in the state in the Young Rider class. Tyler also placed third in the Young Rider Preliminary class.
Laura Delamont received a first place in the Novice Pony class, and Claudia Kimber received the Glemsfield Encouragement Award.
“We’re a small, dedicated club,” Marryann said.
“Our main focus is to encourage the future of the sport through our young riders and have proven we have amazing quality of horses and riders coming through the ranks.”
More photos on Page 24.
Gallery to appear on the Young Witness website at www.youngwitness.com.au
