Winner of the CNC*, Fiona Guthrie and Belle Amour
It seems that riders all around Australia were busy eventing last weekend including over 170 competitors who made their way to the Kennards Lockington Horse Trials, held on the property of John and Phil Whellams, the parents of event rider Tracey Leigh. Situated in Waitpinga, South Australia the cross country course, designed by Tracey, was really well presented with a lot of the course able to be viewed from a few vantage spots.
Although it got a bit windy at times the competitors didn’t seem to notice and with the going absolutely perfect, South Australia could not have asked for a better start to the season.
Anthony Thomas and Levitation NZPH on their way to finishing third in the CNC*
On Sunday around lunchtime Megan Jones provided some entertainment by riding around the 1 star course on Flowervale Maserati as a fitness gallop in preparation for Sydney three day, which delighted the crowd. The sponsors marquee was set up with great wine from sponsors Oddfellows wines and everyone seemed to enjoy their weekend.
The winner of the CNC* for the second time running was Fiona Guthrie riding Belle Amour and the pair also won the Jane Brown Award for the highest place CNC* dressage score. Fiona also finished seventh in the same class riding Sun Showers. As well as Flowervale Maserati Megan Jones had also brought a few other horses and riding Kirby Park Invander to Lockington she won the EvA105 class over ten marks ahead of Anthony Thomas riding Red Bull. In the EvA95 Sara Warren led the class from start to finish riding Donner Divine while Louise Chapman, riding another Kirby Park bred horse KP Exquisite, copied Sara’s style of leading from start to finish as she won the EvA80 (2). Megan Jones nearly collected another winners ribbon in the EvA80 (1) but was just pipped at the post by Emily Nettle who finished on her dressage score while Megan finished one second over the optimum time cross country. With a large field of 39 competitors in the newcomer class competition was tough but Phoebe Foulkes put together a great event with Henry and won the class ahead of Danni Hampton riding Omega Moon.
Check out this video below by Emma Wilson to see some more great shots and clips from the event.
Many thanks to Lara Pizimolas for her help in putting this article together
Photos by Emma Wilson
