Naracoorte Horse Trials in South Australia have some exciting things happening at their 40th anniversary event from 17th - 18th May. The event which has been running since 1975 and was synonymous with Young Event Riders in the era of the long format 3 Day Event is hoping once again to attract the best young riders in Australia for its Young Rider State Team competition.
Naracoorte has played a large part in the journey of some of the very best horses and riders that Australia has produced including the likes of Wendy Schaeffer, Scott Keach, Gill Rolton, Megan Jones, Sam Griffiths and Tim Boland to name a few. Now the organisers of this year’s event in May are inviting all States to participate by sending a Team of Young Riders to compete within the CIC1* competition. So far the response has been very encouraging so if you're a Young Rider and would like to represent your State, this is your opportunity
Last year's CNC3* winner Jaimie Stichel and Image Blue Ice
The event, which will incorporate the 2014 South Australian Eventing State Championships, is running international level competition at CIC***, CIC** and CIC* plus Pre-Novice, Preliminary, Introductory and Newcomers classes. The 1, 2 and 3 star cross country tracks are all new and the updating of the courses for the lower grades this year means it will an exciting and fresh challenge for all competitors. The Newcomers class is also a new addition, giving grass roots riders and also the more experienced riders with young horses a chance to enjoy some less taxing competition
There is also an exciting new initiative in the shape of the Australian CIC/CCI Challenge. This challenge is open to all combinations in the 1, 2 and 3 star classes that are competing at BOTH Naracoorte and the Melbourne International Horse Trials in June. Challenge points will be awarded to combinations at Naracoorte and Melbourne and the winner must compete at both events to be eligible. The Equestrian Support HUB (formerly friends of Gawler) are sponsoring the Australian CIC/CCI Challenge by donating $2,000 cash first prize for the CIC combination with the highest points gained across the two events
