One competitor getting a well earned cool down after the hot conditions on the first day of the Swan River Horse Trials
Dressage at the Swan River Horse Trials CIC kicked off on Friday night, thanks to the wonderful indoor facilities at Brookleigh Equestrian Estate with the Europa Saddlery CIC** class going first. The tests all ran smoothly, in a fairly quiet environment, that saw last years Young Event Rider National Champions Makayla Wood and Just Corona in the lead on 47.5. The Wolfe Civil CIC*** class was next to go with Lindsay Honey and the Brilliant Invader bred Bindaboo taking the lead by nine penalties on 43.8. By running these two classes on Friday night it allowed for as many competitors as possible to experience the world class judging of Jennie Loriston-Clarke.
The Naked Real Estate CIC* kicked off on Saturday, with some very close scores, Kirsten Twinning and Newhope Allegiance taking the lead on 54.7 followed very closely by Raquel Bennett on The Libertine on 56.6. The junior pre novice class, sponsored by Mitavite, were also lucky enough to be judged by Jenny and take advantage of the indoor arena. After dressage Emily Grey riding Jocular Vision were in the lead on a wonderful 42.9. The Senior pre novice, sponsored by the Warren Family, unfortunately did not get to take advantage of the indoor, but still had a wonderful setting out in the cross country course, being judged by Marg Thwaites and Yvonne Ong. This saw Emma King and her wonderfully bred ESB Golden Elf take the lead on 45.9. The pre novice classes also show jumped on Saturday afternoon, over a challenging but fair track designed by Fred Freeman which saw a few people moving up or down places. A wonderful clear round by Shenae Lowings riding Venture Sky High, saw her move into first place in the junior pre novice. Emma King and ESB Golden Elf maintain their lead, by 0.2 over Emma Pearson riding Delamerie Call Me Gus.
Kathryn Honey looking very pleased with her day
The introductory and preliminary classes were held in 40x20m arenas close to the entrance of Brookleigh. This event saw the introduction of a maiden senior preliminary class, for those who had not competed above One Star or had not won a preliminary class before, as well as an open senior preliminary. The Cadbury senior preliminary open class is being headed by former 3 star rider Laurelle Hayes on Stars on Fire scoring 36.1 followed hotly by former Preliminary winner Elizabeth Wakley-Dawes on Benny Stardust with 36.8. The Dark Selections senior preliminary maiden class is headed by Michelle Meylan on an experienced campaigner, Placerville, with 51.1. The Advanced Feeds junior preliminary, also run in 40x20m arenas, saw Maddison Derrick riding Leedale Micardi take the lead by 5 penalties with 41.6.
The Hampton Transport senior introductory A class saw Emma King on her exuberant young horse DVZ Chevalier take the lead with 40.2 followed closely by WA’s own Paralympic WEG Bronze Medalist 2010 Sharon Jarvis, riding former dressage horse Belstone Matisse on 46.8. The Brigadoon Produce senior intro B is headed by Joy Grey on Kosta on 45.6, showing that good dressage runs in the family, while the Blue Chip Junior introductory class saw Jess Cappendell take the lead on Kemill Hill Sudden Storm on 43.8.
Show jump course designed Fred Freeman (at the front of the stand) with show jump judge Ms Catherine Godfrey
With the course looking fantastic, and a few changes to keep the riders on top of their game, today should provide everyone with a great day of action and entertainment. The weather is meant to be kind to us riders and with the CIC*** being the last class to run cross country for the day, they certainly are leaving the best till last.
Article and photos thanks to Tegan Lush
