A preliminary rider winds their way through the 'forest' section of the course and jumps the tree squeeze
The Silver Hills One Day Event is held on the outskirts of the semi-rural suburb – Oakdale, in Sydney’s southwest. One rider, who had made the trip to Silver Hills for the first time described walking round the cross country course as ‘walking through something out of Harry Pottter’. This is probably due to the fact that the course winds its way in and out of a wooded area with the cross country fences dotted in and around and sometimes even in the middle of the tall pine trees.
Jump judge (and friend) keep a close eye on what's happening
The crew behind the event, led by Bronwyn Doong and Nicholas Doong, are so enthusiastic and always keen to provide what the riders want and, although there were a few mentions of the going and some of the fences on cross country course, you get the feeling those comments will be taken on board and any solutions that can be made, will be made.
The going in the show jumping arena was better on Sunday
There was a rainy start to Saturday which led to very slippery conditions on the show jumping track and several riders in the lower levels made the sensible decision to come back to trot on the corners as they made their way around the course. Thankfully by Sunday the sun came out and those jumping on that day had the opportunity to show jump on better going.
Shane Rose (pictured above) won the Coprice CNC2* on the grey CP Qualified ahead of Kate Burnheim riding Equinox. Keeping it in the family Kate’s daughter, Susan, finished third riding Go Gecko. The original field of 12 riders were reduced to six finishers with three riders, including dressage leader Rachel Lee, being eliminated on the cross country, while two withdrew and another retired.
While Niki and Shane were busy winning classes Olivia Rose was happy to be with fellow rider Fiona Hughes
In the Horsesafe Flooring CNC* Niki Rose continued her good form with Monty Who by winning the class nearly 10 marks ahead of junior rider, Taylor Robertson, while Stephanie Bender led the John Hill Real Estate EvA105 from start to finish riding Exquisite Yield. In the junior section of the EvA105, which was also sponsored by local real estate company John Hill, Gemma Tinney added another win to her tally. Riding Scenicwood Gemma was lying fourth after dressage but after clocking up the second fastest cross country round of the day and a clear show jumping round she finished on a score of 65.2, nearly ten marks ahead of second placed Fiona Lollback.
Donna Gee and Yarramee Murpphy make their way round the EvA95 class to finish in fifth place
The two EvA95 senior divisions were won by their dressage leaders, (Louise Barns and Leah Smith) while winner of the Menai Blinds EvA95 junior class was Saskia Brown riding Alabama Rose. Saskia finished on her dressage score of 54 – a feat copied by Canielle Culhana and Hard Castle who won the Macarthur Stockfeeds EvA80 – section A along with Anna Hutchinson, riding Falcon Duellson, won won the EvA junior section.
Alex Townsend keeps her mind on the job in the show jumping phase, while Parodie is keen to smile at the camera
Alex Townsend was kicking herself for ‘having a blonde moment’ and picking up 20 penalities with Parodie in the CNC2* but there was no such problem in the Macarthur Stockfeeds EvA – section B where she won the class riding WHF Montellier. Alex, who has recently purchased Bendigo (the former ride of Clayton Fredericks) is looking forward to next year when she is heading over to UK with three horses to gain some more international experience.
Pluto Mio (who wasn't competing but just came to Silver Hills for an outing) has a quick word with CP Qualified
For full results CLICK HERE
