Sonja Johnson wins the CCI3*
Prestige Loans & Wealth Creation
WOOROLOO II - Perth Horse Trials
This year the Perth Horse Trials presented their Three Day Event entirely at the picturesque grounds of Wooroloo Prison Farm. Last year had seen the trot up and dressage held at the State Equestrian Centre followed by the big move up the hill to the Farm. This decision proved very popular with both the hard working committee and the riders and the atmosphere was exciting and less stressful as rider’s settled their horses into the Reece’s Structures and Gilkisons Events Hire Horse Pavilion.
Course designer, Wayne Copping, surrounded by committee members
Trot up day on Thursday was cloudy with no sign of the rain that had fallen earlier in the week. Horses were presented in very good condition and the riders had worked hard to show them off to their best advantage. That night, the riders were transported by bus to El Caballo Blanco where they, the officials and committee enjoyed a great social ‘Welcome to the rider’s’ party. The food, drinks and conversation flowed very freely throughout the evening.
Friday saw the arrival of the preliminary and introductory riders, swelling the numbers over two camping areas with 192 horses completing their dressage during the day. The ground jury for the 1, 2 & 3 star CCI and CIC, were Nicoli Fife (NZ), Gillian Rolton (AUS) and Jutta Koivula (FIN). They were kept busy until late in the afternoon judging five classes throughout the day but were rewarded for their efforts with a pizza and pasta night, which rounded off the proceedings.
Jumping the Queen of Hearts
Cross-country day dawned with the most amazing sunny weather. Spectators were treated to some great views and some fantastic riding. The course at Wooroloo had undergone some major changes thanks to the hard work of Wayne Copping and the committee and the general word amongst the riders was that the course was tough. Pre-novice competitors were concerned about several aspects of their course, but at the end of the day it all rode beautifully, with the main reason for riders coming to grief was forgetting the Trakhner on course!
Spectators and helpers looking highly suspicious as to why the camera is pointing at them!
The 1*, 2** & 3*** courses all had their worrying moments and it was agreed that the new water jump for 3 star was more difficult than the recent London Olympic water complex! Two riders fell at the same jump after the water having tackled the jump into the water without difficulty.
The trot up on Sunday once again saw the horses presented in immaculate condition and spectators were then treated to an excellent days jumping on the newly upgraded and fenced Noblewood Jumping Arena. The day ended in the sunshine with riders enjoying the traditional galloping parade of winners around the arena with their rosettes flying.
The prize giving
The Winners were …
Senior Introductory 1 ‘A’ Noblewood Park Cougar & Georgina Oakman
Senior Introductory 1 'B’ Statford Mojave & Laura Sewell
Junior Introductory Leedale Micardi & Madison Derek
Senior Preliminary ‘A’ Black Diamond & Tracey Lane
Senior Preliminary ‘B’ Stars on Fire & Laurelle Hayes
Junior Preliminary Mr Nelson & Isobel Stevens-Menzies
Pre Novice Brooklands Brew & Philippa Dunstan
Junior Pre Novice Venture Sky High & Shenae Lowings
CCI* Kinnordy Gi Gi & Rob Vlasscheart
CIC2* Deltry Invader & Emily Gray
CCI2* Dakota Ultra Easy & Lauren Browne
CIC3* Legal Star & Jess Manson
CCI3* Sonja Johnson & Belfast Mojito
More rosettes are handed out
Photos by Kerrie Robbins - Article by Wendy Dunstan
