RIDERS and their horses travelled from across NSW and interstate to compete in the Armidale Riding Club’s annual Dressage Festival over the weekend.
A total of $3000 in prize money was awarded, along with a number of trophies and championship rugs including the Phyllis Bell award and the Betty Donaldson award.
Horse and rider combinations competed at a range of levels, from the preliminary level dressage tests where the foundations of training are being established, right through to Fédération Equestre Internationale standard dressage tests where much more complex and demanding movements are required.
There were also associate competitions for riders not competing for official points. Expert judges were in attendance from across NSW and interstate to judge the tests and oversee proceedings.
Preliminary Champion was Donna Woods riding BJK Caspian. Donna Woods won Novice Champion on BJK Caspian. Elementary Champion was won by Bridget Brennan riding Menaka Park Matilda. Louise Allen took out Medium Champion on Menaka Park Archie. Advanced Champion was won by Gillian Green riding Prince of Pleasure. FEI Champion was Karen Cromellin on Northern Fortuous.
Pony Champion was won by Kerry Crees riding Farleigh Seigfried with the highest percentage won by Myhuna Curio ridden by Carleen McPhie.
The Phyllis Bell Trophy (for highest aggregate percentage of tests ridden across all levels) was won by Donna Woods on BJK Caspian while Jade Fangmeier on Silverthorn Lucky Strike took out the Betty Donaldson award for highest single percentage in any one test
The young horse qualifiers saw some strong performances. Winner of the four-year-old class was Sally Middleton riding Shau Mich An. The five-year-old class was won by Amy Andrews on Sandon Grove Bobby Royal who also won Champion young horse overall.
Many businesses supported the event through sponsorship and they include: APJ Law, Bruno Schaffner Equine Sports Massage, Burton’s Saddlery, Ducats Earthmoving, Equestrian Excellence, Gosh Hairdressing, Hardman’s Armidale, Jacksons Quality Meats, Moxon’s Bakery, NB Equine Services and New England Veterinary Services.
