John Twomey wins the Horseland CIC3* and is pictured here with Ed Hunter, from Horseland, along with placegetters Shane Rose, Craig Barrett, Soigne Jackson and Keira Byrnes
No one would disagree that John Twomey and Highly Recommended were the well deserved winners on the Horseland CIC3* after a fantastic cross country round topped by a super clear show jumping round.
“He is such a good horse,” said John, who was the only rider in the class to take the direct route in what was considered a tricky water complex out on the cross country course. “Jumping in to the water I knew I couldn’t jump too big or I wouldn’t get the four strides I wanted before jumping up the bank. He did just what I needed him to do and the arrowhead after the bank came up really well.”
John takes the direct route out of the water
All the other riders in the CIC3* opted to take the longer route to another arrowhead.
Stuart Tinney went with his plan of not running Pluto Mio cross country but when he rode his other 3* horse, Sydney, he was given 20 penalties for a run out at the arrowhead out of the water. “I thought it was pretty clear that I wasn’t jumping the direct route,” said Stuart “I had even told the TD that I was going to jump the option.” However after discussion with the jump judge and watching some video footage his 20 penalties were removed and the pair ended up in seventh place overall.
Shane Rose finished second to John Twomey riding the ever keen APH Moritz, while his second ride Virgil who is still green at this level had a stop at the ditch and brush after which Shane schooled him home.
The Horseland CIC2* cross country track caused several problems to the 32 strong field, with ten eliminations and seven riders choosing to retire on course. Many of the problems occurred at the water complex and the big oxer with an approach round a corner. The winner of the class, Emma Mason, (pictured above) admitted it was a pretty tough track and she was delighted with the way Poker Face had coped with it.
Hear what Emma has to say by clicking on the audio icon below.
Cassie Webb finished second in the CIC2* riding Dutch Determination. The pair moved up from 14th after dressage after they flew round the course and made light of the show jumping, going clear and finishing on a score of 67.4.
Sam Lyle took the next two places with Mudcake and Good Vibes, the latter of which is owned by Merran Wallis. Sam and his partner Nicky were both riding in the 2* while Geordie Kennedy kept an eye on their young baby daughter, Ava.
Sam Lyle ...
and partner Nicky Turner
and baby Ava - make Canberra a family affair
Sandy Lucas (pictured below) always seems to have a smile on her face and today was no different as she picked up her prizes for winning the WOW Saddles CIC*. “He’s not bad for a roughie,” was Sandy’s description of her talented horse Diamond Snagglepuss. “He just keeps doing what he needs to do, so it’s all good.”
The EvA105 class was split into two sections with Annabel Armstrong winning the ACTPA Hire division riding Windoran Buddy and junior rider Mitchell Peulic winning the Northrop Consulting section. Mitchell, who was riding Statford Novalis – previously ridden by Shane Rose, added nothing to his impressive dressage score of 37.8 to win the class nearly seven marks ahead of second placed Craig Barrett and Sandhills Piper. Craig had actually turned up at the prize giving with his horse believing he had won the class. “Well when I looked at the scores earlier I was in first place but there must have been a protest,” said Craig. As it turned out Mitchell, had been given time penalties, but later had them removed leaving Craig with a red ribbon instead of blue one.
Mitchell Peulic win the EvA105 class and is pictured here with some place getters (and before you tell me ... I know that's not Statford Novallis - Mitchell borrowed another horse for the prize giving!)
Christine Bates didn’t start the weekend in a good way but managed to finish it off that way with a win in the Equiscape Photography EvA95 class riding Gunbarrell. “We had to change two tyres on the trip down here,” explained Christine, “so I had to make a frantic call to the secretary Kate McKenzie to tell her I might be running a bit late. When we got here I ended up riding two dressage test and one show jumping round in under an hour – so considering all that the weekend has been pretty good really.”
Carlene Barton riding her homebred APH Merlin won the Pines Ridge Agistment EvA95. “Merlin has been away from eventing for a while and this was the first cross country course he has done for about two and a half years so I’m pretty happy.”
The Wallaroo Equestrian EvA95 junior class was fiercely fought by over 20 keen young riders but it was Josephine Laver, who was lying second after dressage who took home the winners rug ahead of Laura Sloley.
At the end of the day it is all hands on deck to help pack away - age no barrier
Over the next few days we will bring you video clips and more interviews of all the Canberra action.
