Riding risks on par with car racing

Shoalhaven Showjumping Club Inc played host to over 130 equestrian riders and their accompanying 350 horses as the Inaugural Berry First National Showjumping Championships took place in NSW on Sunday.

Over 350 rounds of showjumping took place throughout the day from an impressive line up of riders including Olympians Vicki Roycroft and Jamie Coman, Australian representatives Chris Chugg and Colleen Brook, along with other local and interstate riders. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes was distributed throughout classes varying in heights from 60 cm to 1.3 metres, including each class winner being lucky enough to win a new watch, thanks to Guess watches.

The highlight of the day was the ‘Snug Rug Saddlery 1.3m class’ which made for spectacular viewing. There were over 25 riders vying to win. However, Amanda Madigan rode ‘T.P Gifted’ to first place, followed by Chris Chugg on Vivant, who was the winner of the World Cup Qualifier held at Dapto Show in January. Young rider Hilary Scott picked up 3rd place on ‘Oakes Cool Bananas’.

Olympian Vicky Roycroft dominated the ‘Saddleworld 1.2 metre class’ as she collected both 1st and 2nd place from the field of 70, on ‘Ricardo D’ and ‘Alohiza’ respectively. Elite Eventing rider Chris Burton took out 3rd place in this class on ‘Ari De Gwahir’.

Sam Lyle, an export of the region who is now based in Cessnock, came back to his home turf to show the talent this area produces. He beat nearly 100 other combinations to win the ‘Splitrock water 1.15 metre’ on ‘Classic Mischief’. Young rider Greer Butcher picked up 2nd, while Amanda Madigan added another success to her win by taking 3rd.

Elizabeth Koob, from Wilberforce, won the Huckleberry Home 85cm class. She nearly added two wins to her day but had to settle for a second when she was beaten by twelve-year-old Sarah Curtis riding ‘Sky High’ in The Emporium Food Company 75cm class.

Shoalhaven Showjumping Club Inc members had a successful day with three of them winning three of the eight classes and others collecting a number of places throughout the day. Junior rider Sophie Miller, won the ‘Horsepower 1.05m class’ riding the talented ‘Gilmore Rockafella’. Another junior member, Taylor Hooten won the ‘Star Park International 60 cm class’. While member Carly Le Mesurier won the ‘Matt Sperring Personal Training 95cm class’ on ‘Penrose Sundance’.

“This was a great way to start off the club’s year, especially with the success of our members. We hold training days every fortnight or so which allows local riders to come and practice their showjumping skills under the eye of a qualified instructor. We welcome new members to come along and join our growing club,” said Mr Simon Kale, Event Organiser.

“We would like to thank all the sponsors of the day without which it could not have been such a success. Sponsors were extremely generous with all riders kept well hydrated with free water from Splitrock (Natural Spring Water), winners received Guess Watches and placegetters received cash and equestrian product from Animal Care Supplies, Equestworld and Saddleworld. We are looking forward to next years Event,” said Mr Kale.

Results
Snug Rug Saddlery 1.30m Class
1. Amanda Madigan on TP Gifted
2. Chris Chugg on Vivant
3. Hilary Scott on Cool Bananas

Saddleworld 1.20m Class
1. Vicky Roycroft on Ricardo D
2. Vicky Roycroft on Alohiza
3. Chris Burton on Ari De Gwahir

Splitrock 1.15m Class
1. Sam Lyle on Classic Mischief
2. Greer Butcher on Flowervale Concorde
3. Amanda Madigan on DB Everquest

Horsepower 1.05m Class
1. Sophie Miller on Gilmore Rockafella
2. Elizabeth Koob on SS Streamer
3. Sheriden Manuel on Apache Cat

Matt Sperring Personal Training 95cm Class
1. Carly Le Mesurier on Penrose Sundance
2. Lee Hocking on Jubilee Jardore
3. Courtney Hill on BP Misty

Huckleberry Home 85cm Class
1. Elizabeth Koob on Silver Hollywood Charge
2. Amy VanDerSanden on Bamborough Camilla
3. Mikhaela Grey on Bimbi High Doc

The Emporium Food Company 75cm Class
1. Sarah Curtis on Sky High
2. Elizabeth Koob on Silver Hollywood Charge
3. Sophie Miller on Glenkirra Lace

Star Park International 60cm
1. Taylor Hooten on Jag Chicane
2. Sophie Miller on Glenkirra Lace
3. Kelly Slater on Oliver Twist

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