Wide Bay’s best young showjumpers compete at Qld state titles
The rising stars of showjumping across Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast are preparing to take on the best in QLD in April. Here are the 20 best local competitors expected to take to the ring.
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The best pony club riders from across Queensland will descend on Bundaberg in April for the Pony Club Queensland State Showjumping and Jumping Equitation Championships 2023.
The championships will be hosted by the Bundaberg Horse and Pony Club and will be held at the Recreational Precinct in Bundaberg from Sunday, April 2 to Wednesday, April 5.
The Bundaberg Horse and Pony Club has a clutch of riders looking to do well on their home track.
Amity Radunz, Hunter Potter-Lowe, Sophie Sidney, Mahli Pereka, Bronte Radunz, Kade Rupert, Isobel Condon, Bethany McKay, Miranda Weller, Arielle Yunus, Lorelei Bertoli, Kaylee Pasley, Dee Pitt, Makayla Cook, Tiannah Weller, Charlie Thorne, and Alexis Thwaite will all be bidding for a state title in their respective categories.
Bundaberg Horse and Pony Club vice-president Jenny-Lee Stockham said the club was excited to hold the championships.
“We have a dedicated committee all working together to help make this event fun and successful,” she said.
“Holding the event in Bundaberg gives many of our local riders the opportunity to compete in their own area without all the expense of travelling away.
“We thank the Bundaberg Regional Council for helping us to bring this event to fruition.
“Also we have many local sponsors to thank for their generosity.
Ms Stockham selected some Bundaberg Horse and Pony Club riders to watch at the state championships.
Amity Radunz
Amity, seven, is riding Spin and is the youngest member from the club. She has qualified to compete in the 12 and Under 50cm Jumping Equitation.
Amity has been riding at the Bundaberg Horse and Pony Club for more than two years now.
Hunter Potter-Lowe and Sophie Sidney
Riding Beandema Gemma and Salient Park Bouncer respectively are great mates and both very competitive.
They will ride in the 12 years and under section, competing in the 70cm Jumping Equitation and Show Jump.
Mahli Pereka
Mahli has won two state gold medals before but on a different horse.
This year she will be one to watch in the 12 and Under 80cm Show Jump on her new horse Wicked Fraar, who she recently enjoyed success on at the Interschool Queensland Wide Bay Championships for Bundaberg State High School. This is her last year at 12 and Under.
Kaylee Pasley
On her grey thoroughbred Prince Ferro (Peppi), Kaylee always tries her hardest and she should do well in both disciplines of Jumping Equitation and Show Jump 13 years and Under 80cm. Kaylee recently did well at the teams show jumping, winning a bronze medal with Bundaberg teammates Dee Pitt and Isobel Condon, who are also competing at this state competition.
Arielle Yunus
Arielle is competing on My Triple Heart in both disciplines at 80cm.
Arielle always does well and places in most competitions all over Queensland.
Tiannah Weller and Miranda Weller
Tiannah, riding Scrubby Creek It’s All About Me and her sister Miranda, riding Good Prince, are competing at their first state jumping competition.
They recently did well at competitions in Tiaro and Maryborough gaining all their qualifiers. Both girls have gained many state medals in other disciplines.
Tiannah is riding in the 90cm classes and Miranda in the 80cm Classes.
Charlie Thorne
Charlie, 15, on Starbuster is a recent horse and rider combination competing in the 90cm classes.
Charlie has been competing at state events since she was nine and in the show ring well before that.
Musgrave Pony Club is a small club from Bundaberg and is representing Zone 7 at this event.
Club secretary Serena Curnock said three young riders would be representing the club and all had a chance of success.
“We wish all our riders well in this event,” she said.
“There should be some competitive show jumping from some of the best pony club riders in Queensland, so we encourage the public to come down and have a look.”
Ms Curnock provided some information on all the riders competing from Musgrave.
Emily Cucca
12 years and Under Show Jump 60cm and Jumping Equitation 60cm
Emily is 12 years old and has only been riding for two years. Her love for horse riding and passion for showjumping is evident. This is Emily’s first state competition and she is riding Maverick.
Hayley Crosswell
Hayley Crosswell 13 to 26 years 70cm Show Jump and 70cm Jumping Equitation
Hayley is 15 years old and has been riding most of her life. Hayley has competed previously at state events and was champion in Show Jumping 10 and Under in 2018 on her pony Flash. This year Hayley will be competing on Leo.
Marley Barritt
Marley Barritt 13 to 26 years 80cm Show Jump
Marley has been riding most of her life and has been to three state events.
Unfortunately Marley missed out on Jumping Equitation this year due to horse injury, however, she is more than happy to just compete in showjumping this time. Marley will be competing on Miss Bee.
Maryborough Pony Club has one rider who is competing at the state championships.
Olivia Gordano
Olivia is 11 years old and has been riding with Maryborough Pony Club for the past four years.
She will be competing in both show jumping and jumping equitation riding her horse Ardsheal Smokin’.
They have been a partnership for the past two years.
Olivia’s mother Bec, who is also the club’s secretary said: “Olivia has a great love and passion for horses and riding and works hard every day to achieve her goals.
“She loves competing in dressage, show jumping and eventing.
“Olivia has also ridden with Wide Bay Equestrian Park for the past six years.”
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