Melbourne riders welcomed back at regional showjumping comp

Melbourne riders yearning to again compete alongside their regional counterparts were rewarded for their patience at a weekend competition.

Up and away: Russell Hearn in action on RBH Dante at a previous Northern Victorian Showjumping Club event.

WITH the removal of the Melbourne “ring of steel,” metropolitan riders could join their regional friends at the Northern Victorian Showjumping Club’s first competition out of COVID.

Riders were so keen for an outing that entries on the online portal were full within minutes of opening.

Full COVID precautions were enforced, but as usual the show enjoyed a pleasant relaxed atmosphere with friends enjoying the opportunity to catch up after the day’s events.

Course designer Bruce Harding set the riders some inviting and flowing tracks and riders took full advantage of the chance to bowl around the large grassed arena.

Russell Morrison made the long trek from South Gippsland with a team of horses and did not leave empty handed.

Riding C E Cajun, Morrison jumped a super fast clear round to win the Beta Vet 1.30m speed class from Paul Brent and the lovely stallion Fontaine Blue VDL.

The 1.25m jump-off class was very well supported, but it was Adam Prime riding Saddle Up Smudge who jumped a double clear round to win the class from local rider Russell Hearn and his home-bred RBH Dante.

The Strathmerton Drilling 1.20m speed class was won by a very fast Tull Canning riding Rivertown Affirmation. Once again a close second place went to Russell Hearn, this time riding RBH Mr Image.

Kate Rowe riding Tulara Connekta won the 1.15m jump-off class. Second place went to Sophia Landy and Jaybee Artiste.

The 1.10m speed class was a very fast event and it was the highly experienced Des Gleeson riding Mingarra Vonbella who could not be caught to win the class. Second place went to club president Stuart Abrahams riding Charlton Bazaar.

Lachlan Waddell, riding Astrobubbles, won the 1.05m jump-off class while Hudson Craig and Flashdance DH took out the 95cm class.

The 1m speed class went to Alexander Laker and Its Galex from Des Gleeson and Mingarra Ivy.

Eliza Abrahams also had a great day out with her team of ponies. Not only did she win the 55cm class riding Darcy but also took second place on Louis.

Other winners across the weekend included Mila Armstrong and PD daisy Dukes, Sarah Hardwick and Hard to Love, Melissa Mounsey and Salem, Lyla Ferrari and Lovebug and Lachlan Waddell and Superstitions.

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