Ponies and beginner classes popular at Geelong Horse Trials

Young riders and newcomers flocked to historic Barwonleigh, where the cross country course that winds around the river flats offered spectators a magnificent view.

Clean leap: Ben Tyson and Equineaffair Cassanova were winners at the Geelong Horse Trials. Picture: Tazzie Eggins

THE Geelong Horse Trials organisers worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible conditions for horses and riders at their event last weekend and to provide top competition.

Held on the historic Barwonleigh property that has been owned by the Campbell family since the late 1800s, the cross country course winds around the river flats, giving spectators a great view.

Yona Lloyd showed the opposition a clean pair of heels in the two-star short course class finishing first with Ballahowe Ayurvedic and second with Alby Talkative, just one point behind.

In the Young Rider section, Edward Darby led from the start to win with Dawn of the Day scoring 37.00 penalties in an equally close finish with Molly Lines and Tadpole on 37.50.

Ben Tyson took out the 2.5-star level class, rising from fifth after dressage riding Equineaffair Casanova, in yet another close finish with Erin Callahan on Danson Lincoln and Willi Enzinger’s Grandjany just a point away in second and third place.

There are some nice horses working their way through the one-star level, where Lucy Kolomanski’s Another Option and Rebecca Barling’s Willtony Grand Illusion won their sections.

The EA 95cm section was also divided because of strong entries, with wins going to Taleah Cameron on Equineaffair Black Jack, Rosie Maiden’s nice Off The Track Thoroughbred Mr Will and Noah Goodwin’s Equus Spencer. The 80cm group winners were Emma Hercules, Treasured Nadal, Tracey Savage, Boots N All, Sarah May’s Rockefella.

Finally the most entertaining are always the 65cm sections, which are always a mixture of exuberant ponies, absolute beginner horses and Thoroughbreds having their first try at a whole new career.

The courses set are always inviting and encouraging for the newbies, and many a stellar career begins on a 65cm course.

The winners were Linda Lewis on the Irish Sport horse Tadhg Malone and Stephanie Rowe on Bainbridge Black Velvet.

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