SA gets first run with ‘On The Bit’ Callington Spring Show

Organisers decided to start running the show in South Australia first, hoping there’s a chance to do the same in Victoria later.

Spring beauties: Belle Ker, riding Aria V'Allegro, was champion hack at the “On The Bit” Callington Spring Show in South Australia. Picture: Angie Rickard

QUEENSLAND, NSW and now South Australia have held horse events, and Equestrian Victoria’s office has been inundated by people demanding they be allowed to compete or at least earn their living as coaches.

The organisers of South Australia’s first show, the “On The Bit” Callington Spring Show, said planning had been difficult but worthwhile.

Victorians Fiona Mardling and Sue Thompson decided after the first lockdown they could give back to their sport and run a few shows between September and December to help the sport in their own state.

“We had done all the required association/incorporating, insurance, more risk management plans than anyone would ever need and were ready to run in Victoria until lockdown version two started,” Mardling said.

“Then people in South Australia asked if they could run shows under our banner.

“We had financially backed it and done the hard yards to start the process so we figured it would be a good trial in case we ever get a chance to run in Victoria.”

The show was held last weekend. Among the champions were Belle Ker’s Aria V’Allegro and Sophie Vale’s CP Masterpiece in the show hack section, Ashlee Viceban’s Sanlirra Obligation and Victoria Fricker’s Clarendo and ridden by Jaimee Bruggerman in the show hunter sections.

Newcomer classes for young show horses and ponies saw Lily’s Rose shown by Margot Haaynes, Kolbeach Holly’s Gold, owned by the Glover family, Lily’s Finale, owned by Chelsea Hoad, The Gale Family’s Royalwood Enchanting and Peter Pan of Kingston shown by the Shute Family all taking home rosettes.

MORE

EQUESTRIAN AUSTRALIA TO AVOID LIQUIDATION WITH STATE BRANCHES EXPECTED TO VOTE FOR CHANGE

SHOWJUMPERS HAVE A SPRING IN THEIR STEP AT GRATTON