Katherine Ford riding Hillview Park Linear leaps an obstacle during Saturday’s competition.MORE than 300 riders from five states saddled up for the Tonimbuk International Horse Trials last weekend.
The trials were described as an outstanding success with top action and magnificent horses on display.
The event was held at the Tonimbuk Equestrian Centre, just north of Bunyip.
Leading South Australian rider and former Olympic gold medallist Wendy Shaffer from Handorf took out first and second places in the CIC threestar event with her horses Koyuna Sun Dancer and Koyuna Sun Shine.
In third place was another South Australian, Kerrie Bowman riding Foxhill Aphrodite.
The event proved a challenge to all riders, as the crosscountry course had been further developed by renowned course builder Wayne Copping of SA, with many new and challenging obstacles.
The event attracted record entries and a large crowd of spectators to witness some excellent riding.
The crosscountry course asked plenty of questions of the competitors, particularly through the testing combination of fences in the Bushman’s Camp, the Normanby Banks and water complex.
However, Wendy Shaffer and her horses were equal to the task and completed brilliant crosscountry rounds.
Wendy also completed the event with an excellent showjumping round and was a clear winner.
In other sections of the event, the CIC twostar event was won by Georgina Connolly from the Mornington Peninsula, riding TS Merlin.
Second place went to local rider David Middleton of Warragul riding Mr Shirvington and Veronica Hoile riding Chester took out third place.
In the CIC onestar event, Emma Scott was the winner riding Mustang, followed by Lucy Young of Tonimbuk riding Mousetrap and third place went to another local rider Narelle McFee riding Frendale Misral.
The PreNovice Asection was taken out by Mardi Ellis from Tasmania riding Meadowbank Crackerjack from Adelaide rider Lauren Klomp riding Gone Platinum.
The Bsection was won by Chloe James riding R. L. Sir William.
The preliminary sections were taken out by Katja Weimann riding B. P. Winterstern and Sarah Hall riding Nawarrah Park Happy Gilmore.
The three Redwood Prints Introductory sections were won by Lorraine Pope of Tonimbuk riding Regal Park Atlanta, Jess Thomas riding Young Ted and Natalie Davies riding BP Congo.
The organising committee was pleased with the way the event was conducted.
Committee president Stephen Weir thanked all involved, particularly the sponsors, volunteers and property owners Ian and Pat Mouser for sponsorship and the use of their venue.
