Show time for horses

COMPETITION READY: Mount Gambier Show Horses in Action coordinator Kristy Bruhn and her horse Bam prepare to take part in the show this weekend, followed by the Millicent Show a fortnight later.
Picture: JOCELYN NICKELS

A LIFE of horse riding was always on the cards for Mingbool resident Kristy Bruhn, competing in her first show when she was only two years old.

Now an adult with a collection of first place prizes, the passionate horse rider is a regular at both regional and big city shows across the country.

This year with horse Bam by her side, Ms Bruhn will aim to add to her accolades in show jumping at the Mount Gambier Show this weekend.

“I have been involved with horses forever – I grew up with them and I think my grandma had already bought me my first horse before I was even born,” she said.

“It is a long-term thing, I spend all my free time with the horses and training them for competitions.

“Bam is my main show jumping horse at the moment, he is nine years old, so is in his prime.”

Jumping the highest in Australian competitions at 1.6m, Bam is definitely a leader in the field.

“October and November is a very busy time for me and anyone else involved in horse competitions in the region,” Ms Bruhn said.

“We take part in the Mount Gambier, Penola, Millicent, Kingston, Naracoorte, Casterton and Mil Lel shows.

“I just love being with horses and I am very competitive.”

Working as the Horses In Action coordinator at the Mount Gambier Show, Ms Bruhn said there was a good number of people competing this year.

“Last year we had around 160 horses in the hacking and breed ring and probably about the same in show jumping – we expect it to be pretty similar this year,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s show, there is quite a high level of competitors with some coming from as far as Melbourne and Adelaide.”

For those who are not taking part, Ms Bruhn said it is a great event to come along and watch.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for the little ones to see what they could be doing in the future,” she said.

“The best of breeds section in particular is quite interesting with people able to see a wide range of horses.”

The Mount Gambier Show will take place on Friday and Saturday with show jumping also taking place on Thursday.

Horses in Action will be held at the Millicent Show on November 4.