THE Mount Gambier Horse Trials had its biggest event run since Covid recently, bringing together a huge crowd from across the region.
The event is held annually and this year saw 140 entries, compared to 90 entries for the last event held in November 2023.
The two-day event began with a Dressage Day competition on the Saturday morning, followed by show jumping later in the day, where the 1, 2, 3 and 3.5 combinations were jumped.
Riders on the day loved the show Jumping courses, which were designed by Adelaide-based Leanne Bruggerman, who has been secured again for the 2025 event.
Celebrations kicked off on Saturday night with the sold-out Grizzcon Rider’s Party, which was a great night had by all, leading to plans to make the Rider’s Party even bigger in 2025.
On Sunday, the cross country phase of the event kicked off, with the course built by the highly regarded Mick Pineo and Jarryd Stanley.
Finishing touches applied by the course designers at the Mount Gambier and Districts Pony Club and riders boasted about the courses.
Feedback from the riders on the day was positive, with many saying the event was professional and friendly with an amazing cross country event.
Plans are already underway for the 2025 event, with sponsors secured and Mick Pineo and Jarryd Stanley have booked to continue to develop the cross country courses..
In addition, judges, officials and the show jump course designer have also been secured, and there is an expectation the demand for entries for next year would be very strong.
Anybody interested in being involved for the 2025 event or joining Pony Club are encouraged to contact the Mount Gambier & Districts Pony Club.
Class winners:
District Council of Grant CCN 3.5: Connie Miller (Delicato) 1.
Pure Steed CCN 3: Rachelle Verma (Sandhills Chrystella) 1.
Equestrian SA Eventing Squad CCN 2: Christina Grear (Dalis) 1; Natalie Davies (Camilla Elmare) 2; Kaitlin Teichert (Queen B II) 3; Chelsea Clarke (Viscount Visage); Danni Hampton (Wedgewood Big Deal); Charlie Germein (GE Orlando); Chloe Jong (Don’t Hater the Nater).
The Produce Store CCN 1: Amelie Morelli (ESB Irish Illusion) 1; Yona Lloyd (Mischief Managed Today) 2; Felicity Arnold (Ballantyne Hunter) 3; Lamoza Velisha (Ophelie Van Prinseveld); Courtney Munro (Jen Jan Dracarys); Lamoza Velisha (Masterson NZ); Kristy Green (Hillsview Bodacious)
Walker and Gray Earthworks EvA95: Ella Beissel (Fiction) 1, Keely Hutchinson (Exmoor Celtic
Snow) 2; Lamoza Velisha (Call Me Cooley) 3; Indy Berden (McCartney Park Balou Du Bling), Chloe Wydra (Felton Park Fia); Jayden Coates (Balou Du Cuba); Matilda Kauppila (Storm Brewing)
Flexible Fit Equestrian SAEEM8:Rebecca Fidge (Jag Fonzarelli) 1; Christina Grear (Macs Moonshadow) 2; Elena Penney (MB Vancouvr) 3; Sarah Wotton (Poppy Primrose); Ellie Bowman (Madam Lulu); Riannon Longney Memphis; Duncan Shaw (Cosmo)
City of Mount Gambier SAEEM65: Imogen Carmichael (Little Black Suzi) 1; Stella Carmichael (Rhsea Prince of Peace) 2; Gamme Salverstro (Primrose Park Top O The Morn) 3; Maureen McGrath (LH Drumstick); Ella Hopkins (Porsches Mighty, Gun Askari); Eva Stephenson (Glyndebourne Mancini); Lynda Field (Slide Aside Cowboy)
Barastoc SAEEM50: Bre-anna Wright (Quarta Cuppa Coco) 1; Bonnie King (Elm Tree Sensation) 2; Hallie Martin (Millie) 3; Millie King (Midnight Bandit); Alice Ward (Bertie The Beetle); Sara Dyer (Bushgrove Code Red); Tahnee Dodgson (Pennant Jonny Be Good)
