IT was a family affair for the Fields when they took on the Stockman’s Challenge at the Edenhope show on Saturday.
Lynda, husband Wayne and son Byron all competed in their respective classes on what was a proud day for the family.
Lynda claimed the overall win in the Intermediate category aboard her horse Binyindi Major, claiming a first, a second and a third from the four events.
Wayne managed an impressive second overall in the Open category on Glenfield Rushette, after claiming a second and a third along the way, while 10-year-old Byron managed a fourth overall in the Junior division aboard Pablo.
Speaking to The Border Watch this week, Lynda found it hard to kerb her excitement at the family’s achievements on the weekend.
Lynda is an accomplished horse rider, with national polocross and hunting experience, winning two years in a row hunting at the Adelaide Royal Show, along with Hacking, a form of show riding.
She has been competing for 30 years and said this result was a highlight of her career.
“I was really surprised to win because I have noticed through Facebook photographs and the other challenges around the area, a lot of people are in them,” Lynda said.
“I thought I would go there with no chance.
“We have a little obstacle course at home that my husband has set up and I have probably been around the course twice, so to win was totally unexpected.
“My horse is a registered Australian Stockhorse and he is quite hot headed, but on the day he was very good.
“I did really well in the working pattern and to get three placings out of the four, I did not expect that.”
Lynda said she was equally proud of her husband, who showed plenty of skill around the courses.
“My husband did the Open and that was a huge surprise for him to come second,” she said.
“His horse can be tricky too, but she was very good on the day.
“It was a huge thing because in the Open there were some good horses and riders.
“I thought he would be scratching to be up there, but when they announced him second overall it was like wow.”
Byron’s result was again a surprise.
“For Byron to come fourth – I saw a line up of kids and thought he would not have a chance.
“Everything to him is a bit of a game, but he just loves to ride.
“He rocked it in the time trial, then he got every single target at the trot, which is pretty fast for a kid his age.
“There was a huge class of kids there on more educated horses, so we were very proud of him.”
As a whole Lynda said she could not be more pleased with the results, even after 30 years of competing.
“We do not often go away and get that kind of achievement as a family,” she said.
“It is definitely one my proudest moments.
“For us to be riding together was great, but Wayne is also on a horse we bred.
“She has been hard work and we are starting to get the chocolates with her now.
“Byron’s riding has all been what we have taught him.
“To see him do well makes me really proud.
“Me winning is just the icing on the cake really … it was a very special day.”
The Fields, along with Binyindi Major and Glenfield Rushette, can also be seen on a regular basis at the Greenwald Paceway, where they take control as the pacers head out on the track and race.
