MORE than 160 riders across South Australia and Victoria will make their way to the Blue Lake city this weekend for the 2018 Mount Gambier Horse Trials.
Entrants will take part in the two-day Equestrian eventing style of competition, which sees combinations compete across three disciplines – dressage, cross country and show jumping.
The event, hosted by the Mount Gambier and District Pony Club, is expected to attract several top-tier riders.
Mount Gambier and Districts Pony Club president and member of the Mount Gambier Horse Trials committee Jodi Widdison said it was an opportunity to showcase the sport of eventing to the region.
“Mount Gambier and Districts Pony Club members are able to watch riders competing at an elite level, which will provide the riders to aspire to emulate,” she said.
“It also provides us the opportunity to make improvements to our course under the direction of Mick Pineo, our cross country course builder who has built at events like the Adelaide International Horse Trials, the Melbourne three-day event and the Sydney Olympics.
“Mick is regarded as one of the best course designers in Australia at the moment and has been building at Mount Gambier for a number of years.”
A solid contingent of South East riders have entered in this year’s event and as a result the most successful local rider trophy will be hotly contested.
“We have 13 riders from the South East,” Widdison said.
“It is pleasing to see so many locals enter.
“Our club members include, Chelsea Whicker, Jo-anne O’Connor, Kerrie Bowman, Ruby Kenny.”
Competitors will ride their dressage test tomorrow morning, before the EvA 80 class show jumping set to start at about 3.30pm.
Sunday will showcase the cross country action, which starts with the first horse on course at 8am, along with show jumping, all day.
The events will finish around 3.15pm on Sunday, with presentations to follow.
In addition to the classes the event also has a Horse Deals Interstate Competition where riders form teams to compete for the title of the most successful eventing state.
This year the club is also holding a silent auction with proceeds going to the Buy a Bale Cause to help farmers facing drought conditions.
Collection jars will also be located at the canteen and office.
Spectators are welcome to view some of the best combinations at work, with entry into the Mount Gambier and Districts Pony Club venue free of charge.
