AUS wins Trans-Tasman Derby
Victorian rider Bianca Barnes and NSW rider Jessica Willard represented Australia at the IRG New Zealand Young Rider and Pony Championships 10-11 January. The Aussies went head-to-head against Each of the four riders competed on a borrowed horse, riding two tests each in front of an Australian and a The Australian’s avenged last year’s defeat. They achieved the highest combined percentage and thus won the prestigious title. Bianca has previously represented Australia at the 2005 Australian Youth Olympic Festival and Jessica is currently a member of the National Dressage Youth Development Squad (Jessica will be getting off the plane after the New Zealand championships to rush home and pick up her horse Sienna Tailor Made as she is lending Tailor for the 2009 AYOF.) These derby events are very difficult for organisers to arrange but they provide younger riders with a wonderful opportunity to ride in a representative teams and gain valuable international experience. Thank you to the organising committee for once again hosting an Australian Team at their Championships.
Congratulations Bianca and Jessica and thank you to Chef d'Equipe Jenny Carroll.
Results Round 1
Round 2
Team Results Australia 247.08 New Zealand 243.89
Indvidual Results
Jessica Willard (AUS) 130.56 1st Sarah Wilkinson (NZL) 125.28 2nd Bianca Barnes (AUS) 124.44 3rd Alisha Sixtus (NZL) 110.70 4th |


