Lauren Balcomb wins CNC 1* win at the Canberra autumn horse trials
The super friendly Canberra horse trials held in the centre of town at the picturesque Equestrian park in the ACT suburb of Curtin, welcomed over 250 horses and riders over the March 15/16th weekend. The autumn sunshine, great going, strong sponsor support and fantastic volunteers helped the small, and totally amazing committee make an incredible weekend of horse sport
Congratulations to Lauren Balcomb and her lovely big chestnut Guido Hatzis for winning the main 1* class sponsored by Southern stars saddlery by just 0.2 penalties from Nat Blundell and Algebra who carried a 10 penalty handicap. Nat did a superb 75% dressage test and almost snagged class honours. The 1* XC track had been slightly modified after Lucinda Green assessed the course during a clinic, the input was invaluable and as a result it rode well. Nat also came third on My Alladin. It is exciting times ahead for the local girl Natalie and the wonderful thoroughbred Algebra, owned by Julia Mclean and John Glenn, she will be competing at this year’s Badminton thanks to the amazing support of her owners and fundraising endeavours of her supporters.
The Animal company Eva 105 saw determined riding, no rail in hand for the top 3 riders and young gun Loren Slater snapping at their heels, the winning spot went to Kristel James riding Hyson Green finishing on 39.4 penalties. Local youngster Loren Slater and her pony Aspenview Firestorm won the junior section and were 4th overall.
The Horseland EVa 95 saw the equal top two riders after dressage fight it out Sam Lyle and Monte Walsh finishing on their dressage score to win the class from Kate Gorden riding Raylin Pacific.
In the Hygain Eva95 B the top 4 riders finished on their dressage score Elizabeth Lowery riding HV Falcon held her nerve leaving Sam Lyle in second and third place.
The Saddleworld Mittagong Eva 80 A saw the super young stallion of Bec Lindwalls Highland Blue Diamond finish on his dressage just ahead of Jim Walshe riding the impressive ex racehorse Dubai Marina.
Winner Jessica Exton riding Loraley Pike did a great job to stay ahead of Charlie owned by Ben Smith a cornerstone volunteer of the event and ridden by Nat Blundell. Charlie and Nat finished on their dressage score in the KNR rubber Eva 80
The Main event junior Eva 80 saw Statford Marlowe ridden by Sarah Willaims just stayed ahead of Olivia Goodwin riding Foxground Kameo, Willaim Qurico 3rd and Tilly Watson 4th all without a rail dividing their scores .
The top 4 in the Jier Park Eva 60 all finished on their dressage scores, Lauren Balcomb heading up the winners circle again riding Lamondale Bisou in second place was popular local Dianne Andison riding ESB golden Jubilee.
Wallaroo equestrian Eva 60 had some serious dressage scores, the winner of the class Karen Yanik riding Gramayre Deon set an amazing target for the rest of the field with a 22.4 penalty test. Two riders got close Rebecca Walsh riding the lovely sport pony stallion Allengreen Showcase coming second and Harriet Gruen riding the imposing Regardez Moi gelding Dunrostan came third. Harriet being Allengreen Showcases jump trainer in his early years and the current Wallaroo equestrian stable rider.
Special mention must go to the event committee members and family members who also rode despite their incredibly hectic event roles, Kate Mackenzie event secretary also mother of 3 and Lindsey Stewart in the prenovice and Lauren McIntosh in the 1*,the Moran and Doaks families members in the prelim, intro and newcomers. It was really exciting to catch up with Rachel Stephen Smith who called in to the event while visiting from the USA. Rachels’ fierce determination in 2003 to set about rebuilding the NCHTA Canberra event with Grant Johnson and Ben Smith after the terrible firestorm , has meant that the Canberra community and event riders Australia wide have a super world class venue that continues to develop.
The full results for the competition can be found on Nominate.
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