Strong field in the Gatton leg of the Young Rider Series
The Gatton World Cup event was the scene for the resumption of hostilities in the National Young Rider Series. A strong field tackled the challenging course presented by Olympic Selector and renowned course builder Mr Graeme Watts. As testimony to the quality of the field six combinations crafted clear rounds from the first round.
On the day Elizabeth Ballard and Bramley Star won not only the prestigious Young Rider event but took the maximum points in the National Series Order of Merit. Bramley is a 16 year old Stock Horse who has shared much success with Elizabeth over the 7 years she has had him. Elizabeth who previously enjoyed great success with this mount in Victoria, at the Royal Melbourne Show, won’t be at the Australian Championships this year. Elizabeth commented on the Wattsy track “…it was tough and in the end Bramley enjoyed it as I could open him up a little bit between fences.”
Tori Henderson was close on the heels of Elizabeth with a double clear effort on Kinnordy Garcia.
Sam Buchanan was a little off the pace set by the girls, but had the other double clear on Diamond B Centurian.
Brooke Langbecker who finished fourth on her Series nominated Flowervale Diamond picked up points for the leaderboard. Brooke has had a fantastic run of success with her truck of horses and is well positioned on the Series leader board tied in second with Elizabeth Ballard.
The Gatton World Cup event completed the trio of Queensland events scheduled as part of the National Young Rider Series. At this point the clear leader in the series is Jasmine Davidson and Finally (12 points) who did not get amongst the points at Gatton.
The next month sees events in both Victoria and NSW before the Australian Show Jumping Championships in mid September.
2015/2016 Leading Young Rider Stephanie McKillop changed up her preparation for the series taking up an invite from Duffy Sports Horses to ride in Ireland. Steph’s highly successful tour was topped off by a tremendous win in the 1.30 Young Rider National Class. The class was part of the schedule at the FEI European Jumping Championships, Millstreet, Ireland. Steph is still trying to pay the excess luggage bill for the cost of getting her rugs and trophy home!
The National Series is allowing us to track the performance of the Young riders which is an exceptionally strong class at present. This is reflected in a record number of entries for the National championships.
Equestrian Australia and the Founding Sponsors of the National Young Rider Series would like to invite all members of the current Young Rider squad to join Gavin Chester Chair National Jumping Committee for a welcome dinner on Wednesday 14 September, during the Australian Championships on the grounds at Werribee. Recognising that you have a class to ride the next day the dinner will be short sharp and focussed on your performance requirements the next day.
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