Arkins' Cheerful Cheesy Chapter -
20th Anniversary Bega
Showjumping Cup
Wow, what a show! To say that the 20th Anniversary Bega Showjumping Cup was a success is an understatement. Congratulations to absolutely everyone involved in the running of this history making event. To take on the task of planning and producing a show spanning 8 days is a massive effort and requires the help and cooperation of an entire club, not just a small committee, and that is exactly what the Bega Showjumping Club did. From the hugely time consuming jobs of the office workers, the ring workers putting in the long hours out in centre ring, to the decision making executive and officials to the caterers, food & drink runners and marshalls, no matter how big or small your contribution was to the event, the important thing is that you all put your hand up and helped wherever you could. Our club is the envy of the country! No where will you see a show run so well and soley by passionate volunteers. Bega Showjumping Club - give yourself a huge pat on the back and be very proud of the giant feat you pulled off.
The show began on Monday 28th December with just one ring in operation. This day featured cross rails up to 65cm and finished with Junior Six bars. It was great to see the really little kids who wouldn't normally get a chance to compete at a big show having so much fun on the beautiful big arena. Winners on the day were Georgie Dunn, Mackenzie Dunn, Cohen Wade and Sarah Davies but the most consistant competitor was Bella Griffin from Bega and her pony Mango who were awarded a beautiful woollen rug donated by Horseland Canberra for the highest pointscore on the day.
Tuesday was the first day of official competition. International Course Designer Gavin Chester set nice flowing tracks for the first day but caught a few off-guard by throwing the water jump in all of the 1.20m+ classes. Winners in Ring 1 were Jess Davies, Tom Otton, Brett Clarke and Rhys Stones. The 1.35m AM7 was watched keenly as the punters checked out the form leading up to the main event, the Bega Showjumping Cup. Spectators were definitely treated to a great display of speed riding. Over in Ring 2, course designer Charl Archer built very friendly courses. Mackenzie Dunn won 2 events and Scott Waterson won the 1.00m. 7am start, 8pm finish...phew!
Wednesday saw the commencement of another big program with five events in Ring 1 featuring the first Helen Slater Futurity Event. With 45 entries in this prestigious event with $1500 going to the winner, a technical but fair 1.25m-1.30m course was set. The first round course proved to be more difficult than predicted with two unsettling falls of both horse and rider but it eventually produced ten clear rounds to contest the jump off. One of the fallen riders Cecil Staples was mildly concussed and did not compete for the rest of the show following Doctor's advice. The jump-off also had quite a few un-nerving moments with only one clear round produced by the beautiful mare Yirrkala Exclusive and her talented jockey Stephanie Mackillop up until the final rider of the event. Stephen Dingwall and Dusky Farm Cavalier entered the arena after quite a lengthy delay following another sickening fall of young stars Jamie Priestley and KS Optimus. Thankfully Jamie walked from the arena, a little dazed but okay. Stephen is one cool customer and very professionally guided his young upcoming star around the course to post the event's second double clear and take the win. Stephen lifted the sombre mood with a lap of honor, helmet held aloft. Next event on the program was the 1.35m-1.45m A2 class which was the last chance to check out the Cup horses before the Calcutta that night. Cup favourite James Arkins and Rosthwaite Vigilante II just edged out legend Ron Easey and Made U Look to claim the win. Mr Easey saved (or eliminated) his best horse Simplistic by jumping the vertical beside the first jump instead of the actual first jump he was supposed to jump - stay tuned this story has more to it. Other winners on the day were Brett Clarke, Jacob Wells, Milly Fisher, Mackenzie Dunn, Murray Otton and Sharyn Reed grabbed 1st & 2nd in the 1.04m. Another 7am to 8pm day.
Just before the start of the Futurity, the Bega Showjumping Club made a very special presentation and paid tribute to Helen Slater who not only sponsors the Futurity but has been a sponsor and hard working committee member for the entire 20 year history of the Cup. It was a very emotional presentation for Helen as she received a framed photo of herself and her late husband Malcom of who she describes as "the most generous person in the world" and she continues to do what she does because it is what he would be doing if he was still here today. Thank you Helen for everything - No words will ever be enough.
Another very special presentation was made during the Calcutta. Life Membership was awarded to a person who was a very crucial part of the Cup's initial success. As one of the country's best showjumping riders (dare I say 10-20 years ago) it was his profile, contacts and friendly persuasion techniques that got so many highly regarded riders to make the trip all the way to Bega and make it the huge success that it was and earn it the reputation that makes it still makes it a success today.
Not to mention the years of being Club President and countless hours of work put into running the club over the past 30+ years. Congratulations Poss Otton, your a champion person and a very deserving recipient. Dare I mention that Poss is the also the luckiest person in the history of Bega Cup Calcutta's with many wins over the years and guess who drew this year's Cup favourite of James Arkins? - you guessed it...Poss!
New Year's Eve arrived - Cup Day! Heads were a little weary following a great night at the Grand Hotel where guests enjoyed a beautiful meal from the Graze at the Grand Restaurant and then emptied their pockets at what was one epic Calcutta! Most bids opened at $500 and the total prize pool was over $7000 with over $4000 going to the winner! First job of the morning was to change all events to one round with the exception of the Mini Prix to ensure the program finished before the main event at 6pm. Some great displays of well thought speed rounds were featuring at the top of the leader boards today. In particular Ring 2 had some worthy winners in Heidi Staples, Ellie Grant and Tayla Parlevliet all riding beautiful rounds. Milly Fisher won her second junior event for the show and Riley Mackillop won the first Young Rider event for the show. Alisa Williams showed her competitiveness winning the 1.20m in great style even though she hadn't sat on a horse for 6 months! The Mini Prix was a nice class producing 7 clears from 27 starters. The eventual winner was James Arkins and his recently purchased Aveden Indigo from WA. He edged out the once again Steph Mackillop and Yirrkala Exclusive in 2nd spot and Stephen Dingwall & Cavalier Du Ruet in third.
While the competitors were walking the course for the main event Stewart Smith lightly entertained the waiting crowd by interviewing some legends about the past and their thoughts about the future. First he brought down Lofty Chester who has been coming to the Bega Showground for 60 years. They spoke about when the Snowy River Jumping Team came to Towamba, a tiny place in the middle of no where, near Eden. The competition was still over "hurdles" back in those days and Lofty reminisced about the great times had at Towamba. Lofty spoke about one of his proudest moments being when son Gavin raised the eye brows of the world when he competed on a horse overseas with the Snowy River prefix and they played the Australian anthem for them. It was then that Poss Otton took over the microphone and acknowledged Lofty for attending every Cup over the past 20 years, stocking the fridge and looking after the ring workers every year and sitting in the same spot under the trees and always having the time to yarn to whoever sits in the chair beside him. Lofty was presented with some framed photos and the poor old fella almost collapsed with shock and was overwhelmed with emotion. Thanks Lofty for being a part of our show.
The next presentation was made by Helen Slater to one of Bega's showjumping heroes, Grant Hughes. Grant once said that he thinks of Bega as "my second home" and we always love it when the Hughes team roll into town. They are the most kind people and Grant is the ultimate competitor and role-model. Helen presented Grant with a plaque for being the only rider to compete in every Cup event, not just the show but the main event. It was fitting that Grant had two sensational clear rounds in the first round of the Cup and finished in third place on the evergreen Yakkity Yak who is an amazing 20 years old and he jumped as well as ever. Heartfelt congratulations to you Grant.
Finally, two more Life Memberships were awarded. Madge Salway has been there to witness the evolution of Bega Showjumping Club since it was formed 50 years ago. It was just over 50 years ago that Madge brought the entire Sydney Royal Easter Show grandstand to its feet when she cleared over 7'2" to win the Six Bar as a young girl. Now Madge works tirelessly as Showjumping Steward of the Cobargo Show and is an accredited judge and absolutely loves watching the young kids progress from cross rails in Ring 2 to jumping in the main arena in what seems like no time at all. She made special mention of the Clarke family and how she has always had a special spot in her heart for Brett and considers him as her son. She also said that when Brett's son Lane won the Leading Junior Rider at Sydney Royal, she was as proud as any Grandmother could be and she cherishes the photos that they had together.
Stewart Smith was the second recipient. Stewart is the epitomy of a club member, just does the work that needs to be done, goes home and comes back the next day for more. Stew's love and admiration for the sport is what keeps him coming back and he will continue to come back. The most humble of people, Stew hates recognition and as you could imagine, was not overly happy to be made a fuss of when receiving this award. All he has ever wanted was to ensure that the club and all of the local shows are healthy and sustainable and that they keep on running forever to provide a place for all local equestrian enthusiasts to live their dreams no matter how big or small. Thank you so much to these really valued members of the club.
The scene was set for the 20th Bega Showjumping Cup. Course Designer Gavin Chester gave a brief tour of the course he had set and gave a prediction of about 5 clear rounds and for the win to go to either James Arkins, Clint Beresford or the 15 year old Australian Junior Champion, Jasmine Dennison. The 20th Anniversary Bega Showjumping Cup attracted 27 entries, a lot more than previous years so spectators were in for a real treat. The first round track was built at 1.40m-1.45m in height and saw a few young horse and rider combinations having their first start at this level. The course rode beautifully resulting in 11 clears. Ron Easey and Jasmine Dennison jumped clean on both of their horses as did Grant Hughes but unfortunately incurred one time penalty on Blackall Park Atlantis. Due to this large percentage of first round clears, those who incurred faults were unfortunately not invited back for the second round.
The fences for the second round were raised considerably with the Antares triple bar the first fence on the new course and the Grand Hotel Bega wall oxer the last. The Ron Easey saga from the day before continued....Ron and his number one mount Simplistic done exactly the same as the night before and jumped the jump beside the first jump instead of the jump he was supposed to. Lucky Ron has a sense of humour and once he realised he had made the same mistake two nights in a row he halted in front of the crowd and did a bow. The second round produced only four clear rounds. James Arkins and Rosthewaite Vigilante II showed their experience at this level and scooted around in a very fast time leaving all fences up. Clint Beresford and Emmaville Jitterbug were the only combination to go close to Arkin's time but lowered a rail in the process and were still 3 seconds behind. The fairytale of the evening was young Jamie Priestley and KS Optimus' magical double clear following their sickening crash the night before. No one was more proud than her father who met her with a tear-jerking embrace at the gate and her Grandfather Warren who had bought the pair in the Calcutta and had every faith that she would succeed. Succeed she certainly did, finishing in second place behind Arkins. Grant Hughes once again put on a truly professional display riding in his 20th Bega Showjumping Cup on his 20 year old horse Yakity Yak. Yak jumped as well as ever at an age when most horses are either retired or at least stepping back a level. To place third in this large field is a real credit to the Hughes team and testament to their horse management and training. The last of the double clears went to Jess Stalling and Diamond B Vermont who made light work of the course and were a pleasure to watch. The pair finished the class in forth place. So the win went to the favourites James Arkins and Roshewaite Vigilante who finished a very impressive 8 seconds in front of second place. Well done to James and his team and thank you for travelling all the way to Bega. The final standings were:
1 ROSTHWAITE VIGILANTE II JAMES ARKINS-46.450
2 KOLORA STUD OPTIMUS JAMIE PRIESTLEY-54.790
3 YAKITY YAK GRANT HUGHES-55.500
4 DIAMOND B VERMONT JESS STALLING-56.570
5 EMMAVILLE JITTERBUG CLINT BERESFORD 4 49.630
6 VAHLINVADER AARON HADLOW 4 53.640
7 BUBBLE AND SQUEAK JASMINE DENNISON 6 67.560
8 ELLESMERE DERILYN TEAGAN CHESTER 8 53.170
9 MADE U LOOKRON EASEY 12 50.070
SIMPLISTIC RON EASEY EL
NICOLOSSI JASMINE DENNISON RT
Cup goers partied on well into the night - it was New Year's Eve after all! Everyone enjoyed a rest from competition on January 1st.
Day 5 saw a change of Course Designer in Ring 1. Brad Longhurst was let loose in an arena that was not looking quite as nice as it did a week earlier but still pretty good considering. Brad did a nice job in challenging the riders and keeping the fences on the better parts of the surface. Young Victorian Darcy Wade won the first event for horses under 16 points. Riley Mackillop won his second Young Rider class for the show but this time on his grey horse TM Admiral Venture after winning on Alastik GHP the time before. Milly Fisher put in a blitzing round to win the 1.20m and James Arkins had another win in the Premier Floats 1.35m-1.40m AM5 class on Quality Euro. Unfortunately for James, he missed out on the $1000 bonus for winning both the Cup & this event because he won on different horses. The open six bar with a first round starting height of 90cm was won by Amanda Leyshan and her gorgeous little young mare and also Abby Cooper and her very impressive young paint by Visage. The pair finished the very memorable event jumping 1.60m! The Brian Mallyon Memorial Open Six Bar fielded a very classy line-up of experienced six-bar horses and was eventually won outright by Ron Easey. Over in Ring 2 Mackenzie Dunn continued her dominance winning the first class, Tayla Parlevliet won her second event for the show and the 1.00m class was won by young local lass Jess Clarke.
Well the weather gods had blessed the event with a picture perfect show so far but a very loud storm hit Bega about 1am in the morning of Day 6. The show still went on though as Brad Longhurst sympathetically adjusted his courses accordingly to suit the conditions. The Bega Showground was actually very lucky to only experience a couple of very light showers this day as it was raining quite heavily in all of the surrounding districts. The size of the fields were reduced significantly as many scratched and headed home. Those who stayed took advantage of the easier competition. The practise arenas were bogging up but the going in the arena was surprisingly good. Dacry Wade won the under 16 points event for the second day running. Melissa Backman and Riley Mackillop were the only two to front up in the Young Rider with Riley dropping one rail and handing the win to Melissa who jumped a beautiful clear. Alisa Williams is a true competitor and won the 1.20m A2 by 4 seconds. It was only lunchtime and the course was set already for the final event of the day, Part II of the Helen Slater Futurity. With very generous prizemoney on offer 16 competitors braved the conditions. Two thirds of the field jumped clean with 10 horses contesting the jump-off. Some very smart riding was on show with Brett Clarke and the talented mare Our Top Pocket narrowly edging out Riley Mackillop to take a well deserved win. It was nice to see some new winners over in Ring 2 with Cohen Wade, Alex Smith and Riley Cottrell picking up blue ribbons.
The final day of the 20 year Celebration was unfortunately called off due to the torrential rain that set in over night. The local area experienced minor flooding but not until all of our guests were safely on the road and heading home. As club members trudged through the rain and mud packing up the showground our Master of Ceremonies, Steph Davies still had plenty of presentations to make under shelter.
The award for the Best Presented rider/team at the Bega Showjumping Cup was awarded to Grant Hughes and the Emmaville Performance Horses team for beautifully presenting every horse that travelled to Bega. They plaited all 8 horses that competed from the main class to Ring 2. Well done team.
Millie Fisher was awarded Overall Champion Junior Rider of the Bega Showjumping Cup. Millie and her horse Mo Jo Jo Jo received a beautiful rug donated by Horseland Canberra.
Tom Otton was awarded Overall Champion Amatuer Rider of the Bega Showjumping Cup. Dad Poss received the beautiful rug donated by Horseland Canberra on Tom's behalf.
Riley Mackillop was awarded Overall Champion Young Rider of the Bega Showjumping Cup. Riley and his horse Alastik GHP received a beautiful rug donated by Horseland Canberra.
A huge congratulations to Mackenzie Dunn and her horse Ruby who won the Highest Pointscore in Ring 2 over the entire Bega Showjumping Cup 20 Year Anniversary Celebration Show. This award is proudly sponsored each year by Eagle Embroidery of Bega.
Finally, congratulations to Millie Fisher and Mo Jo Jo Jo who won the very prestigious Malcom Slater Memorial Highest Pointscore in Ring 1 over the entire Bega Showjumping Cup 20 Year Celebration Show. Thank you to Helen Slater for presenting this very special award that means so much to you and your family.
A special mention must be made of the Ring Announcer for the week, Steph Davies who done an outstandingly professional job keeping the show together and lightly entertaining all who watched over our event. Steph very kindly paid tribute to some of her young friends who keenly assisted Steph in whatever she needed and especially with Presentations. Special thanks to Emmerson Armstrong, Georgie Dunn, Zoe Grant and Braedy Armstrong who made life a little easier for Steph who was carrying a knee injury.
What a great show, very tiring but so rewarding. The compliments and tributes still flow in from all who visited our show and got to see our great little club in action. Here is to another 20 years!
For full results visit the link below:
http://www.equussentials.com/external/jnsw/2015begacup/2015_results_dashboard.htm
Don' forget great photos from 20th Anniversary Bega SJ Cup are now available to be viewed and purchased from http://geosnapshot.com/e/20th-Anniversary-Bega-SJ-Cup. GeoSnapShot were the official photographer for the Bega Cup utilising talented local photographers to bring mass photography to the event. To find out how you can be involved visit www.GeoSnapShot.com
View other photos in the PHOTO GALLERY on this page.
20th Anniversary Bega
Showjumping Cup
Wow, what a show! To say that the 20th Anniversary Bega Showjumping Cup was a success is an understatement. Congratulations to absolutely everyone involved in the running of this history making event. To take on the task of planning and producing a show spanning 8 days is a massive effort and requires the help and cooperation of an entire club, not just a small committee, and that is exactly what the Bega Showjumping Club did. From the hugely time consuming jobs of the office workers, the ring workers putting in the long hours out in centre ring, to the decision making executive and officials to the caterers, food & drink runners and marshalls, no matter how big or small your contribution was to the event, the important thing is that you all put your hand up and helped wherever you could. Our club is the envy of the country! No where will you see a show run so well and soley by passionate volunteers. Bega Showjumping Club - give yourself a huge pat on the back and be very proud of the giant feat you pulled off.
The show began on Monday 28th December with just one ring in operation. This day featured cross rails up to 65cm and finished with Junior Six bars. It was great to see the really little kids who wouldn't normally get a chance to compete at a big show having so much fun on the beautiful big arena. Winners on the day were Georgie Dunn, Mackenzie Dunn, Cohen Wade and Sarah Davies but the most consistant competitor was Bella Griffin from Bega and her pony Mango who were awarded a beautiful woollen rug donated by Horseland Canberra for the highest pointscore on the day.
Tuesday was the first day of official competition. International Course Designer Gavin Chester set nice flowing tracks for the first day but caught a few off-guard by throwing the water jump in all of the 1.20m+ classes. Winners in Ring 1 were Jess Davies, Tom Otton, Brett Clarke and Rhys Stones. The 1.35m AM7 was watched keenly as the punters checked out the form leading up to the main event, the Bega Showjumping Cup. Spectators were definitely treated to a great display of speed riding. Over in Ring 2, course designer Charl Archer built very friendly courses. Mackenzie Dunn won 2 events and Scott Waterson won the 1.00m. 7am start, 8pm finish...phew!
Wednesday saw the commencement of another big program with five events in Ring 1 featuring the first Helen Slater Futurity Event. With 45 entries in this prestigious event with $1500 going to the winner, a technical but fair 1.25m-1.30m course was set. The first round course proved to be more difficult than predicted with two unsettling falls of both horse and rider but it eventually produced ten clear rounds to contest the jump off. One of the fallen riders Cecil Staples was mildly concussed and did not compete for the rest of the show following Doctor's advice. The jump-off also had quite a few un-nerving moments with only one clear round produced by the beautiful mare Yirrkala Exclusive and her talented jockey Stephanie Mackillop up until the final rider of the event. Stephen Dingwall and Dusky Farm Cavalier entered the arena after quite a lengthy delay following another sickening fall of young stars Jamie Priestley and KS Optimus. Thankfully Jamie walked from the arena, a little dazed but okay. Stephen is one cool customer and very professionally guided his young upcoming star around the course to post the event's second double clear and take the win. Stephen lifted the sombre mood with a lap of honor, helmet held aloft. Next event on the program was the 1.35m-1.45m A2 class which was the last chance to check out the Cup horses before the Calcutta that night. Cup favourite James Arkins and Rosthwaite Vigilante II just edged out legend Ron Easey and Made U Look to claim the win. Mr Easey saved (or eliminated) his best horse Simplistic by jumping the vertical beside the first jump instead of the actual first jump he was supposed to jump - stay tuned this story has more to it. Other winners on the day were Brett Clarke, Jacob Wells, Milly Fisher, Mackenzie Dunn, Murray Otton and Sharyn Reed grabbed 1st & 2nd in the 1.04m. Another 7am to 8pm day.
Just before the start of the Futurity, the Bega Showjumping Club made a very special presentation and paid tribute to Helen Slater who not only sponsors the Futurity but has been a sponsor and hard working committee member for the entire 20 year history of the Cup. It was a very emotional presentation for Helen as she received a framed photo of herself and her late husband Malcom of who she describes as "the most generous person in the world" and she continues to do what she does because it is what he would be doing if he was still here today. Thank you Helen for everything - No words will ever be enough.
Another very special presentation was made during the Calcutta. Life Membership was awarded to a person who was a very crucial part of the Cup's initial success. As one of the country's best showjumping riders (dare I say 10-20 years ago) it was his profile, contacts and friendly persuasion techniques that got so many highly regarded riders to make the trip all the way to Bega and make it the huge success that it was and earn it the reputation that makes it still makes it a success today.
Not to mention the years of being Club President and countless hours of work put into running the club over the past 30+ years. Congratulations Poss Otton, your a champion person and a very deserving recipient. Dare I mention that Poss is the also the luckiest person in the history of Bega Cup Calcutta's with many wins over the years and guess who drew this year's Cup favourite of James Arkins? - you guessed it...Poss!
New Year's Eve arrived - Cup Day! Heads were a little weary following a great night at the Grand Hotel where guests enjoyed a beautiful meal from the Graze at the Grand Restaurant and then emptied their pockets at what was one epic Calcutta! Most bids opened at $500 and the total prize pool was over $7000 with over $4000 going to the winner! First job of the morning was to change all events to one round with the exception of the Mini Prix to ensure the program finished before the main event at 6pm. Some great displays of well thought speed rounds were featuring at the top of the leader boards today. In particular Ring 2 had some worthy winners in Heidi Staples, Ellie Grant and Tayla Parlevliet all riding beautiful rounds. Milly Fisher won her second junior event for the show and Riley Mackillop won the first Young Rider event for the show. Alisa Williams showed her competitiveness winning the 1.20m in great style even though she hadn't sat on a horse for 6 months! The Mini Prix was a nice class producing 7 clears from 27 starters. The eventual winner was James Arkins and his recently purchased Aveden Indigo from WA. He edged out the once again Steph Mackillop and Yirrkala Exclusive in 2nd spot and Stephen Dingwall & Cavalier Du Ruet in third.
While the competitors were walking the course for the main event Stewart Smith lightly entertained the waiting crowd by interviewing some legends about the past and their thoughts about the future. First he brought down Lofty Chester who has been coming to the Bega Showground for 60 years. They spoke about when the Snowy River Jumping Team came to Towamba, a tiny place in the middle of no where, near Eden. The competition was still over "hurdles" back in those days and Lofty reminisced about the great times had at Towamba. Lofty spoke about one of his proudest moments being when son Gavin raised the eye brows of the world when he competed on a horse overseas with the Snowy River prefix and they played the Australian anthem for them. It was then that Poss Otton took over the microphone and acknowledged Lofty for attending every Cup over the past 20 years, stocking the fridge and looking after the ring workers every year and sitting in the same spot under the trees and always having the time to yarn to whoever sits in the chair beside him. Lofty was presented with some framed photos and the poor old fella almost collapsed with shock and was overwhelmed with emotion. Thanks Lofty for being a part of our show.
The next presentation was made by Helen Slater to one of Bega's showjumping heroes, Grant Hughes. Grant once said that he thinks of Bega as "my second home" and we always love it when the Hughes team roll into town. They are the most kind people and Grant is the ultimate competitor and role-model. Helen presented Grant with a plaque for being the only rider to compete in every Cup event, not just the show but the main event. It was fitting that Grant had two sensational clear rounds in the first round of the Cup and finished in third place on the evergreen Yakkity Yak who is an amazing 20 years old and he jumped as well as ever. Heartfelt congratulations to you Grant.
Finally, two more Life Memberships were awarded. Madge Salway has been there to witness the evolution of Bega Showjumping Club since it was formed 50 years ago. It was just over 50 years ago that Madge brought the entire Sydney Royal Easter Show grandstand to its feet when she cleared over 7'2" to win the Six Bar as a young girl. Now Madge works tirelessly as Showjumping Steward of the Cobargo Show and is an accredited judge and absolutely loves watching the young kids progress from cross rails in Ring 2 to jumping in the main arena in what seems like no time at all. She made special mention of the Clarke family and how she has always had a special spot in her heart for Brett and considers him as her son. She also said that when Brett's son Lane won the Leading Junior Rider at Sydney Royal, she was as proud as any Grandmother could be and she cherishes the photos that they had together.
Stewart Smith was the second recipient. Stewart is the epitomy of a club member, just does the work that needs to be done, goes home and comes back the next day for more. Stew's love and admiration for the sport is what keeps him coming back and he will continue to come back. The most humble of people, Stew hates recognition and as you could imagine, was not overly happy to be made a fuss of when receiving this award. All he has ever wanted was to ensure that the club and all of the local shows are healthy and sustainable and that they keep on running forever to provide a place for all local equestrian enthusiasts to live their dreams no matter how big or small. Thank you so much to these really valued members of the club.
The scene was set for the 20th Bega Showjumping Cup. Course Designer Gavin Chester gave a brief tour of the course he had set and gave a prediction of about 5 clear rounds and for the win to go to either James Arkins, Clint Beresford or the 15 year old Australian Junior Champion, Jasmine Dennison. The 20th Anniversary Bega Showjumping Cup attracted 27 entries, a lot more than previous years so spectators were in for a real treat. The first round track was built at 1.40m-1.45m in height and saw a few young horse and rider combinations having their first start at this level. The course rode beautifully resulting in 11 clears. Ron Easey and Jasmine Dennison jumped clean on both of their horses as did Grant Hughes but unfortunately incurred one time penalty on Blackall Park Atlantis. Due to this large percentage of first round clears, those who incurred faults were unfortunately not invited back for the second round.
The fences for the second round were raised considerably with the Antares triple bar the first fence on the new course and the Grand Hotel Bega wall oxer the last. The Ron Easey saga from the day before continued....Ron and his number one mount Simplistic done exactly the same as the night before and jumped the jump beside the first jump instead of the jump he was supposed to. Lucky Ron has a sense of humour and once he realised he had made the same mistake two nights in a row he halted in front of the crowd and did a bow. The second round produced only four clear rounds. James Arkins and Rosthewaite Vigilante II showed their experience at this level and scooted around in a very fast time leaving all fences up. Clint Beresford and Emmaville Jitterbug were the only combination to go close to Arkin's time but lowered a rail in the process and were still 3 seconds behind. The fairytale of the evening was young Jamie Priestley and KS Optimus' magical double clear following their sickening crash the night before. No one was more proud than her father who met her with a tear-jerking embrace at the gate and her Grandfather Warren who had bought the pair in the Calcutta and had every faith that she would succeed. Succeed she certainly did, finishing in second place behind Arkins. Grant Hughes once again put on a truly professional display riding in his 20th Bega Showjumping Cup on his 20 year old horse Yakity Yak. Yak jumped as well as ever at an age when most horses are either retired or at least stepping back a level. To place third in this large field is a real credit to the Hughes team and testament to their horse management and training. The last of the double clears went to Jess Stalling and Diamond B Vermont who made light work of the course and were a pleasure to watch. The pair finished the class in forth place. So the win went to the favourites James Arkins and Roshewaite Vigilante who finished a very impressive 8 seconds in front of second place. Well done to James and his team and thank you for travelling all the way to Bega. The final standings were:
1 ROSTHWAITE VIGILANTE II JAMES ARKINS-46.450
2 KOLORA STUD OPTIMUS JAMIE PRIESTLEY-54.790
3 YAKITY YAK GRANT HUGHES-55.500
4 DIAMOND B VERMONT JESS STALLING-56.570
5 EMMAVILLE JITTERBUG CLINT BERESFORD 4 49.630
6 VAHLINVADER AARON HADLOW 4 53.640
7 BUBBLE AND SQUEAK JASMINE DENNISON 6 67.560
8 ELLESMERE DERILYN TEAGAN CHESTER 8 53.170
9 MADE U LOOKRON EASEY 12 50.070
SIMPLISTIC RON EASEY EL
NICOLOSSI JASMINE DENNISON RT
Cup goers partied on well into the night - it was New Year's Eve after all! Everyone enjoyed a rest from competition on January 1st.
Day 5 saw a change of Course Designer in Ring 1. Brad Longhurst was let loose in an arena that was not looking quite as nice as it did a week earlier but still pretty good considering. Brad did a nice job in challenging the riders and keeping the fences on the better parts of the surface. Young Victorian Darcy Wade won the first event for horses under 16 points. Riley Mackillop won his second Young Rider class for the show but this time on his grey horse TM Admiral Venture after winning on Alastik GHP the time before. Milly Fisher put in a blitzing round to win the 1.20m and James Arkins had another win in the Premier Floats 1.35m-1.40m AM5 class on Quality Euro. Unfortunately for James, he missed out on the $1000 bonus for winning both the Cup & this event because he won on different horses. The open six bar with a first round starting height of 90cm was won by Amanda Leyshan and her gorgeous little young mare and also Abby Cooper and her very impressive young paint by Visage. The pair finished the very memorable event jumping 1.60m! The Brian Mallyon Memorial Open Six Bar fielded a very classy line-up of experienced six-bar horses and was eventually won outright by Ron Easey. Over in Ring 2 Mackenzie Dunn continued her dominance winning the first class, Tayla Parlevliet won her second event for the show and the 1.00m class was won by young local lass Jess Clarke.
Well the weather gods had blessed the event with a picture perfect show so far but a very loud storm hit Bega about 1am in the morning of Day 6. The show still went on though as Brad Longhurst sympathetically adjusted his courses accordingly to suit the conditions. The Bega Showground was actually very lucky to only experience a couple of very light showers this day as it was raining quite heavily in all of the surrounding districts. The size of the fields were reduced significantly as many scratched and headed home. Those who stayed took advantage of the easier competition. The practise arenas were bogging up but the going in the arena was surprisingly good. Dacry Wade won the under 16 points event for the second day running. Melissa Backman and Riley Mackillop were the only two to front up in the Young Rider with Riley dropping one rail and handing the win to Melissa who jumped a beautiful clear. Alisa Williams is a true competitor and won the 1.20m A2 by 4 seconds. It was only lunchtime and the course was set already for the final event of the day, Part II of the Helen Slater Futurity. With very generous prizemoney on offer 16 competitors braved the conditions. Two thirds of the field jumped clean with 10 horses contesting the jump-off. Some very smart riding was on show with Brett Clarke and the talented mare Our Top Pocket narrowly edging out Riley Mackillop to take a well deserved win. It was nice to see some new winners over in Ring 2 with Cohen Wade, Alex Smith and Riley Cottrell picking up blue ribbons.
The final day of the 20 year Celebration was unfortunately called off due to the torrential rain that set in over night. The local area experienced minor flooding but not until all of our guests were safely on the road and heading home. As club members trudged through the rain and mud packing up the showground our Master of Ceremonies, Steph Davies still had plenty of presentations to make under shelter.
The award for the Best Presented rider/team at the Bega Showjumping Cup was awarded to Grant Hughes and the Emmaville Performance Horses team for beautifully presenting every horse that travelled to Bega. They plaited all 8 horses that competed from the main class to Ring 2. Well done team.
Millie Fisher was awarded Overall Champion Junior Rider of the Bega Showjumping Cup. Millie and her horse Mo Jo Jo Jo received a beautiful rug donated by Horseland Canberra.
Tom Otton was awarded Overall Champion Amatuer Rider of the Bega Showjumping Cup. Dad Poss received the beautiful rug donated by Horseland Canberra on Tom's behalf.
Riley Mackillop was awarded Overall Champion Young Rider of the Bega Showjumping Cup. Riley and his horse Alastik GHP received a beautiful rug donated by Horseland Canberra.
A huge congratulations to Mackenzie Dunn and her horse Ruby who won the Highest Pointscore in Ring 2 over the entire Bega Showjumping Cup 20 Year Anniversary Celebration Show. This award is proudly sponsored each year by Eagle Embroidery of Bega.
Finally, congratulations to Millie Fisher and Mo Jo Jo Jo who won the very prestigious Malcom Slater Memorial Highest Pointscore in Ring 1 over the entire Bega Showjumping Cup 20 Year Celebration Show. Thank you to Helen Slater for presenting this very special award that means so much to you and your family.
A special mention must be made of the Ring Announcer for the week, Steph Davies who done an outstandingly professional job keeping the show together and lightly entertaining all who watched over our event. Steph very kindly paid tribute to some of her young friends who keenly assisted Steph in whatever she needed and especially with Presentations. Special thanks to Emmerson Armstrong, Georgie Dunn, Zoe Grant and Braedy Armstrong who made life a little easier for Steph who was carrying a knee injury.
What a great show, very tiring but so rewarding. The compliments and tributes still flow in from all who visited our show and got to see our great little club in action. Here is to another 20 years!
For full results visit the link below:
http://www.equussentials.com/external/jnsw/2015begacup/2015_results_dashboard.htm
Don' forget great photos from 20th Anniversary Bega SJ Cup are now available to be viewed and purchased from http://geosnapshot.com/e/20th-Anniversary-Bega-SJ-Cup. GeoSnapShot were the official photographer for the Bega Cup utilising talented local photographers to bring mass photography to the event. To find out how you can be involved visit www.GeoSnapShot.com
View other photos in the PHOTO GALLERY on this page.
Club Celebrates the end of a Wonderful Year
The Bega Showjumping Club celebrated the end of another great year on the 28th & 29th November. Saturday began with a working bee at the Bega Showground as the club is busily preparing for the upcoming Bega Showjumping Cup 20th Year Anniversary Celebration. The finishing touches are being added to the showjumping equipment with each jump painted to promote the event's generous sponsors. After a big day of work, members celebrated at the Christmas Party and Presentation Night.
Well over 100 members enjoyed a barbeque meal and enjoyed reminiscing about the year that was. Club President Brett Clarke addressed everyone and congratulated all riders on their success and achievements made throughout the year, no matter how big or small. He also took the time to thank the hard working members who volunteer on the committee and have done so much work recently in the lead-up to the Cup. Clarke encouraged all members to roll up their sleeves and help out whenever they could in the lead up and during this huge event which begins straight after Christmas. Santa also made a surprise appearance and brought lots of goodies for the kids.
Many presentations were made for encouragement, consistency, improvement and achievement with Brett Clarke being awarded the Highest Achievement Award for his outstanding success throughout the year. The Marie Smith Junior Medal and Charlie Smith Memorial Senior Award are Best and Fairest/Most Improved type awards with a 3-2-1 pointscore taken after each jump Club Training day. The Club was very proud to announce that the Winner of the Marie Smith Medal was Mackenzie Dunn with Emerson Armstrong named as runner-up. The winner of the Charlie Smith Memorial was also a popular decision going to Grant Jessop with Dennis Smith as runner-up. These recipients are very deserving of these awards and have attended almost every Jump Club Day this year.
To wrap up the presentations, three ladies were awarded Unsung Hero awards; Kylie Douch, Jenny Smith and Melinda Armstrong. The prestigeous Club Person of the Year Shield was awarded to Hayley Jessop who in her first year as Secretary has done an outstanding job all while becoming a Mum for the first time. The congregation then enjoyed a beautiful slide-show presentation of photos from the year taken by the Club's Official Photographer Jackie Grant.
The following morning started bright and early with the Club's very last training day for 2015. This was club member's final chance to train on the show ground before it is closed to be prepared for the Bega Showjumping Cup. Club members enjoyed a relaxed day of jumping and hopefully gained a home-ground advantage for the upcoming competition which is attracting riders from all over the country.
Encouragement Awards:
Clarie Breust Tom Constance Coco Gibson-Blewett Sienna Jessop Tyler Breust Thomas Donnelly Sammy Grant Ashleigh Whyman Regina Nicholls Chelsea Ubrihien Brooke Hampson Zali Duncan Alena Duncan Colby Douch Carmen Macgregor Sarah Keevers Caitlin Reid Alaina Macnamara Isabelle Cox Alex Marks Lachlan Marks
Most Improved Awards:
Braedy Armstrong Jack Clarke Jasmin Constance Emerson Armstrong Ellie Grant Brigid Dunn Georgie Dunn Mackenzie Dunn Zoe Grant Bella Griffin Jordan Smith Katelyn Staples Heidi Staples Abbie Douch Sophie Heffernan Emily Quodling Rebecca Breust Grant Jessop Toni Wallace Scott Dunn Dennis Smith Melinda Armstrong Casey Louttit
Most Consistant:
Alex Smith Amber Callaghan Rachel Smith Raymond Grant Wendy Constance
Achievement Awards:
Jenny Smith Craig Mattews Jessica Clarke Mikaela Macnamara Clint Beresford Esther Black
High Achiever:
Brett Clarke
Members Award:
Charlotte Mcpaul Jemmasen Smith Clancy Lucas
The Charlie Smith Memorial Seniors Winner :
Grant Jessop
Runner -Up:
Dennis Smith
The Marie Smith Medal Award Winner:
Mackenzie Dunn
Runner-Up:
Emerson Armstrong
The Rocky Award For those with big dreams to become legends:
Scott Dunn
Unsung Hero:
Kylie Douch Jenny Smith Melinda Armstrong
Photographer of the Year:
Jackie Grant
The Club Person Of The Year:
Hayley Jessop
The Bega Showjumping Club celebrated the end of another great year on the 28th & 29th November. Saturday began with a working bee at the Bega Showground as the club is busily preparing for the upcoming Bega Showjumping Cup 20th Year Anniversary Celebration. The finishing touches are being added to the showjumping equipment with each jump painted to promote the event's generous sponsors. After a big day of work, members celebrated at the Christmas Party and Presentation Night.
Well over 100 members enjoyed a barbeque meal and enjoyed reminiscing about the year that was. Club President Brett Clarke addressed everyone and congratulated all riders on their success and achievements made throughout the year, no matter how big or small. He also took the time to thank the hard working members who volunteer on the committee and have done so much work recently in the lead-up to the Cup. Clarke encouraged all members to roll up their sleeves and help out whenever they could in the lead up and during this huge event which begins straight after Christmas. Santa also made a surprise appearance and brought lots of goodies for the kids.
Many presentations were made for encouragement, consistency, improvement and achievement with Brett Clarke being awarded the Highest Achievement Award for his outstanding success throughout the year. The Marie Smith Junior Medal and Charlie Smith Memorial Senior Award are Best and Fairest/Most Improved type awards with a 3-2-1 pointscore taken after each jump Club Training day. The Club was very proud to announce that the Winner of the Marie Smith Medal was Mackenzie Dunn with Emerson Armstrong named as runner-up. The winner of the Charlie Smith Memorial was also a popular decision going to Grant Jessop with Dennis Smith as runner-up. These recipients are very deserving of these awards and have attended almost every Jump Club Day this year.
To wrap up the presentations, three ladies were awarded Unsung Hero awards; Kylie Douch, Jenny Smith and Melinda Armstrong. The prestigeous Club Person of the Year Shield was awarded to Hayley Jessop who in her first year as Secretary has done an outstanding job all while becoming a Mum for the first time. The congregation then enjoyed a beautiful slide-show presentation of photos from the year taken by the Club's Official Photographer Jackie Grant.
The following morning started bright and early with the Club's very last training day for 2015. This was club member's final chance to train on the show ground before it is closed to be prepared for the Bega Showjumping Cup. Club members enjoyed a relaxed day of jumping and hopefully gained a home-ground advantage for the upcoming competition which is attracting riders from all over the country.
Encouragement Awards:
Clarie Breust Tom Constance Coco Gibson-Blewett Sienna Jessop Tyler Breust Thomas Donnelly Sammy Grant Ashleigh Whyman Regina Nicholls Chelsea Ubrihien Brooke Hampson Zali Duncan Alena Duncan Colby Douch Carmen Macgregor Sarah Keevers Caitlin Reid Alaina Macnamara Isabelle Cox Alex Marks Lachlan Marks
Most Improved Awards:
Braedy Armstrong Jack Clarke Jasmin Constance Emerson Armstrong Ellie Grant Brigid Dunn Georgie Dunn Mackenzie Dunn Zoe Grant Bella Griffin Jordan Smith Katelyn Staples Heidi Staples Abbie Douch Sophie Heffernan Emily Quodling Rebecca Breust Grant Jessop Toni Wallace Scott Dunn Dennis Smith Melinda Armstrong Casey Louttit
Most Consistant:
Alex Smith Amber Callaghan Rachel Smith Raymond Grant Wendy Constance
Achievement Awards:
Jenny Smith Craig Mattews Jessica Clarke Mikaela Macnamara Clint Beresford Esther Black
High Achiever:
Brett Clarke
Members Award:
Charlotte Mcpaul Jemmasen Smith Clancy Lucas
The Charlie Smith Memorial Seniors Winner :
Grant Jessop
Runner -Up:
Dennis Smith
The Marie Smith Medal Award Winner:
Mackenzie Dunn
Runner-Up:
Emerson Armstrong
The Rocky Award For those with big dreams to become legends:
Scott Dunn
Unsung Hero:
Kylie Douch Jenny Smith Melinda Armstrong
Photographer of the Year:
Jackie Grant
The Club Person Of The Year:
Hayley Jessop
GH Tigerlilly Stars Again! - Canberra Showjumping Cup 2015
Congratulations to Club President Brett Clarke on winning the Canberra Showjumping Cup on Sunday 22nd November. Brett beat a very classy field over a very tough Brad Longhurst course riding the gutsy little mare GH Tigerlilly aka Blossom. Blossom is also the reining Bega Showjumping Cup winner and has recently just become a junior horse with Brett's daughter Jess competing on her also. What a great little mare Blossom has been for the Clarke family showing great versatility and temperament.
Their were plenty more great results from Bega Showjumping Club members from the event. This report to be continued when more information comes to hand.
Congratulations to Club President Brett Clarke on winning the Canberra Showjumping Cup on Sunday 22nd November. Brett beat a very classy field over a very tough Brad Longhurst course riding the gutsy little mare GH Tigerlilly aka Blossom. Blossom is also the reining Bega Showjumping Cup winner and has recently just become a junior horse with Brett's daughter Jess competing on her also. What a great little mare Blossom has been for the Clarke family showing great versatility and temperament.
Their were plenty more great results from Bega Showjumping Club members from the event. This report to be continued when more information comes to hand.
Craig Cleans Up at Royal Melbourne
Congratulations to Craig Matthews and Fifa La Viva on a very successful Melbourne Royal Show 2015. It was the first time that Craig and Fi Fi have stepped up into Part 2 at a Royal. They competed in four events with a starting height of 1.40m. In the first event they just missed out on a ribbon placing 6th. They then placed in every other event finishing with 2x fifths and a second place in the Mini Prix. The combination finished runner-up overall. Well done to Craig and his team!
Club Members Gaining Valuable Experience
In September two of the club’s officials were invited to attend and work at a couple of very prestigious events on the Australian Showjumping calendar. These experiences are so valuable not just for these two gentleman but for our club as they bring back with them a wealth of knowledge to share.
Tom Otton – EA National Level 1 Showjumping Course Designer
Tom was invited by Head of Showjumping, Brett Hickey to assist FEI Course Designer David Shepherd at the 2015 Royal Melbourne Show. The showjumping program runs over four days and includes 3 open levels; PART 1,2 & 3, a Junior competition and concludes with a World Cup Qualifying round. Tom and another course designer Barry “I can’t remember his last name” were in charge of the ring crew and the basic laying out and setting up of the courses “David would give us a course plan and Barry and I would set it up with the ring crew. David would then come down and kick a few wings and check it.” Tom said that the best part was that their were 15 men in the arena crew “if you weren’t totally happy with where you put a fence it was not a problem to just move it slightly because their were so many helpers. It was good to be able to put a bit more thought and effort into stuff like that.” A couple of years ago a new arena was built at the Melbourne Royal Showground that is just for horse events and a lot smaller than the main showground. The showjumping takes up the whole ring which measures at 100m x 100m. Tom said that the square arena proved to be a little challenging to fit some of the related lines that were planned by David “we had to slightly change some of the lines on the course plan. I think a square arena is a bit harder to build in than a rectangular one.” When asked about the experience gained working with David Shepherd, Tom said the biggest eye-opener and what he found most different about him was that he never used a tape to measure lines, he stepped everything. “He would measure combinations but then half the time he would still move it after. A few times I wanted to slightly move something and he would say don’t worry about it. He was so different to say Leo (Leopoldo Palacios), John (Vallance) and Brad (Longhurst) who measure everything exactly.” Tom had a great time working and socialising with everyone on the committee. Thanks for sharing your experience with us Tom.
Greg Grant – EA Level 2 Showjumping Judge
Finally, after several years of being asked, Greg was able to attend the Australian Showjumping Championships in Werribee VIC. The event usually clashes with the show run out west that Greg has loved judging on over the past few years. This year, Greg left his calendar clear and made the big trip in his little horse truck to the magnificent Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre located the other side of Melbourne. Greg was asked to come along by Gavin Chester and Anne Garner who are regulars to Bega Show and also on the organising committee for this major event. Greg arrived two days before the start of competition to help with the set up “It was such a great experience just to see what goes into setting up such a huge event. The place is just huge!” The Australian Showjumping Championships have five arenas operating over 4 days. Each ring had a judge and a penciller who is also a judge and the main arena had a Ground Jury which included a panel of three judges. Greg said that their were also 19 course designers at the event. The officials came from every state in the country and all had turns rotating around the rings and different jobs that they were qualified for. Greg mostly enjoyed assisting the Ground Jury in Main Arena who were Anne Garner (Victoria's most senior Judge), Kevin Tarranto (also VIC) and Sarah Ozane from WA "It was great to witness how a ground jury operate. Each judge was allocated a different job and Anne had to take a lead role which was sometimes difficult amongst judges of such a high calibre. Tensions sometimes were high in the judges box and I was happy to be commended on my proffessional attitude." Greg also enjoyed judging and pencilling in Rings 2 & 4. He said it was challenging to get a high volume of horses through those smaller rings.
Greg is hoping to attend more of these higher level events to gain experience so that he can some day make the transition to Level 3 Judge. "Each Level of judging is a completely different ball-game. Level 3 is a lot more involved as you are not only required to know the rules and know how to implement them but also know all of the regulations like for example horse welfare, safety and more the technical side of showjumping. I have a long way to go but I am really enjoying it. I am really looking forward to working at the Summer Classic World Cup Show at SIEC in December."
The Club would like to wish both Tom and Greg all the best with their future endevours. The sport is crying out for more qualified officials and our club is very lucky to have these two who are keen to continue and improve proffessionally. It can only benefit our club and the sport in general.
In September two of the club’s officials were invited to attend and work at a couple of very prestigious events on the Australian Showjumping calendar. These experiences are so valuable not just for these two gentleman but for our club as they bring back with them a wealth of knowledge to share.
Tom Otton – EA National Level 1 Showjumping Course Designer
Tom was invited by Head of Showjumping, Brett Hickey to assist FEI Course Designer David Shepherd at the 2015 Royal Melbourne Show. The showjumping program runs over four days and includes 3 open levels; PART 1,2 & 3, a Junior competition and concludes with a World Cup Qualifying round. Tom and another course designer Barry “I can’t remember his last name” were in charge of the ring crew and the basic laying out and setting up of the courses “David would give us a course plan and Barry and I would set it up with the ring crew. David would then come down and kick a few wings and check it.” Tom said that the best part was that their were 15 men in the arena crew “if you weren’t totally happy with where you put a fence it was not a problem to just move it slightly because their were so many helpers. It was good to be able to put a bit more thought and effort into stuff like that.” A couple of years ago a new arena was built at the Melbourne Royal Showground that is just for horse events and a lot smaller than the main showground. The showjumping takes up the whole ring which measures at 100m x 100m. Tom said that the square arena proved to be a little challenging to fit some of the related lines that were planned by David “we had to slightly change some of the lines on the course plan. I think a square arena is a bit harder to build in than a rectangular one.” When asked about the experience gained working with David Shepherd, Tom said the biggest eye-opener and what he found most different about him was that he never used a tape to measure lines, he stepped everything. “He would measure combinations but then half the time he would still move it after. A few times I wanted to slightly move something and he would say don’t worry about it. He was so different to say Leo (Leopoldo Palacios), John (Vallance) and Brad (Longhurst) who measure everything exactly.” Tom had a great time working and socialising with everyone on the committee. Thanks for sharing your experience with us Tom.
Greg Grant – EA Level 2 Showjumping Judge
Finally, after several years of being asked, Greg was able to attend the Australian Showjumping Championships in Werribee VIC. The event usually clashes with the show run out west that Greg has loved judging on over the past few years. This year, Greg left his calendar clear and made the big trip in his little horse truck to the magnificent Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre located the other side of Melbourne. Greg was asked to come along by Gavin Chester and Anne Garner who are regulars to Bega Show and also on the organising committee for this major event. Greg arrived two days before the start of competition to help with the set up “It was such a great experience just to see what goes into setting up such a huge event. The place is just huge!” The Australian Showjumping Championships have five arenas operating over 4 days. Each ring had a judge and a penciller who is also a judge and the main arena had a Ground Jury which included a panel of three judges. Greg said that their were also 19 course designers at the event. The officials came from every state in the country and all had turns rotating around the rings and different jobs that they were qualified for. Greg mostly enjoyed assisting the Ground Jury in Main Arena who were Anne Garner (Victoria's most senior Judge), Kevin Tarranto (also VIC) and Sarah Ozane from WA "It was great to witness how a ground jury operate. Each judge was allocated a different job and Anne had to take a lead role which was sometimes difficult amongst judges of such a high calibre. Tensions sometimes were high in the judges box and I was happy to be commended on my proffessional attitude." Greg also enjoyed judging and pencilling in Rings 2 & 4. He said it was challenging to get a high volume of horses through those smaller rings.
Greg is hoping to attend more of these higher level events to gain experience so that he can some day make the transition to Level 3 Judge. "Each Level of judging is a completely different ball-game. Level 3 is a lot more involved as you are not only required to know the rules and know how to implement them but also know all of the regulations like for example horse welfare, safety and more the technical side of showjumping. I have a long way to go but I am really enjoying it. I am really looking forward to working at the Summer Classic World Cup Show at SIEC in December."
The Club would like to wish both Tom and Greg all the best with their future endevours. The sport is crying out for more qualified officials and our club is very lucky to have these two who are keen to continue and improve proffessionally. It can only benefit our club and the sport in general.
Bega AP&H Society Spring Horse Show
The Bega AP&H Society Spring Horse Show ran over the weekend of the 17th & 18th October. Competitors travelled from as far as the ACT, Bungendore, Ulladulla and Mallacoota to participate in the Dressage competition on Saturday and Showjumping on Sunday. The Head Ring Steward Helen Slater said that she was very pleased with number and quality of entries received on both days of competition. Mrs Slater explained that the show provided a great opportunity for local riders to hone their skills in preparation for the upcoming local show season and the Bega Showjumping Cup which will be celebrating its 20th Year Anniversary. She was particularly impressed with just how far some competitors travelled to support this small event. Mrs Slater also made the exciting announcement that the Far South Coast National Bega Show, which will take place in February next year, has received a huge $4000 boost to the prize money for ring events thanks to a very generous sponsor. Programs for the Bega Show will be available next month. The Bega Show Ring committee would like to thank the Far South Coast Dressage Association, Bega Showjumping Club and other volunteers for all the help they provided at the Bega Spring Horse Show.
Results:
50cm Table A2 – 1. Zoe Grant & Sweetie 2. Emmerson Armstrong & Shout =3. Tom Constance & Gem =3. Tyler Bruest & Bonnie 5. Abbie Douch & Diamond.
65cm Table AM7 – 1. Murray Otton & Rex 2. Zoe Grant & Sweetie =3. Rachael Smith & Monsoon =3. Tyler Bruest & Bonnie 5. Abbie Douch & Diamond
80cm Table AM7 – 1. Tom Ladhams & Hoodwinked 2. Murray Otton & Who Me 3. Wendy Constance & Rooster 4. Bella Griffin & Exquisite 5. Melinda Armstrong & Julia
90cm Table AM5 – 1. Brett Clarke & Blue 2. Sam Sant & Hugo 3. Jed Smith & Country Platnium 4. Ellie Grant & Smokin Joe 5. Dave Lucas & Jagger
1.00m Table AM5 – 1. Brett Clarke & Jagger 2. Tom Otton & Spook 3. Grant Jessop & Jessie’s Girl 4. Jess Clarke & Jumbuck 5. Amy Woods & Sonny
1.10m Open Table AM5 – 1. Tom Otton & Sunday Thrill 2. Jenny Smith & Country Vision 3. Jess Clarke & Jumbuck 4. Jess Clarke & Tigerlilly 5. Tom Otton & Spook
1.10m Under 16 points Table AM5 – 1. Brett Clarke & Captain Morgan 2. Mikaela MacNamara & SS Raindancer 3. John Flower & Uncle Ted 4. Amy Woods & Sonny 5. Aiden Woods & Navigator
Thank you to Anne-Marie Ladhams for the beautiful photos below;
The Bega AP&H Society Spring Horse Show ran over the weekend of the 17th & 18th October. Competitors travelled from as far as the ACT, Bungendore, Ulladulla and Mallacoota to participate in the Dressage competition on Saturday and Showjumping on Sunday. The Head Ring Steward Helen Slater said that she was very pleased with number and quality of entries received on both days of competition. Mrs Slater explained that the show provided a great opportunity for local riders to hone their skills in preparation for the upcoming local show season and the Bega Showjumping Cup which will be celebrating its 20th Year Anniversary. She was particularly impressed with just how far some competitors travelled to support this small event. Mrs Slater also made the exciting announcement that the Far South Coast National Bega Show, which will take place in February next year, has received a huge $4000 boost to the prize money for ring events thanks to a very generous sponsor. Programs for the Bega Show will be available next month. The Bega Show Ring committee would like to thank the Far South Coast Dressage Association, Bega Showjumping Club and other volunteers for all the help they provided at the Bega Spring Horse Show.
Results:
50cm Table A2 – 1. Zoe Grant & Sweetie 2. Emmerson Armstrong & Shout =3. Tom Constance & Gem =3. Tyler Bruest & Bonnie 5. Abbie Douch & Diamond.
65cm Table AM7 – 1. Murray Otton & Rex 2. Zoe Grant & Sweetie =3. Rachael Smith & Monsoon =3. Tyler Bruest & Bonnie 5. Abbie Douch & Diamond
80cm Table AM7 – 1. Tom Ladhams & Hoodwinked 2. Murray Otton & Who Me 3. Wendy Constance & Rooster 4. Bella Griffin & Exquisite 5. Melinda Armstrong & Julia
90cm Table AM5 – 1. Brett Clarke & Blue 2. Sam Sant & Hugo 3. Jed Smith & Country Platnium 4. Ellie Grant & Smokin Joe 5. Dave Lucas & Jagger
1.00m Table AM5 – 1. Brett Clarke & Jagger 2. Tom Otton & Spook 3. Grant Jessop & Jessie’s Girl 4. Jess Clarke & Jumbuck 5. Amy Woods & Sonny
1.10m Open Table AM5 – 1. Tom Otton & Sunday Thrill 2. Jenny Smith & Country Vision 3. Jess Clarke & Jumbuck 4. Jess Clarke & Tigerlilly 5. Tom Otton & Spook
1.10m Under 16 points Table AM5 – 1. Brett Clarke & Captain Morgan 2. Mikaela MacNamara & SS Raindancer 3. John Flower & Uncle Ted 4. Amy Woods & Sonny 5. Aiden Woods & Navigator
Thank you to Anne-Marie Ladhams for the beautiful photos below;
Cobargo AP&H Spring Horse Show
The Cobargo Show Society hosted yet again another great weekend of fun and competition with horses on the 24th & 25th October. On Saturday all types of horse events were running from ring events, sporting, team sorting and showjumping. To add to this was the Coabargo Horse & Trail Riders Club Annual Gear Sale and a Mini Rodeo. On Sunday Bega Jump Club conducted a training day which was very well attended. Sorry for not having any results available.
Please find below some great action shots. The showjumping photos were taken by Anne-Marie Ladhams and the other photos were taken by Rebecca Miller from the Coabargo Show Society.
The Cobargo Show Society hosted yet again another great weekend of fun and competition with horses on the 24th & 25th October. On Saturday all types of horse events were running from ring events, sporting, team sorting and showjumping. To add to this was the Coabargo Horse & Trail Riders Club Annual Gear Sale and a Mini Rodeo. On Sunday Bega Jump Club conducted a training day which was very well attended. Sorry for not having any results available.
Please find below some great action shots. The showjumping photos were taken by Anne-Marie Ladhams and the other photos were taken by Rebecca Miller from the Coabargo Show Society.
Vale - George Grant
The Bega Showjumping Club would like to pass on its condolences to the Grant family following the passing of their much admired father and grandfather George. Old Georgie Grant was well known in the community as a hard worker and a real bushy who loved a beer and a yarn about horses. He loved sitting on the hill at the showground and watching the showjumping and was especially happy when some of his grandkids took up the sport recently.
To Raymond, Greg, Michael and families, our thoughts are with you at this sad time. You described your father as "your hero" and he was a highly respected man by many at Bega Jump Club
The Bega Showjumping Club would like to pass on its condolences to the Grant family following the passing of their much admired father and grandfather George. Old Georgie Grant was well known in the community as a hard worker and a real bushy who loved a beer and a yarn about horses. He loved sitting on the hill at the showground and watching the showjumping and was especially happy when some of his grandkids took up the sport recently.
To Raymond, Greg, Michael and families, our thoughts are with you at this sad time. You described your father as "your hero" and he was a highly respected man by many at Bega Jump Club
Congratulations!
To Tom and Gemma Otton who married on the 19th December, 2015.
To Murray Otton and Lisa Griffin their engagement.
To Kyle & Ainsley Johnson on the arrival of their baby girl Tessa Mae on the 24th November, 2015.
To Scott Gordon & Roslyn Grant on the arrival of their baby girl Indigo Payton on the 14th November, 2015.
To Hayley Jessop & Michael Lay on the arrival of their baby boy Austin John on the 22nd October, 2015.
To Grant & Heidi Jessop on the arrival of their baby girl Remmi Lou on the 19th February, 2015.
To Naro & Jodie Clifton-Collins on the arrival of their baby girl Thea on the 9th July, 2015.
To Troy & Sam Johnson on the arrival of their baby boy Liam Michael on the 9th July, 2015.
To Kerry Hooper & Warren Peel on the arrival of their baby boy Zac Raymond on the 9th July, 2015.
To Tom and Gemma Otton who married on the 19th December, 2015.
To Murray Otton and Lisa Griffin their engagement.
To Kyle & Ainsley Johnson on the arrival of their baby girl Tessa Mae on the 24th November, 2015.
To Scott Gordon & Roslyn Grant on the arrival of their baby girl Indigo Payton on the 14th November, 2015.
To Hayley Jessop & Michael Lay on the arrival of their baby boy Austin John on the 22nd October, 2015.
To Grant & Heidi Jessop on the arrival of their baby girl Remmi Lou on the 19th February, 2015.
To Naro & Jodie Clifton-Collins on the arrival of their baby girl Thea on the 9th July, 2015.
To Troy & Sam Johnson on the arrival of their baby boy Liam Michael on the 9th July, 2015.
To Kerry Hooper & Warren Peel on the arrival of their baby boy Zac Raymond on the 9th July, 2015.
Fossil Cup Competition Enjoyed By All!
The Bega Showjumping Club's first competition day of the year was a really enjoyable day for all of those who attended. The annual Fossil Cup Competition day has become a very popular event on the Far South Coast equestrian calender and once again attracted competitors from near and far. Following an un-seasonably warm day for setting up on Saturday, Sunday's weather gave a taste of everything including about half an hour of showers and a beautiful warm afternoon, just perfect for the $300 1.20m Fossil Cup event which was a very entertaining jump-off class taken out by Brett Clarke. The ground looked a little greasy following the footy season but proved to be a beautiful soft surface for top quality jumping which was a pleasant surprise considering it is the middle of winter. A special thank you must go to the grounds-keeper for having the showground the softest it has ever been in winter.
Ring 2 was once again dominated by the Dunn family with Mackenzie Dunn winning the most. In Ring 1 the first two classes were won by the stylish and dedicated young rider Mikaela MacNamara and the final three classes were all won by Club President Brett Clarke riding three different horses. A big thank you must go to all of the club members who helped throughout the day and to those who put their name down on the roster. Congratulations to our new office bearers Hayley and Melinda who done a very proffessional job in organising their first competition. Thanks also to Judges Madge Salway and Greg Grant and the course designer in both rings Kirsty McPaul. I think he highlight of the competition, from an organiser's point of view was the opportunity to trial an electronic scoring system in Ring 1. A special thank you to Michael Archer who travelled from Canberra and "brought the technology" to our day. Michael sat with Greg all day and worked closely with office staff to explain and show how the online system worked. I think it would be fair to say that the experiment was very successful and will definitely bring a new level of proffessionalism to our competition. When up and running, this program can be viewed by competitors who will be able to access draws, current leaderboards, scores and results, all from their smart phone. A very exciting prosect indeed! For a small sample of what this program can offer, follow the link below to view the scoresheets of Ring 1:
www.equussentials.com/external/jnsw/begafossils2015/2015_results_dashboard.htm
Prize winners are listed below. More photos can be seen in the PHOTO GALLERY under JUMP CLUB DAYS.
The Bega Showjumping Club's first competition day of the year was a really enjoyable day for all of those who attended. The annual Fossil Cup Competition day has become a very popular event on the Far South Coast equestrian calender and once again attracted competitors from near and far. Following an un-seasonably warm day for setting up on Saturday, Sunday's weather gave a taste of everything including about half an hour of showers and a beautiful warm afternoon, just perfect for the $300 1.20m Fossil Cup event which was a very entertaining jump-off class taken out by Brett Clarke. The ground looked a little greasy following the footy season but proved to be a beautiful soft surface for top quality jumping which was a pleasant surprise considering it is the middle of winter. A special thank you must go to the grounds-keeper for having the showground the softest it has ever been in winter.
Ring 2 was once again dominated by the Dunn family with Mackenzie Dunn winning the most. In Ring 1 the first two classes were won by the stylish and dedicated young rider Mikaela MacNamara and the final three classes were all won by Club President Brett Clarke riding three different horses. A big thank you must go to all of the club members who helped throughout the day and to those who put their name down on the roster. Congratulations to our new office bearers Hayley and Melinda who done a very proffessional job in organising their first competition. Thanks also to Judges Madge Salway and Greg Grant and the course designer in both rings Kirsty McPaul. I think he highlight of the competition, from an organiser's point of view was the opportunity to trial an electronic scoring system in Ring 1. A special thank you to Michael Archer who travelled from Canberra and "brought the technology" to our day. Michael sat with Greg all day and worked closely with office staff to explain and show how the online system worked. I think it would be fair to say that the experiment was very successful and will definitely bring a new level of proffessionalism to our competition. When up and running, this program can be viewed by competitors who will be able to access draws, current leaderboards, scores and results, all from their smart phone. A very exciting prosect indeed! For a small sample of what this program can offer, follow the link below to view the scoresheets of Ring 1:
www.equussentials.com/external/jnsw/begafossils2015/2015_results_dashboard.htm
Prize winners are listed below. More photos can be seen in the PHOTO GALLERY under JUMP CLUB DAYS.
RING 2
Cross- Rails - Everyone was a winner!
45cm Table AM7
1. McKenzie Dunn - Ruby
2. McKenzie Dunn - Yarramin
3. Rachel Smith - Monsoon
4. Bella Griffin - Jack
5. Emerson Armstrong - Shout
5. Zoe Grant - Sweety
65cm Table AM7
1. Georgie Dunn - Yarramin
2. Bella Griffin - Jack
3. Aidan Woods - Snowy River Bazar
4. Rachel Smith - Monsoon
5. Katelyn Staples - Cant Believe
75cm Table A2
1. McKenzie Dunn - Ruby
2. Alex Smith - Lindsey
3. McKenzie Dunn - Bamalam
4. Heidi Staples - Cammy
5. Katelyn Staples - Kiara
X-rails 6 bar
1st = Braedy Armstrong - Shout
Georgie Dunn - Yarramin
McKenzie Dunn - Ruby
Bella Griffin - Mango
Zoe Grant - Sweety
Tyler Bruest - Bonnie
Katelyn Staples - Kiara
Heidi Staples - Cammy
Open 6 Bar
1. Jessica Clarke - Burnbrook Jumbuck
2. Grant Jessop - Julia
3. Emily Quodling - Tylago
4. Sarah Keevers - Bobby
Cross- Rails - Everyone was a winner!
45cm Table AM7
1. McKenzie Dunn - Ruby
2. McKenzie Dunn - Yarramin
3. Rachel Smith - Monsoon
4. Bella Griffin - Jack
5. Emerson Armstrong - Shout
5. Zoe Grant - Sweety
65cm Table AM7
1. Georgie Dunn - Yarramin
2. Bella Griffin - Jack
3. Aidan Woods - Snowy River Bazar
4. Rachel Smith - Monsoon
5. Katelyn Staples - Cant Believe
75cm Table A2
1. McKenzie Dunn - Ruby
2. Alex Smith - Lindsey
3. McKenzie Dunn - Bamalam
4. Heidi Staples - Cammy
5. Katelyn Staples - Kiara
X-rails 6 bar
1st = Braedy Armstrong - Shout
Georgie Dunn - Yarramin
McKenzie Dunn - Ruby
Bella Griffin - Mango
Zoe Grant - Sweety
Tyler Bruest - Bonnie
Katelyn Staples - Kiara
Heidi Staples - Cammy
Open 6 Bar
1. Jessica Clarke - Burnbrook Jumbuck
2. Grant Jessop - Julia
3. Emily Quodling - Tylago
4. Sarah Keevers - Bobby
RING 1
80cm Two Phase
1. RIO MIKAELA MACNAMARA - 56.010 - 36.190
2. BOBBY SARAH KEEVERS - 57.550 - 37.890
3. LINDSEY ALEX SMITH - 60.250 - 37.890
4. KIARA KATELYN STAPLES - 58.310 - 39.150
5. MISJUDGED CECIL STAPLES - 61.220 - 39.810
90cm Two Phase
1. RIO MIKAELA MACNAMARA - 53.110 - 35.010
2. CAN'T WAIT CECIL STAPLES - 56.670 - 37.640
3. SO SOFTLY CASEY LOUTIT - 55.770 - 37.830
4. HONEY ALEX SMITH - 58.610 - 38.500
5. HEY THERE DELILAH RUBY JONES - 56.440 - 38.770
1.00m Two Phase
1. JAGGER BRETT CLARKE - 61.580 - 36.790
2. SS SAFARI AMBER CALLAGHAN - 58.160 - 38.550
3. GH RAMBO JESSICA CLARKE - 53.950 - 38.770
4. JESSIES GIRL GRANT JESSOP - 57.810 - 40.750
5. HONEY ALEX SMITH - 57.230 - 40.910
1.10m Table AM7
1. OUR TOP POCKET BRETT CLARKE - 82.580 - 33.740
2. KC SPOTABUG CECIL STAPLES - 82.490 - 37.340
3. FI FI CRAIG MATTHEWS - 76.330 - 37.830
4. SL DONATO CLINTON BERESFORD - 82.230 - 38.040
5. WOLVERINE KAITLIN ALDOUS - 75.820 - 40.700
1.20m Fossils Cup -Table AM5
1. GH TIGER LILLY BRETT CLARKE - 71.320 - 38.540
2. SS TURBO MACK NEVILLE CUZNER - 77.000 - 39.960
3. FI FI CRAIG MATTHEWS - 67.600 - 40.440
4. ASHA SANDRA KENNY - 71.290 - 44.850
5. GH BLOSSOMS LITTLE BROTHER BRETT CLARKE - 73.730 4 54.430
80cm Two Phase
1. RIO MIKAELA MACNAMARA - 56.010 - 36.190
2. BOBBY SARAH KEEVERS - 57.550 - 37.890
3. LINDSEY ALEX SMITH - 60.250 - 37.890
4. KIARA KATELYN STAPLES - 58.310 - 39.150
5. MISJUDGED CECIL STAPLES - 61.220 - 39.810
90cm Two Phase
1. RIO MIKAELA MACNAMARA - 53.110 - 35.010
2. CAN'T WAIT CECIL STAPLES - 56.670 - 37.640
3. SO SOFTLY CASEY LOUTIT - 55.770 - 37.830
4. HONEY ALEX SMITH - 58.610 - 38.500
5. HEY THERE DELILAH RUBY JONES - 56.440 - 38.770
1.00m Two Phase
1. JAGGER BRETT CLARKE - 61.580 - 36.790
2. SS SAFARI AMBER CALLAGHAN - 58.160 - 38.550
3. GH RAMBO JESSICA CLARKE - 53.950 - 38.770
4. JESSIES GIRL GRANT JESSOP - 57.810 - 40.750
5. HONEY ALEX SMITH - 57.230 - 40.910
1.10m Table AM7
1. OUR TOP POCKET BRETT CLARKE - 82.580 - 33.740
2. KC SPOTABUG CECIL STAPLES - 82.490 - 37.340
3. FI FI CRAIG MATTHEWS - 76.330 - 37.830
4. SL DONATO CLINTON BERESFORD - 82.230 - 38.040
5. WOLVERINE KAITLIN ALDOUS - 75.820 - 40.700
1.20m Fossils Cup -Table AM5
1. GH TIGER LILLY BRETT CLARKE - 71.320 - 38.540
2. SS TURBO MACK NEVILLE CUZNER - 77.000 - 39.960
3. FI FI CRAIG MATTHEWS - 67.600 - 40.440
4. ASHA SANDRA KENNY - 71.290 - 44.850
5. GH BLOSSOMS LITTLE BROTHER BRETT CLARKE - 73.730 4 54.430
Bega Showjumping Cup Celebrating 20 Years!
Article written for the Bega District News Horsing Around Feature - 31st July 2015
By Kirsty McPaul
The prestigious Bega Showjumping Cup event is turning 20 and to celebrate, the Bega Showjumping Club is hosting an 8 day long party! From Monday 28th December to Monday the 4th January the Bega showground will be home to hundreds of horses and their families who have come to participate in the massive 7 day showjumping program and celebrations. Two rings of showjumping will be on display throughout the festival with a rest from competition on New Years Day.
The very first Bega Showjumping Cup was held over three days leading up to New Year's Eve in December 1995. The Bega Showjumping Club had always hosted an Annual Championship but some prominent Bega business people fell in love with the sport of showjumping and saw huge potential in turning the championships into a major event on the Australian Showjumping calendar. This group of local business people put their idea to the club. The club was sceptical. In the minutes of a club meeting held on the 8th February 1995 the general response was recorded as; "...the club discussed whether or not they really want to be involved in such a big weekend. Perhaps it would be better to start off small and gradually work up to be a big weekend with big money. It was decided that a second committee be formed to run the Championships and not involve the club. Committee members are prepared to help."
Little did the club know that they were going to be swept up into one of the biggest, most grand events to ever be staged in Bega. The Bega Showjumping Cup committee was formed with the likes of Geoff Williams, Anna Glover, Susie Pfieffer, Caitlin O'Connell, Helen Slater and Noel Perry with the strong business minds and club members Richard Otton, Jeffrey Otton, Sue Smith, Graham Johnson and Chris Smith helping out with the horse side of things. The committee set themselves a huge task but just over 10 months later, the very first Bega Showjumping Cup was run and won and to say it was a huge success is an understatement.
The committee organised what was at the time the richest showjumping event in Australia with over $30,000 in prizemoney, all of which was donated by local businesses. The event was spectacular with extensive television and print promotion and coverage, sponsor and rider VIP marquees, overseas guest riders, Australia's best riders competing for a place in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Team and entertainment in all shapes and forms. The event attracted so many entries that the lights had to be turned on and competition continued on well into each night. Volunteers came out of the wood works to help and witness one of the most successful and exciting events ever seen in Bega. The New Year's Eve party was massive and Bega left a huge impression on the many visitors that attended that year. That first event is still fondly spoken about today with many riders continuing to return every year since.
The Slater family have been a large part of the event since its inception. Malcom and Helen Slater operated the local Ampol Fuel Depot and were more than happy to come on as naming rights sponsors in the first few years of the Cup. The first events were known as the Bega Ampol Showjumping Cup and then later changed to the Caltex Showjumping Cup. The rich Futurity Event has always held a special place in Helen's heart and was fittingly named in her honour several years ago. Following the sad passing of Malcom, an award in his memory is given to the rider with the highest point score in ring one each year. Helen is still an active worker on the committee and vows to keep on sponsoring until she dies. Other naming rights sponsors of the Cup include Bega Cheese, Bakers Delight and The Grand Hotel.
The Bega Showjumping Club certainly changed its tune in the lead up to the second Cup event. The minutes from meetings in the following year were much more positive and pro-active. In a way, Bega were trail blazers for small clubs all around the country as today almost every showjumping club hosts a great event but the buzz created by those early days of the Bega Showjumping Cup is almost impossible to replicate. In 2008 the Cup Committee dissolved and now the Cup is run and organised solely by Bega Showjumping Club members. It is a huge job every year but the satisfaction of staging such a popular and successful event each year far out weighs the stress and long hours of tireless work. Of course the success is not only due to the hard working volunteers but also the many, many generous sponsors who support the Bega Showjumping Cup. It goes with out saying that the generosity of local businesses is amazing and something that local sporting clubs and organisations can not survive without. Thank you to all of the Cup's sponsors, both now and over the past 20 years.
Plan's for this year's 20th Anniversary Celebration are in full swing. For the latest news and information on this year's event and everything to do with the club, head to the club's website.
Article written for the Bega District News Horsing Around Feature - 31st July 2015
By Kirsty McPaul
The prestigious Bega Showjumping Cup event is turning 20 and to celebrate, the Bega Showjumping Club is hosting an 8 day long party! From Monday 28th December to Monday the 4th January the Bega showground will be home to hundreds of horses and their families who have come to participate in the massive 7 day showjumping program and celebrations. Two rings of showjumping will be on display throughout the festival with a rest from competition on New Years Day.
The very first Bega Showjumping Cup was held over three days leading up to New Year's Eve in December 1995. The Bega Showjumping Club had always hosted an Annual Championship but some prominent Bega business people fell in love with the sport of showjumping and saw huge potential in turning the championships into a major event on the Australian Showjumping calendar. This group of local business people put their idea to the club. The club was sceptical. In the minutes of a club meeting held on the 8th February 1995 the general response was recorded as; "...the club discussed whether or not they really want to be involved in such a big weekend. Perhaps it would be better to start off small and gradually work up to be a big weekend with big money. It was decided that a second committee be formed to run the Championships and not involve the club. Committee members are prepared to help."
Little did the club know that they were going to be swept up into one of the biggest, most grand events to ever be staged in Bega. The Bega Showjumping Cup committee was formed with the likes of Geoff Williams, Anna Glover, Susie Pfieffer, Caitlin O'Connell, Helen Slater and Noel Perry with the strong business minds and club members Richard Otton, Jeffrey Otton, Sue Smith, Graham Johnson and Chris Smith helping out with the horse side of things. The committee set themselves a huge task but just over 10 months later, the very first Bega Showjumping Cup was run and won and to say it was a huge success is an understatement.
The committee organised what was at the time the richest showjumping event in Australia with over $30,000 in prizemoney, all of which was donated by local businesses. The event was spectacular with extensive television and print promotion and coverage, sponsor and rider VIP marquees, overseas guest riders, Australia's best riders competing for a place in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Team and entertainment in all shapes and forms. The event attracted so many entries that the lights had to be turned on and competition continued on well into each night. Volunteers came out of the wood works to help and witness one of the most successful and exciting events ever seen in Bega. The New Year's Eve party was massive and Bega left a huge impression on the many visitors that attended that year. That first event is still fondly spoken about today with many riders continuing to return every year since.
The Slater family have been a large part of the event since its inception. Malcom and Helen Slater operated the local Ampol Fuel Depot and were more than happy to come on as naming rights sponsors in the first few years of the Cup. The first events were known as the Bega Ampol Showjumping Cup and then later changed to the Caltex Showjumping Cup. The rich Futurity Event has always held a special place in Helen's heart and was fittingly named in her honour several years ago. Following the sad passing of Malcom, an award in his memory is given to the rider with the highest point score in ring one each year. Helen is still an active worker on the committee and vows to keep on sponsoring until she dies. Other naming rights sponsors of the Cup include Bega Cheese, Bakers Delight and The Grand Hotel.
The Bega Showjumping Club certainly changed its tune in the lead up to the second Cup event. The minutes from meetings in the following year were much more positive and pro-active. In a way, Bega were trail blazers for small clubs all around the country as today almost every showjumping club hosts a great event but the buzz created by those early days of the Bega Showjumping Cup is almost impossible to replicate. In 2008 the Cup Committee dissolved and now the Cup is run and organised solely by Bega Showjumping Club members. It is a huge job every year but the satisfaction of staging such a popular and successful event each year far out weighs the stress and long hours of tireless work. Of course the success is not only due to the hard working volunteers but also the many, many generous sponsors who support the Bega Showjumping Cup. It goes with out saying that the generosity of local businesses is amazing and something that local sporting clubs and organisations can not survive without. Thank you to all of the Cup's sponsors, both now and over the past 20 years.
Plan's for this year's 20th Anniversary Celebration are in full swing. For the latest news and information on this year's event and everything to do with the club, head to the club's website.
Clint Beresford named on High Performance Squad
Following the success of coaching at his very first school here in Bega, Clint Beresford has been named on Equestrian Australia's High Performance Squad on the Generation Next list. This is very exciting for the young rider who has really made his mark on the Australian Showjumping scene over the past three years. This means that Clint has been identified as a talent of the future and a means he is one step closer to realising his dream of making an Australian Team. As a part of the squad Clint will be eligible for High Performance Coaching and support.
Well done Clinton, we are all very proud and excited for you.
Ex-Bega rider Katie Umback has also been named on the Para-Equestrian Squad.
About:
High Performance Squads will include riders and/or combinations identified as having the potential to represent Australia at a major championships (Olympic/Paralympic Games and/or World Equestrian Games) between 2016-2020. High Performance Squads Explained
High Performance Squads for each Olympic/Paralympic discipline are categorised into three groups – Gold, Green and Generation Next.
In order to be eligible to be nominated as part of the 2016 Australian Olympic Shadow Team athletes must be named in the Equestrian Australia High Performance Squads.
High Performance Squads – Olympic These are current as of 1 July 2015
These squads are announced as provisional, until completion of the rider’s agreement.
Whilst the squads will typically be reviewed every six months, selectors reserve their rights to add additional athlete and/or athlete and horse combinations at any time.
For the full list, head to the Equestrian Australia website http://www.equestrian.org.au/NationalSquads/HighPerformance
Following the success of coaching at his very first school here in Bega, Clint Beresford has been named on Equestrian Australia's High Performance Squad on the Generation Next list. This is very exciting for the young rider who has really made his mark on the Australian Showjumping scene over the past three years. This means that Clint has been identified as a talent of the future and a means he is one step closer to realising his dream of making an Australian Team. As a part of the squad Clint will be eligible for High Performance Coaching and support.
Well done Clinton, we are all very proud and excited for you.
Ex-Bega rider Katie Umback has also been named on the Para-Equestrian Squad.
About:
High Performance Squads will include riders and/or combinations identified as having the potential to represent Australia at a major championships (Olympic/Paralympic Games and/or World Equestrian Games) between 2016-2020. High Performance Squads Explained
High Performance Squads for each Olympic/Paralympic discipline are categorised into three groups – Gold, Green and Generation Next.
In order to be eligible to be nominated as part of the 2016 Australian Olympic Shadow Team athletes must be named in the Equestrian Australia High Performance Squads.
High Performance Squads – Olympic These are current as of 1 July 2015
These squads are announced as provisional, until completion of the rider’s agreement.
Whilst the squads will typically be reviewed every six months, selectors reserve their rights to add additional athlete and/or athlete and horse combinations at any time.
For the full list, head to the Equestrian Australia website http://www.equestrian.org.au/NationalSquads/HighPerformance
Winter Woolies at Jump Club Days
It is hard to believe that we are half way through the year! Jump Club days have been taking place about twice every month. Participants have been mostly pony club kids and and the more inexperienced horse who are gaining that all important experience out and about with other horses and jumping courses.
With the competition season just around the corner we will see an increase in competition horses coming to Jump Club. The next jump club is set for August 9 and our first competition for the year is the Fossil's Cup Competition Day on the August 23. A program is available above.
Just a reminder that membership is now due for the 2015/2016 year. Membership forms as well as other club information can be found under CLUB INFO.
Thank you to Jackie Grant for sending through some snaps of Jump Club on the 26th July under the bridge at the Bega Pony Club grounds. Go to the PHOTO GALLERY and look under JUMP CLUB DAYS to see them all.
It is hard to believe that we are half way through the year! Jump Club days have been taking place about twice every month. Participants have been mostly pony club kids and and the more inexperienced horse who are gaining that all important experience out and about with other horses and jumping courses.
With the competition season just around the corner we will see an increase in competition horses coming to Jump Club. The next jump club is set for August 9 and our first competition for the year is the Fossil's Cup Competition Day on the August 23. A program is available above.
Just a reminder that membership is now due for the 2015/2016 year. Membership forms as well as other club information can be found under CLUB INFO.
Thank you to Jackie Grant for sending through some snaps of Jump Club on the 26th July under the bridge at the Bega Pony Club grounds. Go to the PHOTO GALLERY and look under JUMP CLUB DAYS to see them all.
Clint Beresford School a Success
The club was proud to announce that one of our most successful young riders Clint Beresford made his official coaching debut last weekend for the Bega Showjumping Club. Clint has risen to the top ranks of Australian Showjumping with his talented horse Emmaville Jitterbug and is now enjoying success with his young horse SL Donato. Over the past two years Clinton and Jitterbug won Most Successful Young Rider at Sydney Royal 2013, Most Successful Young Horse, Champion Part 2 and Champion Showjumping Horse of the Sydney Royal Show in 2014. They also won the highly prestigious Futurity at the Sydney Summer Classic in 2013 and started competing at World Cup level. Clinton is almost a fully qualified farrier, working in the ACT and now adds Level 1 NCAS Instructor to his impressive resume.
On the 11th & 12th July, 25 riders braved the sometimes chilly weather under the Bega bridge. The groups consisted of a wide range of riders from young children to more experienced competitors and Clint adapted his lesson plan accordingly. The underlying message remained the same though with Beresford putting riders through exercises that helped establish straightness, rhythm and riding better corners. Riders were warmed up over trot and canter poles and small grids which helped to develop straightness and an ideal rhythm. On the first day riders were asked to negotiate various related lines which included witches hats strategically placed on both the approach and landing that riders were asked to ride around. Clint wanted to emphasise the importance of riding corners correctly and encouraged riders to establish a good rhythm in their canter before they approach the fence and then maintain that rhythm on landing as you prepare for the next fence. He explained that the more you ride into your corners, the more time you have to prepare for your next line or jump. The more experienced riders were challenged to riding a curved line which walked as five-and-a-half strides. A pole was placed on the ground as a guide for where the arc was to be ridden. Clint said that if the corner is ridden well and in the correct rhythm, the line should easily come up in five strides. Those who stuggled with the corner were found to be adding strides. To add to the difficulty, the approach was quite short and really required concentration from both horse and rider and really drove home the message of how riding corners makes all the difference.
On day 2 a simple course was set up to test what the riders had learnt from the first day. After the riders mastered the course they then did a shortened jump-off course which included a few short turn-backs which tested the corner-riding skills. Clint really enjoyed the experience of coaching at his first school. He was really pleased the effort and improvement he saw in the riders. The club would like to thank Clint for offering to teach at his home club and we look forward to the next school.
Also, a big thank you to Jenny Smith for organising the groups and to everyone who stayed and helped with the setting up and packing away.
Thank you to Melinda Armstrong for sending through some photos. Please head to the PHOTO GALLERY under JUMP CLUB DAYS to see them all.
The club was proud to announce that one of our most successful young riders Clint Beresford made his official coaching debut last weekend for the Bega Showjumping Club. Clint has risen to the top ranks of Australian Showjumping with his talented horse Emmaville Jitterbug and is now enjoying success with his young horse SL Donato. Over the past two years Clinton and Jitterbug won Most Successful Young Rider at Sydney Royal 2013, Most Successful Young Horse, Champion Part 2 and Champion Showjumping Horse of the Sydney Royal Show in 2014. They also won the highly prestigious Futurity at the Sydney Summer Classic in 2013 and started competing at World Cup level. Clinton is almost a fully qualified farrier, working in the ACT and now adds Level 1 NCAS Instructor to his impressive resume.
On the 11th & 12th July, 25 riders braved the sometimes chilly weather under the Bega bridge. The groups consisted of a wide range of riders from young children to more experienced competitors and Clint adapted his lesson plan accordingly. The underlying message remained the same though with Beresford putting riders through exercises that helped establish straightness, rhythm and riding better corners. Riders were warmed up over trot and canter poles and small grids which helped to develop straightness and an ideal rhythm. On the first day riders were asked to negotiate various related lines which included witches hats strategically placed on both the approach and landing that riders were asked to ride around. Clint wanted to emphasise the importance of riding corners correctly and encouraged riders to establish a good rhythm in their canter before they approach the fence and then maintain that rhythm on landing as you prepare for the next fence. He explained that the more you ride into your corners, the more time you have to prepare for your next line or jump. The more experienced riders were challenged to riding a curved line which walked as five-and-a-half strides. A pole was placed on the ground as a guide for where the arc was to be ridden. Clint said that if the corner is ridden well and in the correct rhythm, the line should easily come up in five strides. Those who stuggled with the corner were found to be adding strides. To add to the difficulty, the approach was quite short and really required concentration from both horse and rider and really drove home the message of how riding corners makes all the difference.
On day 2 a simple course was set up to test what the riders had learnt from the first day. After the riders mastered the course they then did a shortened jump-off course which included a few short turn-backs which tested the corner-riding skills. Clint really enjoyed the experience of coaching at his first school. He was really pleased the effort and improvement he saw in the riders. The club would like to thank Clint for offering to teach at his home club and we look forward to the next school.
Also, a big thank you to Jenny Smith for organising the groups and to everyone who stayed and helped with the setting up and packing away.
Thank you to Melinda Armstrong for sending through some photos. Please head to the PHOTO GALLERY under JUMP CLUB DAYS to see them all.
A Letter to our Members....
Dear Members,
RE: 2015/16 BEGA SHOWJUMPING CUP
This year Bega Showjumping Club will be hosting the Bega Showjumping Cup for the 20th year. To celebrate the milestone this year’s event will be run over 7 days from Monday 28th December 2015 to Monday 4 January 2016. New Year’s Day will be a rest day from competition.
The Bega Showjumping Cup is the premier event on the South Coast and attracts a large number of competitors.There is no doubt that this year’s event will involve a lot of work and for it to be successful we need all members to please make themselves available to assist where possible.
To aid us with preparing a roster to ensure the smooth running of the event please indicate on the attached form when you would be able to help and if you have a preferred job. The more volunteers the better so feel free to ask other family members or friends if they are also willing to volunteer.
Kind Regards,
Bega Showjumping Club Committee
Dear Members,
RE: 2015/16 BEGA SHOWJUMPING CUP
This year Bega Showjumping Club will be hosting the Bega Showjumping Cup for the 20th year. To celebrate the milestone this year’s event will be run over 7 days from Monday 28th December 2015 to Monday 4 January 2016. New Year’s Day will be a rest day from competition.
The Bega Showjumping Cup is the premier event on the South Coast and attracts a large number of competitors.There is no doubt that this year’s event will involve a lot of work and for it to be successful we need all members to please make themselves available to assist where possible.
To aid us with preparing a roster to ensure the smooth running of the event please indicate on the attached form when you would be able to help and if you have a preferred job. The more volunteers the better so feel free to ask other family members or friends if they are also willing to volunteer.
Kind Regards,
Bega Showjumping Club Committee
Welcome to the New Committee for 2015
Following the Club's AGM on the 18th June, the following members have been elected onto the steering committee. Congratulations to Brett Clarke who remains President for another term. A huge thank you to Julie Matthews and Jenny Beresford who have stepped down from the Secretary and Treasurer positions but have stayed on as assistants with the Cup event. The positions are as follows;
President: Brett Clarke - Home: 02 6493 0501, Mob 0429 833 855 email: [email protected]
Vice President: Dave Lucas 0419 938 423
Secretary: Shared Position - Hayley Jessop 0409 035 201 and Jenny Smith 0429 090 709 email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Melinda Armstrong 0409 164 462
Assistant Treasurer: Jenny Beresford 0408 599 948 and Melinda Downs 0404 668 779
Committee Members:
Raymond Grant 0419 010 604
Melinda Jessop 0409 164 462
Stewart Smith 0408 286 312
Brett Clarke
Melinda Downs
Dave Lucas
PossOtton 0409 460 413
Christie Clarke 0428 365 551
Publicity Officer: Kirsty McPaul 0421 902 438
First Aid Officers: Jenny Beresford, Sonia Reed, Christy Clarke, Brett Clarke, Dave Lucas
Schools Organiser: Jenny Smith
Equipment Officer: Raymond Grant and Grant Jessop
Sponsor Coordinator: Committee role
Catering Officer: Brett Clarke
Website: Kirsty McPaul
Presentation night: Christie Clarke
Grounds person: Stuart McPaul 0410 649 244
Entries Co-ordinator: Christie Clarke and Club Members
Showground Booking: Raymond Grant
Cup Office Coordinator: Jenny Beresford
Office Assistant: Julie Matthews, Christie Clarke, Hayley Jessop and Melinda Downs
Following the Club's AGM on the 18th June, the following members have been elected onto the steering committee. Congratulations to Brett Clarke who remains President for another term. A huge thank you to Julie Matthews and Jenny Beresford who have stepped down from the Secretary and Treasurer positions but have stayed on as assistants with the Cup event. The positions are as follows;
President: Brett Clarke - Home: 02 6493 0501, Mob 0429 833 855 email: [email protected]
Vice President: Dave Lucas 0419 938 423
Secretary: Shared Position - Hayley Jessop 0409 035 201 and Jenny Smith 0429 090 709 email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Melinda Armstrong 0409 164 462
Assistant Treasurer: Jenny Beresford 0408 599 948 and Melinda Downs 0404 668 779
Committee Members:
Raymond Grant 0419 010 604
Melinda Jessop 0409 164 462
Stewart Smith 0408 286 312
Brett Clarke
Melinda Downs
Dave Lucas
PossOtton 0409 460 413
Christie Clarke 0428 365 551
Publicity Officer: Kirsty McPaul 0421 902 438
First Aid Officers: Jenny Beresford, Sonia Reed, Christy Clarke, Brett Clarke, Dave Lucas
Schools Organiser: Jenny Smith
Equipment Officer: Raymond Grant and Grant Jessop
Sponsor Coordinator: Committee role
Catering Officer: Brett Clarke
Website: Kirsty McPaul
Presentation night: Christie Clarke
Grounds person: Stuart McPaul 0410 649 244
Entries Co-ordinator: Christie Clarke and Club Members
Showground Booking: Raymond Grant
Cup Office Coordinator: Jenny Beresford
Office Assistant: Julie Matthews, Christie Clarke, Hayley Jessop and Melinda Downs
Celebrating Champions and Fine Dining
Members and guests were treated to a fine dining experience at the brand new restaurant in Bega "The Graze" at the Grand Hotel Bega on Saturday, 30th May. The occassion was the Far South Coast Showjumper of the Year Presentation. Now in its 6th year, the presentation of these awards are always a great opportunity for show goers to dress up and socialise in a horse-free environment and reminise about the show season just gone. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Stewart Smith who once again spoke about how lucky we are to have three months of the year in which we can travel to local shows and enjoy and participate in the sport that we love so much. He made special mention of the show organisers, showjumping officials and volunteers who give so much of themselves year after year and make it all possible. Last of all he reflected on the competition and how much satisfaction he gets from watching local riders succeed and improve on a weekly basis.
Over 80 guests attended the night and were the very first customers to sample the new menu. An alternate drop of Salt & Pepper Squid and Duck Spring Rolls were served for entree and Prawn Stuffed Chicken and a Beef Medallion were served for main (my apologies for not remembering the actual names of these meals). These meals were devine, a taste sensation never experienced by myself in Bega before. Good luck to the young couple operating the restaurant and I look forward to sampling more dishes in the future.
Guest speaker for the night was Richard "Paddy" Otton who spoke of how the Bega Showjumping Club was started back in 1967 or 1968. A meeting was held at the home of Charlie & Marie Smith and the very first event was held on the oval at Tathra. A newspaper article about the event was printed onto placemats for all guests to see. This article featured a photo of Richard jumping a large obstacle. This year the club is celebrating the 20th Anniversay of the Bega Showjumping Cup. Richard also touched on how the Cup Committee was formed back in 1994. It would be great to get an exact year on when the Bega Showjumping Club was started because it would seem that a 50 year celebration is only a couple of years away!
The main reason of the night of course was to present the winners and top ten competitors with their awards (these winners are listed in story earlier on this page.) These awards are presented in memory of two great contribitors to local showjumping, Keith Gordon and Graham Johnson. The winner of the Senior Pointscore was no other than Brett Clarke who has won this award every year since its inception. Congratulations to Brett on this outstanding effort and for also claiming runner-up. Third place went to the "Rookie of the Year" Grant Jessop in only his first show season, a remarkable effort. It was touching to hear Grant's story about how he fell off in nearly every event at the first show of the year and then finished the year with flying colours. The winner of the Junior Pointscore was Lane Clarke. Lane made an unattainable lead at the very first show the Bega Cup with his most memorable effort of course being his win of the main event, the Bega Sowjumping Cup. Hot on Lane's heels was little sister Jess Clarke who has improved out of sight these past couple of years and has become yet another Clarke who is almost impossible to chase down. Well done to all of the winners!
The night concluded with an awesome powerpoint presentation on the projector of all of the wonderful photos that Jackie Grant had taken over the show season. Looking at these photos brings home the true sense of family that the horse community has. Thank you Jackie for continuing to capture these special memories. Please go to the PHOTO GALLERY to see Jackie's photos from the presentation night.
Members and guests were treated to a fine dining experience at the brand new restaurant in Bega "The Graze" at the Grand Hotel Bega on Saturday, 30th May. The occassion was the Far South Coast Showjumper of the Year Presentation. Now in its 6th year, the presentation of these awards are always a great opportunity for show goers to dress up and socialise in a horse-free environment and reminise about the show season just gone. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Stewart Smith who once again spoke about how lucky we are to have three months of the year in which we can travel to local shows and enjoy and participate in the sport that we love so much. He made special mention of the show organisers, showjumping officials and volunteers who give so much of themselves year after year and make it all possible. Last of all he reflected on the competition and how much satisfaction he gets from watching local riders succeed and improve on a weekly basis.
Over 80 guests attended the night and were the very first customers to sample the new menu. An alternate drop of Salt & Pepper Squid and Duck Spring Rolls were served for entree and Prawn Stuffed Chicken and a Beef Medallion were served for main (my apologies for not remembering the actual names of these meals). These meals were devine, a taste sensation never experienced by myself in Bega before. Good luck to the young couple operating the restaurant and I look forward to sampling more dishes in the future.
Guest speaker for the night was Richard "Paddy" Otton who spoke of how the Bega Showjumping Club was started back in 1967 or 1968. A meeting was held at the home of Charlie & Marie Smith and the very first event was held on the oval at Tathra. A newspaper article about the event was printed onto placemats for all guests to see. This article featured a photo of Richard jumping a large obstacle. This year the club is celebrating the 20th Anniversay of the Bega Showjumping Cup. Richard also touched on how the Cup Committee was formed back in 1994. It would be great to get an exact year on when the Bega Showjumping Club was started because it would seem that a 50 year celebration is only a couple of years away!
The main reason of the night of course was to present the winners and top ten competitors with their awards (these winners are listed in story earlier on this page.) These awards are presented in memory of two great contribitors to local showjumping, Keith Gordon and Graham Johnson. The winner of the Senior Pointscore was no other than Brett Clarke who has won this award every year since its inception. Congratulations to Brett on this outstanding effort and for also claiming runner-up. Third place went to the "Rookie of the Year" Grant Jessop in only his first show season, a remarkable effort. It was touching to hear Grant's story about how he fell off in nearly every event at the first show of the year and then finished the year with flying colours. The winner of the Junior Pointscore was Lane Clarke. Lane made an unattainable lead at the very first show the Bega Cup with his most memorable effort of course being his win of the main event, the Bega Sowjumping Cup. Hot on Lane's heels was little sister Jess Clarke who has improved out of sight these past couple of years and has become yet another Clarke who is almost impossible to chase down. Well done to all of the winners!
The night concluded with an awesome powerpoint presentation on the projector of all of the wonderful photos that Jackie Grant had taken over the show season. Looking at these photos brings home the true sense of family that the horse community has. Thank you Jackie for continuing to capture these special memories. Please go to the PHOTO GALLERY to see Jackie's photos from the presentation night.
Vale - Bruce Griffin
The Bega Showjumping Club would like to pass on its condolences to the Griffin family following the passing of their dearly beloved husband, father and grandfather Bruce. A true family man in every sense of the word, Bruce left a legacy in the Bega Valley and beyond of 6 children and 16 grandchildren.
To Shirley, Sue, Lisa, Inga, Norm, Tamika, Samara, Bella and your families, our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May you find comfort in knowing that his hard work ethic, generosity and loyalty lives on through you as you are all treasured members of our club.
The Bega Showjumping Club would like to pass on its condolences to the Griffin family following the passing of their dearly beloved husband, father and grandfather Bruce. A true family man in every sense of the word, Bruce left a legacy in the Bega Valley and beyond of 6 children and 16 grandchildren.
To Shirley, Sue, Lisa, Inga, Norm, Tamika, Samara, Bella and your families, our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May you find comfort in knowing that his hard work ethic, generosity and loyalty lives on through you as you are all treasured members of our club.
Inspirational Bega Equestrian Destined for International Success
Story by Jeanne Medlicott
Bega District News 17th June 2015
PARA-EQUESTRIAN Dressage rider Katie Umback, formerly of Bega, has been selected to represent Australia at one of the world’s biggest Para-Equestrian Dressage events in England during July 6-10.
Ms Umback’s passion for riding began at an early age when she started in Pony Club at the age of four and by the time she was five she was competing in pony club and agricultural shows.
“I was heavily involved in eventing until I was 18 when I had a serious fall on a cross country course and broke my neck which ended my jumping and eventing career,” Ms Umback said.
From then on she focused on dressage and ag shows.
She began breaking-in, re-educating, training green horses and teaching people to ride as well as professionally showing horses at a national level.
At the age of 32 Ms Umback was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and was forced to stop riding for seven years.
Two years ago a new medication became available and along with some extensive chemotherapy she was able to get back in the saddle and ride again.
“Riding as I knew it was all very different though,” Ms Umback said.
“Because I have 70 per cent of my body in numbness, partial numbness and a significant loss of strength in my limbs, my body didn’t work like it used to.
Ms Umback basically had to teach herself how to ride all over again with the capabilities she was left with.
“It was a frustrating struggle for the first 12 months, but since I have learned how to improvise with my disabilities, I haven’t looked back,” she said.
Ms Umback imported a Danish warmblood gelding, Gronskovlunds Marquis, from Holland a little over a year ago for dressage.
Since having him, she has been highly successful in able bodied, para-dressage and the show ring.
“I recently just competed at the prestigious Sydney CDI (Concours de Dressage International), its Australia’s largest and most competitive dressage event.
“I won both my grade tests and was the highest scoring Para Dressage rider across all four grades," she said.
The win along with Ms Umback’s consistent success in Para Dressage over the last 12 months has put her at the top of her grade in Australia and she has been selected as the grade 3 rider to represent Australia at the CPEDI 3* in Hartpury, England.
Last week Ms Umback travelled to Europe to try a few horses that a friend in Holland had lined up for her to ride in Hartpury and Ms Umback met Arwen.
“She was perfect and I clicked with her straight away,” she said.
“I didn’t even bother trying the other horses."
Ms Umback had five rides on Arwen before she came home and she is leaving next weekend for 10 days training before she heads to Hartpury.
During the week that Ms Umback is in Hartputy she will compete in three dressage tests.
“The European riders are the best in the world and are the current world champions,” she said.
“So I will not only be riding a horse that I’m not used to, I am also riding against some of the best riders in the world.
“I will definitely have my work cut out for me.”
If Ms Umback can place in the top 10 placing’s, it will rank her in the top 10 riders in the world for her grade.
“I have a lot of work to do when I go back to Europe with Arwen and my trainer Tristan Tucker (who is an Aussie) so here’s hoping I can pull it all together in time to be competitive on the international stage,” she said.
At this stage Ms Umback is on the long list for the Australian team at the Rio Paralympics in Brazil next year.
Story by Jeanne Medlicott
Bega District News 17th June 2015
PARA-EQUESTRIAN Dressage rider Katie Umback, formerly of Bega, has been selected to represent Australia at one of the world’s biggest Para-Equestrian Dressage events in England during July 6-10.
Ms Umback’s passion for riding began at an early age when she started in Pony Club at the age of four and by the time she was five she was competing in pony club and agricultural shows.
“I was heavily involved in eventing until I was 18 when I had a serious fall on a cross country course and broke my neck which ended my jumping and eventing career,” Ms Umback said.
From then on she focused on dressage and ag shows.
She began breaking-in, re-educating, training green horses and teaching people to ride as well as professionally showing horses at a national level.
At the age of 32 Ms Umback was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and was forced to stop riding for seven years.
Two years ago a new medication became available and along with some extensive chemotherapy she was able to get back in the saddle and ride again.
“Riding as I knew it was all very different though,” Ms Umback said.
“Because I have 70 per cent of my body in numbness, partial numbness and a significant loss of strength in my limbs, my body didn’t work like it used to.
Ms Umback basically had to teach herself how to ride all over again with the capabilities she was left with.
“It was a frustrating struggle for the first 12 months, but since I have learned how to improvise with my disabilities, I haven’t looked back,” she said.
Ms Umback imported a Danish warmblood gelding, Gronskovlunds Marquis, from Holland a little over a year ago for dressage.
Since having him, she has been highly successful in able bodied, para-dressage and the show ring.
“I recently just competed at the prestigious Sydney CDI (Concours de Dressage International), its Australia’s largest and most competitive dressage event.
“I won both my grade tests and was the highest scoring Para Dressage rider across all four grades," she said.
The win along with Ms Umback’s consistent success in Para Dressage over the last 12 months has put her at the top of her grade in Australia and she has been selected as the grade 3 rider to represent Australia at the CPEDI 3* in Hartpury, England.
Last week Ms Umback travelled to Europe to try a few horses that a friend in Holland had lined up for her to ride in Hartpury and Ms Umback met Arwen.
“She was perfect and I clicked with her straight away,” she said.
“I didn’t even bother trying the other horses."
Ms Umback had five rides on Arwen before she came home and she is leaving next weekend for 10 days training before she heads to Hartpury.
During the week that Ms Umback is in Hartputy she will compete in three dressage tests.
“The European riders are the best in the world and are the current world champions,” she said.
“So I will not only be riding a horse that I’m not used to, I am also riding against some of the best riders in the world.
“I will definitely have my work cut out for me.”
If Ms Umback can place in the top 10 placing’s, it will rank her in the top 10 riders in the world for her grade.
“I have a lot of work to do when I go back to Europe with Arwen and my trainer Tristan Tucker (who is an Aussie) so here’s hoping I can pull it all together in time to be competitive on the international stage,” she said.
At this stage Ms Umback is on the long list for the Australian team at the Rio Paralympics in Brazil next year.
Show Riders Shine at Sydney Royal
Following two highly successful years for Bega Showjumpers at Sydney Royal, in 2015 the jumpers were somewhat over-shadowed by the outstanding performances of the regions talented show riders and their beautiful horses. Local riders including Sallie Slater, Susan Leahy, Taelor Williams and Troy Wilson enjoyed success but nothing topped the elation that the Hull family felt when Jean and KL Embers won the Show Hunter Galloway Championship. Well done to our local hard-working hackies!
Bega was however well represented in the showjumping. Clint Beresford has been pleasantly surprised by the way his large, grey, young horse SL Donato has stepped up this year to fill the shoes of his number one mount Emmaville Jitterbug who is currently out on an extended break. Last year we were delighted when Clinton and Jitterbug broke records on their way to winning three Champion Jumping Awards. This year Clint had to be happy with getting a start with SL Donato and impressed with a 5th in the first event and 2nd in the six bar jumping 1.80m. The Williams family were also out in force. Deon rode the family's Anigrey in Part 3. This was Deon's first major start since a major injury sustained last year. The pair done well with confidence building rounds. Younger sister Alisa was meaning business in the Amateur Events, keen to improve on her win last year. That she did by winning the first and placing 3rd in the second event, this time riding Broadway Jitterbug. The ever dominant Amateur Sowjumping competitor Sarah Dreverman was also successful placing 2nd riding her old faithful Emmaville Mosaic.
On the final day of showjumping competition, three of our Zone 14 Pony Club members had the experience of a lifetime when they represented Area 6 in the Pony Club Team Jumping Contest. Jump Club members Esther Black, Mikaela MacNamara and Amy Woods along with another rider were selected in the Area 6 team. All four riders done our area very proud and gained so much experience competing on the majestic Sydney Showground. The team finished a very commendable 4th overall.
Following two highly successful years for Bega Showjumpers at Sydney Royal, in 2015 the jumpers were somewhat over-shadowed by the outstanding performances of the regions talented show riders and their beautiful horses. Local riders including Sallie Slater, Susan Leahy, Taelor Williams and Troy Wilson enjoyed success but nothing topped the elation that the Hull family felt when Jean and KL Embers won the Show Hunter Galloway Championship. Well done to our local hard-working hackies!
Bega was however well represented in the showjumping. Clint Beresford has been pleasantly surprised by the way his large, grey, young horse SL Donato has stepped up this year to fill the shoes of his number one mount Emmaville Jitterbug who is currently out on an extended break. Last year we were delighted when Clinton and Jitterbug broke records on their way to winning three Champion Jumping Awards. This year Clint had to be happy with getting a start with SL Donato and impressed with a 5th in the first event and 2nd in the six bar jumping 1.80m. The Williams family were also out in force. Deon rode the family's Anigrey in Part 3. This was Deon's first major start since a major injury sustained last year. The pair done well with confidence building rounds. Younger sister Alisa was meaning business in the Amateur Events, keen to improve on her win last year. That she did by winning the first and placing 3rd in the second event, this time riding Broadway Jitterbug. The ever dominant Amateur Sowjumping competitor Sarah Dreverman was also successful placing 2nd riding her old faithful Emmaville Mosaic.
On the final day of showjumping competition, three of our Zone 14 Pony Club members had the experience of a lifetime when they represented Area 6 in the Pony Club Team Jumping Contest. Jump Club members Esther Black, Mikaela MacNamara and Amy Woods along with another rider were selected in the Area 6 team. All four riders done our area very proud and gained so much experience competing on the majestic Sydney Showground. The team finished a very commendable 4th overall.
Can't Keep Him Down!
Nifty Nev is back to his winning ways. Congratulations to Neville Cuzner for not only returning to the competition ring after breaking 10(!) ribs in a riding accident last year but winning the Dubbo Show Grand Prix against some very flash city competitors. Neville won riding the great old horse Turbo Mack.
Nifty Nev is back to his winning ways. Congratulations to Neville Cuzner for not only returning to the competition ring after breaking 10(!) ribs in a riding accident last year but winning the Dubbo Show Grand Prix against some very flash city competitors. Neville won riding the great old horse Turbo Mack.
THE FAR SOUTH COAST SHOWJUMPER OF THE YEAR SERIES 2015
Incorporating
The Keith Gordon Senior Showjumper of the Year Award
The Graham Johnson Junior Showjumper of the Year Award
Established in 2009
The Far South Coast Showjumper of the Year Series was initiated in 2009 to honor the memory of two devoted contributors to the local show circuit and the sport of showjumping. These awards will be presented to the horse and rider combination with the highest pointscore in showjumping events at shows on the Far South Coast.
A huge thank you to Greg Grant for collecting the results from all of the shows and compiling the pointscore. This is a massive time-consuming job and you done a very efficient job. Below is Greg's announcement:
THE WINNERS!
After 13 days of Shows, Bega Cup(4), Pambula(1), Candelo(1) , Eurobodalla(2), Cobargo(2) , Bega(3) and Bemboka.
Great season everybody. Well Done to all who competed and supported.
Seniors
1ST - 63 Brett Clarke & Top Pocket
2ND - 48 Brett Clarke & Duke
3RD - 35 Grant Jessop & Raptor
4TH - 29 Tom Otton& Blackie
5TH - 28 Craig Matthews &Fifa
6TH - 28 Hayley Jessop & Jessie’s Girl
7TH - 27 Clint Beresford & Donato
8TH - 22 Tom Otton& Molly
9TH - 21 Murray Otton& Rex
10TH - 17 Jenny Smith & Gavin
Juniors
1ST - 75 Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlilly
2ND - 57 Jess Clarke & Osh
3RD - 47 Lane Clarke & Jumbuck
4TH - 41 Mackenzie Dunn & Ruby
5TH - 41 Mackenzie Reeve & Gizmo
6TH - 33 Alex Smith & Lindsey
7TH - 30 Caitlyn Reid & Bob
8TH - 29 Lane Clarke & Prince
9TH - 28 Lane Clarke & Julia
10TH - 28 Jess Clarke & Rambo
Congratulations goes to BRETT CLARKE & OUR TOP POCKET with 63 points in the Seniors
And also to LANE CLARKE & GH TIGERLILY with a huge 75 Points in the JUNIORS.
Well done boys and to all other placegetters.
Presentation night for the Far South Coast Showjumper of the Year will be held at the Grand Hotel new Restaurant on 30th May 2015 at 6.30pm. Everyone welcome.
Dinner will be available, no need to book at the Grand but can you please RSVP to Christie Clarke on 0428 365 551 or email if you are attending by the 25th May 2015. This is so we can give the restaurant an idea on numbers.
Incorporating
The Keith Gordon Senior Showjumper of the Year Award
The Graham Johnson Junior Showjumper of the Year Award
Established in 2009
The Far South Coast Showjumper of the Year Series was initiated in 2009 to honor the memory of two devoted contributors to the local show circuit and the sport of showjumping. These awards will be presented to the horse and rider combination with the highest pointscore in showjumping events at shows on the Far South Coast.
A huge thank you to Greg Grant for collecting the results from all of the shows and compiling the pointscore. This is a massive time-consuming job and you done a very efficient job. Below is Greg's announcement:
THE WINNERS!
After 13 days of Shows, Bega Cup(4), Pambula(1), Candelo(1) , Eurobodalla(2), Cobargo(2) , Bega(3) and Bemboka.
Great season everybody. Well Done to all who competed and supported.
Seniors
1ST - 63 Brett Clarke & Top Pocket
2ND - 48 Brett Clarke & Duke
3RD - 35 Grant Jessop & Raptor
4TH - 29 Tom Otton& Blackie
5TH - 28 Craig Matthews &Fifa
6TH - 28 Hayley Jessop & Jessie’s Girl
7TH - 27 Clint Beresford & Donato
8TH - 22 Tom Otton& Molly
9TH - 21 Murray Otton& Rex
10TH - 17 Jenny Smith & Gavin
Juniors
1ST - 75 Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlilly
2ND - 57 Jess Clarke & Osh
3RD - 47 Lane Clarke & Jumbuck
4TH - 41 Mackenzie Dunn & Ruby
5TH - 41 Mackenzie Reeve & Gizmo
6TH - 33 Alex Smith & Lindsey
7TH - 30 Caitlyn Reid & Bob
8TH - 29 Lane Clarke & Prince
9TH - 28 Lane Clarke & Julia
10TH - 28 Jess Clarke & Rambo
Congratulations goes to BRETT CLARKE & OUR TOP POCKET with 63 points in the Seniors
And also to LANE CLARKE & GH TIGERLILY with a huge 75 Points in the JUNIORS.
Well done boys and to all other placegetters.
Presentation night for the Far South Coast Showjumper of the Year will be held at the Grand Hotel new Restaurant on 30th May 2015 at 6.30pm. Everyone welcome.
Dinner will be available, no need to book at the Grand but can you please RSVP to Christie Clarke on 0428 365 551 or email if you are attending by the 25th May 2015. This is so we can give the restaurant an idea on numbers.
Bemboka Show Encouragement Awards
Congratulations to the 2015 winners of the Chester & Smith Encouragement Awards! These riders have gone from strength to stregth this show season and were presented with embroided saddleclothes at the final show of the season, Bemboka.
Congratulations to Wendy Constance, Grant Jessop, Jenny Smith, Tom Otton, Murray Otton, Zoe Grant, Braedy Armstrong and Tyler Bruest.
It is great to see these riders participating at every show and never being afraid to have a go and keep on trying, no matter what! Keep up the good work and we will see you all bigger and better next year!
Photo courtesy of Jackie Grant.
Congratulations to the 2015 winners of the Chester & Smith Encouragement Awards! These riders have gone from strength to stregth this show season and were presented with embroided saddleclothes at the final show of the season, Bemboka.
Congratulations to Wendy Constance, Grant Jessop, Jenny Smith, Tom Otton, Murray Otton, Zoe Grant, Braedy Armstrong and Tyler Bruest.
It is great to see these riders participating at every show and never being afraid to have a go and keep on trying, no matter what! Keep up the good work and we will see you all bigger and better next year!
Photo courtesy of Jackie Grant.
Clarke's Claim Bega Cup Glory
Their was not a dry eye as 16-year-old local junior showjumping champion Lane Clarke accepted his award for winning the Grand Hotel Bega Showjumping Cup. Clarke was very emotional during his acceptance speech and found himself finding it hard to believe that he had just won one of the most prestigious events in the country. Last year Lane was the youngest ever rider to compete in the Cup and this year he set another record by being the youngest to ever win. To add to the record books, Lane was standing next to his father and first time club President Brett Clarke,
the only other competitor to post a double clear round and claim second place. To add to this the pair were mounted on home-bred, full sister and brother horses, GH Tigerlilly (a.k.a. Blossom) and GH Blossoms Little Brother. The show could not have followed the script much better for the Clarke family who had many wins including Brett winning the Helen Slater Futurity and 11-year-old daughter Jess winning the highest pointscore in Ring 2.
Almost 200 competitors enjoyed four beautiful days of showjumping in Bega. The showground looked a picture and the horses jumped amazingly well on the perfectly prepared surface. International Course Designer Brad Longhurst designed challenging courses with positive outcomes and exciting jump-offs. Longhurst was joined by business partners from Longarch Equestrian Services in Michael Archer as Ring 1 Judge and Charl Archer making a fantastic course designing debut in ring 2. Local judges Greg Grant and Madge Salway officiated in Ring 2. Young Stephanie Davies did the most professional job as event announcer and kept crowds and competitors lightly entertained and informed throughout. This was of course the events first year without the beloved tones of life member Brian Mallyon who passed away earlier this year. Many tributes were paid to Brian and Bega will never sound the same again but it is great to know that the announcing is in great hands.
The first day of competition held on Sunday 28th December was a small program designed to give the young and young-at-heart a good canter around starting with cross-rails and finishing with a 65cm. The day ended very late with three six-bar events which proved to be very popular. Day two was dominated by the local Williams family with Adena, Alisa and Deon each chalking up one win each. Riley and Steph Mackillop had once again made the trek down from Sydney to support their "favourite show of the year" and were rewarded with many wins and placings between them with Steph eventually taking out the Malcom Slater Memorial Highest Pointscore in Ring 1 for the second year in a row. Young Milly Fisher and family drove all of the way from Tamworth and impressed with her talent and picked up her fair share of wins and placings on all of her horses. Another local rider Tom Otton, son of Poss Otton topped off a great year in which he became a father and got engaged with some unbeatable rounds in the 1.20m and Amateur events.
The main event of the show was held on day three with first horse on course at 6:45pm. Initially, not many entries were received for this class but after some great rounds ridden in the 1.35m on the previous day, the entries grew to a healthy 14 starters including several rookies. The crowd was invited to join Olympian Gavin Chester in a course walk prior to the event which provided great insight into the solid 1.40m track. First on course was local hero Clint Beresford who found himself without his number one mount due to injury. He decided to step his young horse SL Donato up for his first Grand Prix start and the tall grey Daley K gelding was outstanding, jumping clear but unfortunately incurring 4 faults for a disobedience while going around a corner. Definitely one to watch for the future! Next was veteran and Bega favourite Grant Hughes and Blackall Park Atlantis. The pair finished with an uncharacteristic couple of rails down and Hughe's other mount Yakity Yak also had one rail down. Next out was local favourite Craig Matthews riding the small mare Fifa La Viva who were both making their debut performance in the big event. The crowd went wild when they posted the first clear of the event.
Visitors to Bega Izabella Stone posted a clear round on Kinnordy Giuliani and 8 faults on CC Latte. Victorians Phil Stephens, Tori Stuckey and Teagan Chester failed to post clear rounds but were invited back for the jump-off. Deon Williams was hot off his win on the previous day but unfortunately Broadway Jitterbug took a severe disliking to the water jump and refused to jump it. Luckily, Williams' talented grey mare Anigrey jumped clear. Brett Clarke's sizzling natural talent was on show as he was the only rider to ride two clear rounds and he was on the two most inexperienced horses in the class, Our Top Pocket and the stallion GH Blossoms Little Brother. On a night of fairytales, fittingly Lane Clarke and GH Tigerlilly were last in the draw and Lane expertly rode the little mare and posted the 6th clear round for the night and also the fasted time placing him in pole position for the jump-off.
The jump-off was raised to heights of 1.45m to 1.55m with the two double combinations claiming the most faults. Every rider had a real crack at the time with several adding nothing to their round one scores. Brett Clarke and GH Blossoms Little Brother were the only combination to post a double clear with a slower time of 58.66.
The last rider on course was Brett's son and protege, Lane. The pressure was on for Lane to leave all fence standing. Not only did Lane leave all fences in tact but he stopped the clock almost 5 seconds faster at 53.20. The crowd applauded loudly as the local favourite dropped the reins and hugged his horse as they cantered around the arena. Lane was met by a rock star-like following of fans who raced to the fence to congratulate the young hero.
Grand Hotel Bega Showjumping Cup Results
1st Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlilly - 0-0 53.20
2nd Brett Clarke & GH Blossoms Little Brother - 0-0 58.66
3rd Izabella Stone & Kinnordy Giuliani - 0-4 56.37
4th Deon Williams & Anigrey 0-4 59.75
5th Phil Stephens & Galvanised 4-4 55.44
6th Craig Matthews & Fifa La Viva 0-8 57.16
7th Izabella Stone & CC Latte 4-4 58.03
8th Grant Hughes & Yakity Yak 4-4 59.66
The Bega Showjumping Cup was once again a huge success. The club would like to thank the event's many sponsors whose outstanding generosity enable the club to operate at the high standard that it has for the past 19 years. Club President Brett Clarke took to Facebook to thank everyone for the wonderful event;
" What an awesome Bega Cup for our club. The grounds and gear looked amazing. Thanks to everyone who helped. A huge amount of work goes into holding such a successful event and it was great to see so many people helping when ever they could."
TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT VISIT THE PHOTO GALLERY ON THIS WEBSITE OR VISIT www.horsedeals.com.au
Their was not a dry eye as 16-year-old local junior showjumping champion Lane Clarke accepted his award for winning the Grand Hotel Bega Showjumping Cup. Clarke was very emotional during his acceptance speech and found himself finding it hard to believe that he had just won one of the most prestigious events in the country. Last year Lane was the youngest ever rider to compete in the Cup and this year he set another record by being the youngest to ever win. To add to the record books, Lane was standing next to his father and first time club President Brett Clarke,
the only other competitor to post a double clear round and claim second place. To add to this the pair were mounted on home-bred, full sister and brother horses, GH Tigerlilly (a.k.a. Blossom) and GH Blossoms Little Brother. The show could not have followed the script much better for the Clarke family who had many wins including Brett winning the Helen Slater Futurity and 11-year-old daughter Jess winning the highest pointscore in Ring 2.
Almost 200 competitors enjoyed four beautiful days of showjumping in Bega. The showground looked a picture and the horses jumped amazingly well on the perfectly prepared surface. International Course Designer Brad Longhurst designed challenging courses with positive outcomes and exciting jump-offs. Longhurst was joined by business partners from Longarch Equestrian Services in Michael Archer as Ring 1 Judge and Charl Archer making a fantastic course designing debut in ring 2. Local judges Greg Grant and Madge Salway officiated in Ring 2. Young Stephanie Davies did the most professional job as event announcer and kept crowds and competitors lightly entertained and informed throughout. This was of course the events first year without the beloved tones of life member Brian Mallyon who passed away earlier this year. Many tributes were paid to Brian and Bega will never sound the same again but it is great to know that the announcing is in great hands.
The first day of competition held on Sunday 28th December was a small program designed to give the young and young-at-heart a good canter around starting with cross-rails and finishing with a 65cm. The day ended very late with three six-bar events which proved to be very popular. Day two was dominated by the local Williams family with Adena, Alisa and Deon each chalking up one win each. Riley and Steph Mackillop had once again made the trek down from Sydney to support their "favourite show of the year" and were rewarded with many wins and placings between them with Steph eventually taking out the Malcom Slater Memorial Highest Pointscore in Ring 1 for the second year in a row. Young Milly Fisher and family drove all of the way from Tamworth and impressed with her talent and picked up her fair share of wins and placings on all of her horses. Another local rider Tom Otton, son of Poss Otton topped off a great year in which he became a father and got engaged with some unbeatable rounds in the 1.20m and Amateur events.
The main event of the show was held on day three with first horse on course at 6:45pm. Initially, not many entries were received for this class but after some great rounds ridden in the 1.35m on the previous day, the entries grew to a healthy 14 starters including several rookies. The crowd was invited to join Olympian Gavin Chester in a course walk prior to the event which provided great insight into the solid 1.40m track. First on course was local hero Clint Beresford who found himself without his number one mount due to injury. He decided to step his young horse SL Donato up for his first Grand Prix start and the tall grey Daley K gelding was outstanding, jumping clear but unfortunately incurring 4 faults for a disobedience while going around a corner. Definitely one to watch for the future! Next was veteran and Bega favourite Grant Hughes and Blackall Park Atlantis. The pair finished with an uncharacteristic couple of rails down and Hughe's other mount Yakity Yak also had one rail down. Next out was local favourite Craig Matthews riding the small mare Fifa La Viva who were both making their debut performance in the big event. The crowd went wild when they posted the first clear of the event.
Visitors to Bega Izabella Stone posted a clear round on Kinnordy Giuliani and 8 faults on CC Latte. Victorians Phil Stephens, Tori Stuckey and Teagan Chester failed to post clear rounds but were invited back for the jump-off. Deon Williams was hot off his win on the previous day but unfortunately Broadway Jitterbug took a severe disliking to the water jump and refused to jump it. Luckily, Williams' talented grey mare Anigrey jumped clear. Brett Clarke's sizzling natural talent was on show as he was the only rider to ride two clear rounds and he was on the two most inexperienced horses in the class, Our Top Pocket and the stallion GH Blossoms Little Brother. On a night of fairytales, fittingly Lane Clarke and GH Tigerlilly were last in the draw and Lane expertly rode the little mare and posted the 6th clear round for the night and also the fasted time placing him in pole position for the jump-off.
The jump-off was raised to heights of 1.45m to 1.55m with the two double combinations claiming the most faults. Every rider had a real crack at the time with several adding nothing to their round one scores. Brett Clarke and GH Blossoms Little Brother were the only combination to post a double clear with a slower time of 58.66.
The last rider on course was Brett's son and protege, Lane. The pressure was on for Lane to leave all fence standing. Not only did Lane leave all fences in tact but he stopped the clock almost 5 seconds faster at 53.20. The crowd applauded loudly as the local favourite dropped the reins and hugged his horse as they cantered around the arena. Lane was met by a rock star-like following of fans who raced to the fence to congratulate the young hero.
Grand Hotel Bega Showjumping Cup Results
1st Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlilly - 0-0 53.20
2nd Brett Clarke & GH Blossoms Little Brother - 0-0 58.66
3rd Izabella Stone & Kinnordy Giuliani - 0-4 56.37
4th Deon Williams & Anigrey 0-4 59.75
5th Phil Stephens & Galvanised 4-4 55.44
6th Craig Matthews & Fifa La Viva 0-8 57.16
7th Izabella Stone & CC Latte 4-4 58.03
8th Grant Hughes & Yakity Yak 4-4 59.66
The Bega Showjumping Cup was once again a huge success. The club would like to thank the event's many sponsors whose outstanding generosity enable the club to operate at the high standard that it has for the past 19 years. Club President Brett Clarke took to Facebook to thank everyone for the wonderful event;
" What an awesome Bega Cup for our club. The grounds and gear looked amazing. Thanks to everyone who helped. A huge amount of work goes into holding such a successful event and it was great to see so many people helping when ever they could."
TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT VISIT THE PHOTO GALLERY ON THIS WEBSITE OR VISIT www.horsedeals.com.au
RESULTS
Class 1 - Under 16 pts 1.10m.
1st Riley MacKillop & Venture Admiral.
2nd Russell Morrison & CP Richard.
3rd Tim Fahey & Ego Creighton.
4th Cindy Morrison & Yalambigrace
5th Olivia Therese O'connor & Barrabadeen Wynchester
Class 2 - Amateur AM5
1st Alisa Bateman & WP Gangster
2nd Sarah Dreverman & Emmaville Mosaic
3rd Erin Roddy & Charlie Boy
4th Sarah Dreverman & Emmaville Junior
5th Cindy Morrisson & Noblewood Park Lucinda
Class 3 - 1.35m AM5
1st Deon Williams & Broadway Jitterbug
2nd Izabella Stone & Kinnordy Giulian
3rd Craig Matthews & Fifa La Viva
4th Clint Beresford & SL Donato
5th Grant Hughes & Yakkity Yak
Class 4- Young Rider AM5
1st Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
2nd Michael Cross & Little Bear
3rd Stephi Mackillop & Alastik GHP
4th Blake Jerrett & Westley Maximillion
5th Chelsea Hare & Cheech BFD
Class 5 - 1.20m AM5
1st Brett Clarke & GH Blossoms Little Brother
2nd Tom Otton & Sunday Thrill
3rd Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
4th Stephen Dingwall & Duskyfarm Cavalier
5th Clint Beresford & Allegreto
Class 6 - Junior AM5 -
1st Lane Clarke & Burnbrook Jumbuck
2nd Holly Webb & Athena
3rd Sarah Hair & Grandejuer
4th Anna Ryan & Missile
5th Milly Fisher & Mo Jo Jo Jo
Class 7 - Under 16 pts A2
1st Milly Fisher & Vivianne
2nd Bruce Hughan & Coldstream Angelo
3rd Nick Sheehan & Oaks Pro Contina
4th Erin Roddy & Charlies Boy
5th Rhiannon Ellis & Emmaville Jackpot
Class 8 - Young Rider A2
1st Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlilly
2nd Riley Mackillop & TM Admiral Venture
3rd Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
4th Michael Cross & Little Bear
5th Blake Jerrett & Westerly Maxamillion
Class 9 - 1.20m A2
1st Tom Otton & Kallenia Spooks
2nd Brett Clarke & Our Top Pocket
3rd Blake Jerrett & Westley Maxamillion
4th Jamie Smith & Mr Whitter
5th Brett Hickey & Conan Van De Grandeval
Class 10 - Mini Prix
1st Tori Stuckey & Diamond B Vanhelsing
2nd Megan Joyce & Warfolly
3rd Brett Hickey & Koolaman Park Aladdin
4th Stephen Dingwall & Dusky Farm Cavalier
5th Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
Class 11 - Bega Showjumping Cup Grand Prix
1st Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlilly - 0-0 53.20
2nd Brett Clarke & GH Blossoms Little Brother - 0-0 58.66
3rd Izabella Stone & Kinnordy Giuliani - 0-4 56.37
4th Deon Williams & Anigrey 0-4 59.75
5th Phil Stephens & Galvanised 4-4 55.44
6th Craig Matthews & Fifa La Viva 0-8 57.16
7th Izabella Stone & CC Latte 4-4 58.03
8th Grant Hughes & Yakity Yak 4-4 59.66
Class 12 - Under 16 pts
1st Stephi Mackillop & Yirrkala Exclusive
2nd Lucy Evans & Viva Joy
3rd Rhiannon Ellis & Oaks Donatello
4th Tim Dreverman & Retro Groovin
5th Phil Stephens & DaVitz
Class 13 - Amateur A2
1st Tom Otton & Sunday Thrill
2nd Sarah Dreverman & Emmaville Mosaic
3rd Cindy Morrison & Noblewood Park Lucinda
4th Erin Roddy & Charlies Boy
5th Kristle- Lee Cross & Emmaville Dicaprio
Class 14 - Junior A2
1st Milly Fisher & Mo Jo Jo Jo
2nd Riley Mackillop & Alastik GHP
3rd Tom Groves & Statford Gamekeeper
4th Milly Fisher & Meltonvale Grace
5th Lane Clarke & Burnbrook Jumbuck
Class 15 - Futurity
1st Brett Clarke & GH Blossoms Little Brother
2nd Craig Matthews & Fifa La Viva
3rd Clint Beresford & SL Donato
4th Brett Hickey & Koolaman Park Aladin
5th Teagan Chester & SR Colita
Class 16 - Open 1.35m-1.40m AM5
1st Grant Hughes & Yakity Yak
2nd Teagan Chester & Ellesmere Derilyn
3rd Izabella Stone & CC Latte
4th Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlily
5th Phil Stephens & Galvanised
Class 17 - Speed Champ Table C
1st Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
2nd Ben Conway & Ballarat Bertie
3rd Blake Jerrett & Westerly Maxamillion
4th Tom Otton & Sunday Thrill
5th Stephi Mackillop & Alastik GHP
Class 1 - Under 16 pts 1.10m.
1st Riley MacKillop & Venture Admiral.
2nd Russell Morrison & CP Richard.
3rd Tim Fahey & Ego Creighton.
4th Cindy Morrison & Yalambigrace
5th Olivia Therese O'connor & Barrabadeen Wynchester
Class 2 - Amateur AM5
1st Alisa Bateman & WP Gangster
2nd Sarah Dreverman & Emmaville Mosaic
3rd Erin Roddy & Charlie Boy
4th Sarah Dreverman & Emmaville Junior
5th Cindy Morrisson & Noblewood Park Lucinda
Class 3 - 1.35m AM5
1st Deon Williams & Broadway Jitterbug
2nd Izabella Stone & Kinnordy Giulian
3rd Craig Matthews & Fifa La Viva
4th Clint Beresford & SL Donato
5th Grant Hughes & Yakkity Yak
Class 4- Young Rider AM5
1st Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
2nd Michael Cross & Little Bear
3rd Stephi Mackillop & Alastik GHP
4th Blake Jerrett & Westley Maximillion
5th Chelsea Hare & Cheech BFD
Class 5 - 1.20m AM5
1st Brett Clarke & GH Blossoms Little Brother
2nd Tom Otton & Sunday Thrill
3rd Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
4th Stephen Dingwall & Duskyfarm Cavalier
5th Clint Beresford & Allegreto
Class 6 - Junior AM5 -
1st Lane Clarke & Burnbrook Jumbuck
2nd Holly Webb & Athena
3rd Sarah Hair & Grandejuer
4th Anna Ryan & Missile
5th Milly Fisher & Mo Jo Jo Jo
Class 7 - Under 16 pts A2
1st Milly Fisher & Vivianne
2nd Bruce Hughan & Coldstream Angelo
3rd Nick Sheehan & Oaks Pro Contina
4th Erin Roddy & Charlies Boy
5th Rhiannon Ellis & Emmaville Jackpot
Class 8 - Young Rider A2
1st Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlilly
2nd Riley Mackillop & TM Admiral Venture
3rd Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
4th Michael Cross & Little Bear
5th Blake Jerrett & Westerly Maxamillion
Class 9 - 1.20m A2
1st Tom Otton & Kallenia Spooks
2nd Brett Clarke & Our Top Pocket
3rd Blake Jerrett & Westley Maxamillion
4th Jamie Smith & Mr Whitter
5th Brett Hickey & Conan Van De Grandeval
Class 10 - Mini Prix
1st Tori Stuckey & Diamond B Vanhelsing
2nd Megan Joyce & Warfolly
3rd Brett Hickey & Koolaman Park Aladdin
4th Stephen Dingwall & Dusky Farm Cavalier
5th Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
Class 11 - Bega Showjumping Cup Grand Prix
1st Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlilly - 0-0 53.20
2nd Brett Clarke & GH Blossoms Little Brother - 0-0 58.66
3rd Izabella Stone & Kinnordy Giuliani - 0-4 56.37
4th Deon Williams & Anigrey 0-4 59.75
5th Phil Stephens & Galvanised 4-4 55.44
6th Craig Matthews & Fifa La Viva 0-8 57.16
7th Izabella Stone & CC Latte 4-4 58.03
8th Grant Hughes & Yakity Yak 4-4 59.66
Class 12 - Under 16 pts
1st Stephi Mackillop & Yirrkala Exclusive
2nd Lucy Evans & Viva Joy
3rd Rhiannon Ellis & Oaks Donatello
4th Tim Dreverman & Retro Groovin
5th Phil Stephens & DaVitz
Class 13 - Amateur A2
1st Tom Otton & Sunday Thrill
2nd Sarah Dreverman & Emmaville Mosaic
3rd Cindy Morrison & Noblewood Park Lucinda
4th Erin Roddy & Charlies Boy
5th Kristle- Lee Cross & Emmaville Dicaprio
Class 14 - Junior A2
1st Milly Fisher & Mo Jo Jo Jo
2nd Riley Mackillop & Alastik GHP
3rd Tom Groves & Statford Gamekeeper
4th Milly Fisher & Meltonvale Grace
5th Lane Clarke & Burnbrook Jumbuck
Class 15 - Futurity
1st Brett Clarke & GH Blossoms Little Brother
2nd Craig Matthews & Fifa La Viva
3rd Clint Beresford & SL Donato
4th Brett Hickey & Koolaman Park Aladin
5th Teagan Chester & SR Colita
Class 16 - Open 1.35m-1.40m AM5
1st Grant Hughes & Yakity Yak
2nd Teagan Chester & Ellesmere Derilyn
3rd Izabella Stone & CC Latte
4th Lane Clarke & GH Tigerlily
5th Phil Stephens & Galvanised
Class 17 - Speed Champ Table C
1st Stephi Mackillop & Alcheringa Tradition
2nd Ben Conway & Ballarat Bertie
3rd Blake Jerrett & Westerly Maxamillion
4th Tom Otton & Sunday Thrill
5th Stephi Mackillop & Alastik GHP
Class 18 - 75cm Am7
1st Adena Williams & Still Cruising
2nd Natalie Melis & Captain Moonlight
3rd Quinn Wade & Razzel Dazzle
4th Ellie Grant & Mick
5th Riley Cotterell & Drifter
Class 19 - 90cm A2
1st Laura Sincock & Curlews Yellow Rose
2nd Carissa Holmes & Buster
3rd Alex Smith & Kallenia Lindsay
4th Alex Ryan & Tucker
5th Lane Clarke & Prince
Class 20 - Junior 1.04m A2
1st Jess Davies & Sitting Pretty
2nd Anna Ryan & Missile
3rd Lucy Evans & At All Times
4th Alan West & Emmaville Ricochet
5th Sofia Perks & Good Golly Miss Molly
Class 21 - 1.04m A2
1st Dan Thuillier & Yaramlea Cajun
2nd Sharyn Reed & Mystic Roy
3rd Melissa Blackman & Darren Park Winchester
4th Dan Thuillier & Yaramlea Excabilar
5th Kaitlin Aldous & Wolverine
Class 22 - 75 cm AM7
1st Cohen Wade & Dunelm Star Obsession
2nd Alex Smith & Kallenia Lindsay
3rd Adena Williams & Still Cruising
4th Ellie Grant & Mick
5th Amelia Holmes & Loco
Class 23 - 90cm AM7
1st Caitlin Reid & Asta La Vista
2nd Nick White & Winkle
3rd Lane Clarke & Prince
4th Jess Clarke & Springtime Princess
5th Murray Otton & Rex
Class 24 - 1.04m A2
1st Melissa Backman & DP Winchester
2nd Danna Boulton & Theres Ya Trouble
3rd Sarah Davies & Saddle Up Valentine
4th Laura Sincock & Curlews Yellow Rose
5th Jackie Elliott & SR Cruiser
Class 25 - Under 14 Junior AM5
1st Caitlin Reid & Asta La Vista
2nd Jessica Clarke & GH Rambo
3rd Jessica Clarke & Springtime Princess
4th Alexander Ryan & Tucker
5th Cohen Wade & Dunelm Star Obsession
Class 26 - 80cm AM7
1st Jessica Clarke & Springtime Princess
2nd Jessica Clarke & GH Rambo
3rd Vicki Bennett & Alec
4th Alexander Ryan & Tucker
5th Drew Hawkins & Pyramid Plus
Class 27 - 1.04cm AM7
TBA
Day 1 Results
TBA
The Malcom Slater Memorial Highest Pointscore Ring 1
Stephanie Mackillop
The Eagle Embroidery Highest Pointscore Ring 2
Jessica Clarke
The Bega Showjumping Cup
Celebrating 20 years!
7 Huge Days of Competition
28th December 2015 - 4th January 2016
Over $48,000 in Prize Money
PLUS
A custom, made to measure Antares saddle up to the value of $7000
and BONUS Incentives
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL PROGRAM BELOW:
2015-16_bega_cup_program.pdf | |
File Size: | 2248 kb |
File Type: |
We Need Your Help!
It not long to go before the Bega Showjumping Club will be hosting our biggest event in history - The 20th Anniversary of the Bega Showjumping Cup!
These are very exciting times for the club and we really need all hands on deck to help out. You just can't pass up this opportunity to be a part of this history making event. It will be a very long and eventful 8 days and as they say, many hands make light work! Their are jobs to suit all levels of experience and capabilities and what can be a better environment to work in than the Bega Showground when it is full of our three favourite things: Showjumping, Showjumping Horses and Showjumping People!
Below is a copy of the roster with the jobs that need to be filled for our event. All members that are competing at the show will be allocated at least one job throughout the show. It would assist our Secretary greatly if you could indicate your preferences by return email or text message to Hayley on 0409 035 201 or [email protected] by 5th December.
Once the roster has been completed it will be up to you to personally fulfil your duty or arrange for someone else to complete it on your behalf if you are unavailable at this time.
It not long to go before the Bega Showjumping Club will be hosting our biggest event in history - The 20th Anniversary of the Bega Showjumping Cup!
These are very exciting times for the club and we really need all hands on deck to help out. You just can't pass up this opportunity to be a part of this history making event. It will be a very long and eventful 8 days and as they say, many hands make light work! Their are jobs to suit all levels of experience and capabilities and what can be a better environment to work in than the Bega Showground when it is full of our three favourite things: Showjumping, Showjumping Horses and Showjumping People!
Below is a copy of the roster with the jobs that need to be filled for our event. All members that are competing at the show will be allocated at least one job throughout the show. It would assist our Secretary greatly if you could indicate your preferences by return email or text message to Hayley on 0409 035 201 or [email protected] by 5th December.
Once the roster has been completed it will be up to you to personally fulfil your duty or arrange for someone else to complete it on your behalf if you are unavailable at this time.