Leibowitz Invincible at Canberra Horse Trials

National Capital Horse Trials Association ran a great weekend of competition at the recent Canberra Horse Trials. The CCN-S 2* event attracted over 300 horses from newcomer to 2*.

Both the local riders and interstate visitors enjoyed a well-run and friendly event. The Canberra autumn horse trials is hugely popular with locals and interstate riders, many young guns and families battling it out in the junior and amateur classes, with past and present elite riders inspiring amateurs and juniors across the levels.

The stand out win for a very polished performance came from Kim Leibowitz riding Widgee Total Tribute snatching top honours from big gun Olympian Stuart Tinney riding Sir Pepper in the Kasun Logging 2* class. The 2* riders were tested over a tough XC section, where time was hard to get - even dual Olympic medallist Tinney fell foul of the clock, collecting time penalties on each of his rides and losing his overnight lead.

The show jumping phase, built by Greg Ring, also proving influential in the final standings. Leibowitz was outstanding, finishing the two jumping phases with zero penalties and nothing to add to her 29.3 dressage score.

The Horseland 1* was won in commanding style, by Carlene Barton riding Henrik APH, finishing on her dressage score. Making time XC and double-clear showjumping allowed some big climbs up the score board.  The minor placings barely had a penalty between them, it was an exciting class to watch.

The EvA95 classes, sponsored by Imperial floats, Riverview Farm and Wilson Equestrian, were hotly contested - all winners finishing on sub 30 dressage scores.  Hollie Worner and Druk taking out the Junior EvA95 with a stunning score of 24.50, Elysia Horan and Midnight Wanderer won the EvA95A and Elaine Robl riding Pirellone won the EvA95B.

Kate Mackenzie, the event organiser, was thrilled the way the event ran, competing herself in EvA80 class as well as helping her daughter Abby start in her first EvA60 competition. Sponsors for the EvA80 classes were: Junior - Funky brew; Section C - Rosemont; Section B - Hanson Rural Contracting; and Section A - Steven Shaw Farriery.

Annabelle Stott Despoja riding Moonbah Ridge Truffles won the junior, Kristle James riding Gwaihirs Sensation won Section C, Liz Layard riding Airs and Graces, on a superb dressage score of 24.10, won Section B. Section A was taken out by the only male winner of the weekend, the ever popular Jim Walshe riding BHM Summer Rain.

The EvA60 is where it all starts and it was lovely to see so many juniors riding. The sponsors for this level were: Junior - Wallaroo equestrian; Section A - Abbey Animal Health; and Section B - Brindabella Mobile Vet Services.  All the winners finished on their dressage scores. Lucy O Sullivan, riding Sanford Park Blue Steel, posted an amazing final 22.20 score in the Wallaroo Equestrian Junior. Lucy Taylor and Emmaville Deity, also with an amazing final score of 25.6, won section A, and Sarah Lamb and My Little Molly won section B on a final score of 28.8.

Congratulations to National Capital Horse Trials Association for organising another thoroughly enjoyable event and thank you to awesome officials and the many wonderful volunteers, local clubs and businesses that continue to support the sport.

Particular thanks goes to a really small, hard working committee, that brings you this event each year. We are so very proud of Kate, Lauren, Ben, Derek, Corinne and Felicity who have given so much of their time so that the competitors can enjoy their rides.

Thanks must also go to ACT Sport and Rec for the grant that enabled the Equestrian Park Group to source and use an invaluable aerator to help the going at the Canberra Horse Trials, it has been a very tough time preparing for competition in a drought, with the welfare and soundness of the horses in mind.

For full results visit https://www.nominate.com.au/equest/nsw/results/Canberra0319.htm

Report by Fiona Gruen from Wallaroo Equestrian.