The Tamworth Winter Showjumping Championships has increased in popularity each year it has run and this year was no different. For the first time ever the organisers had to put on three rings over three days to cater for the ever-increasing demand for places. Most classes were full within days of the program being announced, some filling within a few hours.
The main ring saw some quality show jumping, with Central Coast farrier and show jumper Nic Carraro taking out the Omega Feeds sponsored Sue Alden Memorial Grand Prix. The Greg Backhouse-designed track contained a number of challenging elements, which tested the 21 horses in the class. Only six riders managed a clear round in the first part of the event, with Nic Carraro and Colombo the only double clear combination.
Nic Carraro and Colombo - winners of the Omega Feeds Sue Alden Memorial Grand Prix
Carraro and Colombo have been a formidable combination for 6 years as the horse has come up through the grades. Carraro has always had faith in the ability of his horse, saying the big grey thoroughbred is both athletic and likeable. Colombo is currently his only seriously competitive horse and watching them together it is clear they have a special bond. Carraro picked the gelding up when he had finished racing, liking the horse’s attitude. Over the past two years the horse has stepped up to place at a number of highly respected shows but this is his first Grand Prix win. Carraro said of the class:
“ I was a little anxious when the four faulters were invited back, because that made it possibly anyone’s class to win. For me, the most challenging part of the track was the double: a big oxer vertical combination off a tight turn. A stile off another tight turn was nerve-wracking. Once I left that up I thought I might be in with a chance.”
The Horseland Tamworth sponsored Ring 2 saw riders competing for three days over courses designed by international level course designer Mark Atkins from Sydney. A highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the Best Presented Ring 2 award which judge Juho Looveer presented to Lee Shepherd from Sydney riding ALB Mockingbird. Lee was thrilled to receive her trophy rug, thanking the sponsors and organisers of the event.
In Ring 3 many of NSW’s best young riders battled it out for supremacy, the winner taking home the Tex Cross Memorial High Point Score trophy rug. Tex Cross was a stalwart supporter of equestrian activities in Tamworth, encouraging many young riders over the years. This award came down to the final class, with Jessie Rice-Ward from Dubbo running out eventual winner on Rocmysocs.
Hilary Scott
Club president Dave Alden congratulated all the competitors over the three days:
“It’s been a sensational three days of jumping and we’ve seen some of the best horses and riders currently competing in Australia.”
Alden was quick to thank the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event a success:
“We could not have achieved such a great result without the support of the Tamworth community, our sponsors in the business community and the many volunteers who gave up their time to help run the event.”
If anyone out there would like to become involved with this event please contact: Jane Kibble 0428 242 046 [email protected] or Dave Alden 0434 499 658 [email protected]
