Preliminary round was judged by:  Mr Darren Telford from NSW

Top Ten got the attention of all four of the Newcomers classes judges:
Mr. Tom Edwards, Queensland,  Mr. Bruce Flood, NSW, Mr. Darren Telford and Mrs. Leanne McDowell Queensland.

The 31st. Barastoc Horse of the Year Show drew massive entries in all of the show classes, proving that a large number of Australian horse enthusiasts are involved in hacking and show pony classes.  The Preston Motors Newcomers of the year has become a most prestigious event, and many people are now buying and selling poniesand hacks - with success at this show being the short term training objective and hopefully the 'springboard' of a bright future in the show ring.    The printed catalogue of entries lists the 68 nominated entries - and while not all started - it was another huge  class, and included most of the top names - people and ponies!

This mornings qualifying heat was divided into groups - rather like a 'normal' show class, and the judges fancies called in in order to make a class of 'semi finalists' out of which the top ten will be drawn to compete at the final which was judged at 2.00 on Saturday 19th. February.

This years classes of Newcomers events were truly a spectacle, the rings set up on the fabulous expanse of lawn that is usually the 'hallowed' Polo fields - and absolutely 'off bounds' to all other equines.   Several rings were in operation, with the area surrounded by tiered seating hospitality tents, food vans and portable toilets.  Hundreds of spectators were treated to an 'international' quality event (I am told that Barastoc' is in fact the largest horse show in the Southern Hemisphere - what an achievement for Australia, in particular, Victoria).

The workout was printed in the catalogue and the riders expected to have made themselves familiar with the requirements - it looked to me as though some had not really learned the workout, as the ten meter circles were very often inaccurate and in some cases non-existent.  Many of the ponies did not show enough difference between working trot and extended trot    Even in a young horse/pony it is important to show the judge a difference - this may mean a short period where the working trot becomes a little more collected so that a usually modest extension will look to be more expressive.  The more experienced riders seemed to have these points of 'ringcraft' well established in their showing, but others did not give their young horses a chance.

The Judges  expected to see from the lineup - walk away - trot on - serpentine three loops - change rein across the diagonal, extended trot - canter - right circle, 10 meter , canter on - change rein across the diagonal  - change rein through walk - circle left, 10 meters,  change leg, canter right, gallop around the arena, ordinary canter, trot half circle left towards judge, back to walk, halt side on to judges.

The Newcomers Large Pony final was judged in 'slightly' more pleasant weather conditions,  than earlier in the day when it was a 'baking almost 40 degrees and no breeze.  The afternoon breeze (which can be relied upon) coming up from the Werribee beach, gave everyone the lift they were looking for.  Although riders were told that they did not have to wear their jackets - no one risked being the odd one out to take on a less than first class presentation.

First to go was Number 1977 Kirreway Bows he was bred by Terry Dudley at Kirreway Stud and is now owned by Pauline and Terry Van Heythuysen & Vicky Lawrie.  The mare has a stable name of Topsey and hers was a very polished workout with no glaring errors.  In this quality field, a top ten start must be in itself - a win!.

Number 500 was Sally Watkins Langtree Wild Flower with Sally from Tocumwal aboard.  This pony is nick named Alice and she was a finalist at Vasa in the Saddle Pony section.  A most attractive bright bay, I am sure that Sally would have been pleased with their efforts.

Willowcroft Royal Ensign

Is next and Number 998.  He is owned by E Duddy and A. Payne and ridden to perfection by Briony Payne.  I caught Briony riding Ensign (she called him Silver) out on the warm up area and, from a distance, it was impossible to tell the horse's/pony's size.  He moved and worked like a dressage horse, with a beautiful flowing trot (with perhaps a little pony 'flick' of the toes, for expression)   This combination went on to be the Newcomers Large Pony for the year 2000.  Darren Telford the judge said that "he looked forward to seeing this pony out in the future"!

I was not able to catch the other workouts, but have included this photo gallery.

The Newcomer Large Pony of the Year is ... Number 998 Willowcroft Royal Ensign, very well ridden by Payne.