|
|
||
|
|||
| NEWCOMERS
OF THE YEAR GALLOWAYS |
|||
Preliminary round was judged by: Mr. Bruce Flood from NSW. Top Ten got the
attention of all four of the Newcomers classes judges: 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 horses - 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 52 nominated entries - and while not all started - it was a huge class, and included most of the top names on the Australian 'show circuit'. The 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 1.00 on Saturday 19th. February.
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 horses did not show enough difference between working trot and extended trot Even in a young horse 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 Judge 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. Top Ten: 828 Stately Park Shilo
Owned and Ridden by Paul Austin
|
|||
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).
